Double "A" Squared

Las Vegas Summer Tradition

2010-07-06T18:47:00.000-07:00

Ever since my sister Lynsie moved to Vegas to teach, I have made it a summer tradition to come and visit her for a couple of weeks. Since we both are teachers its nice being able to sleep in, shop and go to the pool. The first summer was in 2004. She lived with roommates who were obsessed with the Gilmore Girls, so here is what a typical summer day would include. Waking up late, eating some good breakfast, watching season one of the Gilmore Girls, going to In and Out eating it by the pool, getting some skin cancer, finally getting ready for the day and then probably hitting up the Ross or the Goodwill...or probably both.

The next summer she was in love with Ezra, I still came down when she got off track and we would do the same thing. It has now been six summers and I have always came down to sweat in the Las Vegas heat, eat at restaurants we don't have, layout at the pool, hit the stores, and watch the subsequent seasons of the Gilmore Girls.

This year since I now have a gorgeous little nephew named Cyrus this summer is definitely different. Kids do change things. I came down to nanny him for the last couple of weeks while Lynsie finishes school. You moms rock!!! Watching a 7 month old is hard work...no more of the sleeping in till 10, laying out by the pool or shopping. Although, I wouldn't trade in his beautiful smile and contagious giggle for any of that. Just look at this gorgeous dude I get in trusted to watch for a couple of weeks.

Cyrus and first pair of sunglasses.

Cyrus and his Fourth of July jammy's. Notice the drool on his chin. He is getting his back teeth and drooling like a mad man.

The fireworks at the B-Bque we were at and then little Cyrus....
He slept through his first Fourth of July fireworks show.

"The Proposal"

2010-06-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

Ok..so most of you know that I am finally engaged. Yeah!!!! For some of you it might come of a shock and amazement, but its true. I am going to share the story of the whole engagement story.

At the end of March, Teddy and I decided to get married. We have been dating for over three years. We met in March of 07, we broke up in March of 08, we got back together and then broke up in March of 09, and then back together again. I figured out that March just wasn't the best month. I am going to blame it on my birthday and the fact that I get depressed about getting old. So this March was different...we had the decision to either move forward or end it. After much prayer and fasting, I realized that I couldn't picture my life without Teddy. And I asked a direct question and got a direct answer. So that was that. Teddy will tell you that the first moment he saw me, he knew he was going to marry me. But this is my story. We told our families and close friends, but kept it on the down low from everyone else...until I got the ring. Teddy decided to take a sales job on the other side of the country for the summer. By the time we decided and the time he left was only about three weeks. Plenty of time to get a ring...or so I thought...and so did my sisters and family. I will be honest though, I had a whole list of ways that Teddy couldn't propose to me. I know, I know its really my fault.

Teddy being the teaser that he is "fake" proposed to me. Even up till the moment he drove away I still thought he was going to do it. Ok details I know. So fast forward to June 3rd. I flew to Virgina Beach to see him. I was hoping he would propose, but still didn't know 100%. We had a great time in Virgina. The Beach, Jamestown, we even drove to DC to go to the temple.

So on Saturday June 5th, we went to dinner. A very nice restaurant in Virgina Beach called Fire and Vine. When I sat down there was this beautiful vase full of roses on the table, I totally thought they were just part of the table, so I moved them aside. Teddy had to turn them around so I could see the card. So this wasn't out of character for Teddy. He will get me flowers and every 6 months or so we do get dressed up and go out to a nice dinner.

After dinner we drove to the beach. He was acting a little a nervous. So we took off our shoes and started to walk on the water line. I noticed some photographers on the beach but there were some surfers, so I thought they were taking pictures of the surfers...they weren't they were taking pictures of us.

Teddy stopped, turned me toward him took a deep breath. He told me how much he loved me and then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him and become his wife. The whole time I am thinking...really...your really doing this...no joking this time. He had the beautiful ring on his finger and amidst my shaking and almost tears he put it on my finger. I said yes...and the spectators on the beach started cheering and clapping. He then told me to keep smiling because I was on camera. That little trickster had hired a photographer and they had been shooting us the entire time. It was beautiful and a perfect moment. The world seemed to stop for just that one moment. I am way excited and the big day is September 4, 2010.

catching up

2010-06-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

So my sister told me if your going to have a blog you need to update it atleast once a week. And seeing how it has been since January I guess I will do a little catching up. Here are some of the big events that have happened since January. I finished my tenth year of teaching....so crazy to think that I have been doing this for a decade. My DECA students did very well this year, and I took three of them to Nationals in Louisville Kentucky. It was right before the big Derby, so we got to go to a horse race. Definitely a different type of crowd. My good friend Melanie drove up to see me in Louisville, we had some good times. The rest of the school year went by just as fast. My students did horrible on their state tests this year. I felt like a failure. I cried. I had two students that felt bad for me so they made me a cake. It was very nice. I am going to miss my seniors. The last day of school I left for Virgina Beach to see my Tedward. That story is the next post.

Have you seen my stapler?

2010-01-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

Now only true office fans will appreciate this post. I had a student whom asked me, "hey Ms. A, did you ever find your stapler?" My reply..."I didn't know it was missing." Not uncommon if you have seen my desk at the end of the semester. Anyhow...I forgot about the missing stapler until one Friday my student brought me in my missing stapler. I laughed my face off...it totally made my day. My students know that not a day goes by when I don't refer to the office or quote the office. So in true appreciation to Jim and his awful pranks on Dwight....below is my missing stapler.

Hello 2010

2009-12-30T23:07:00.000-08:00

I figure its been awhile since I have posted something and since tomorrow is the last day of the decade, I might share some things I have learned and loved about 2009. It has been an awesome year. I went through the temple and I see and feel those blessings everyday of my life. Ashley got married, which leaves me the last and the lone one. Lynsie had a beautiful baby boy and he really is so stinkin cute. Here are a few more things from 2009.

1. My family is the best!
2. Life isn't fair, my sister Lou only weighs five more pounds than me and she had a baby only 7 weeks ago.
3. I love the temple...going...and seeing it everyday from my window.
4. I'm never too old to be a princess...just last week I was Cinderella.
5. I love my career...I can't believe I have been teaching an entire decade.
6. Cafe Rio...still a favorite
7. Although I hope to be a mom someday I love being an aunt!
8. Broken hearts can heal.
9. Forgiveness really is freedom.
10. The gospel is true and I know it!

Thanksgiving Festivis

2009-11-27T12:00:00.001-08:00

I seriously am so blessed. I live in a free country, I have a awesome family, a nice house, a great career and food to eat! I often wonder what I did to be put in the place that I am today.

We had a amazing family dinner yesterday. Even though we were missing Nate, who is in Taiwan, Lou and Ez in Vegas with the most beautiful new baby, and Ash and JB visiting his family. I really missed my sisters when I went by myself to do a little black Friday shopping...it was not very much fun at all. '

Ash and I did go to Vegas last week to meet little Cyrus for the first time. He is awesome! Lyns is a great mom, and Ezra loves being a new dad. It was so much fun, and he knows I am the favorite aunt.

I had Emma, Rhett and Tanner sleep over at my house the day before Thanksgiving...we had so much fun. As I was getting the kids ready to head over to my parents house my niece said the funniest thing. She picked out her outfit and I curled her hair and added the four hair pieces...I told her she looked beautiful. I told her to go look in my full length mirror at how great she looked. So she did, I asked her "Don't you look beautiful?", she politely told me "no Amy, I don't fink(think) so", so I asked her what was wrong. She then told me "I fink there is something missing" so I asked okay what would that be? Her reply..." I fink I need to wear one of your necklaces and bracelets". What a silly thing for a three year old to say...already knowing the importance of accessories! A girl after my own heart. Of course I let her pick out of my jewelry box, and she looked lovely.

See how blessed I really am!

wow....

2009-11-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

WOW...is the word. My sister Lou called me on Sunday about 12:45, "congratulations you have a new little nephew. 9.7 oz, 22 inches long". My response...in tears....WOW! I am so excited for Lynsie and Ezra they have waited so long. I can't help to think how much I want to be a mom, how much I want to start my own little family. I know it will happen one day! I also got a call from a sweet close friend tonight. She told me she has breast cancer, she is my age and she has breast cancer....WOW. I didn't know what to say, what do you say? I am constantly reminded how precious life really is...looking at the miracle of a new born baby and learning that life can be changed instantly. I was reading in first Nephi, its the part where Nephi has to get food for the fam, but everyone is murmuring so its not working out the best for him. There is the part of the scripture that says "by small means the lord can accomplish great things" or something similar. Isn't that so true. The lord wants us to be great! I can be great! We all can be great! In order to be great we have to do the small simple things. Thats my random thoughts of the day.

Family...its all about family.

2009-10-25T21:15:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in such a long time. School has been keeping me busy, and then I was sick for two weeks...I didn't have a voice for days. I recently was called as a relief society teacher. I teach for a living, but this is my first teaching calling. I am pretty excited about it. So today we had the lesson from the Joseph Smith Manual #42, Family: The sweetest union from here into eternity. It was such a sweet lesson and while I was preparing I couldn't help but think how blessed I am to be in the family unit that I am in. I have so much support from all sides...immediate and extended. I often wonder what I did to be born where I am in and in the family that I am in. The thought can be quite overwhelming. I am grateful for the knowledge that I have and I truly love my family.

Hood Rat Reunion 09

2009-09-12T23:05:00.001-07:00

When I lived in St.George and went to school, four of my good friends and I got the nick name of the hoodrats. We didn't understand that it was such a negative title but we were really proud of it. We decided that we haven't been together for about six years and it was time for a little girls trip. We choose beautiful San Diego. Raquel is expecting her baby in October and her doctor wouldn't let her fly, so sorry Quel but we had tons of fun without you.

Our first stop was of course pedicures...oh a little something extra for Alecia...although I don't think she will want me to share it.

We found this cute little store at the Village Shops in La Jolle, it was called Local. All the merchandise in the store is made by local artists. We decided to each purchase one of these super cute and unique rings. Mine is the big green flower...and I love it.
So Jenn the tall one in the black. She still likes to club. So we decided since she did everything we wanted to do that we would go out with her. Don't get me wrong I still love to dance, but the idea of going clubbing is not that exciting for me. But we went. We didn't last very long, but we went.

This is a pic sitting on the couch at the club. I danced all of about five minutes before someone spilled their drink on me. Luckily Jenn decided we were all lame and then we could leave. I never thought I would be lame.

Down at Seaport Village. Word to the wise, don't lose your parking ticket...or it will cost you.

La Jolle beach. It was so much fun. I could have stayed there for hours. Don't worry I wore sunscreen.

We had such a good time. We only got one parking ticket and got our room comped for one night because of a broken toilet. I am so blessed to have life time friends like these lovely ladies. We get together after years and it was just like we saw each other yesterday. Hoodrats 09! Love you girls!

Slumber Party Adventures

2009-08-18T21:44:00.001-07:00

I had my two little (okay not so little anymore) nephews over for a couple of nights. We had a really good time. While we were driving to my house, my nephew Tanner made the statement, man I wish it was Christmas. I asked him why, and then he said so we could make gingerbread houses. It told him we could make graham cracker houses at any time of the year, so we did. It was fun and of course messy. We also went over to Aunt Ashley and swam in her pool and ordered pizza. We went and saw GI Joe and then did a little school shopping for the boys. Not to forget the Lake. I miss these boys, I wish they lived closer to me.

The finished products. Looks good enough to eat....oh wait we did!

We went to the new Daybreak Lake. It was a lot of fun, the sand was really nice. The boys had a good time.

Emma and James building their sand castle.

Isn't he the cutest. He kept eating handfuls and handfuls of sand. I told my sister she is going to have fun changing those diapers.

It was 10:30 and I was ready to be up, but these boys were still snoozing away. I finally made lots of noise in the kitchen. Of course they woke up for delicious German Pancakes on day one. and french toast on day two. Tanner told me that I make the best breakfast ever. I told him that was because they were so special!

some more summer fun

2009-08-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is my friends wedding. We had a great time. Doesn't Mel look great?

My twenty dollar toes! Aren't they cute?

Seven Day Summer Road Trip

2009-07-28T20:52:00.000-07:00

I just had a great little summer road trip with my mom and my sister Lou. We flew into Kansas City, Missouri and headed on our little LDS church history tour. The tour guide...myself. Our first stop was Independence. What a great little city with a fun little facts about our amazing church. We found this great little candy store and Mike the owner made us fresh cotton candy. It was also amazing to see the LDS visitors center across from the Community of Christ and the Church of Christ. I loved learning about both of these other religions and it made my testimony grow even stronger.

Day two...Liberty Jail. It was super amazing and such a good spirit. I also learned that my fifth great grandmother was one of the women to prepare food for the Prophet and others while they were in the jail. Stop two....Far West...what a beautiful place this was, definitely a holy land. It was great to see the corner stones of the temple lot. Stop three Adam-ondi-Ahman...wow so beautiful. Pictures do not do this place justice. We then drove through cute Jamesport a little Amish community and spent the night in Chillicothe.

Day three...Hannibal...home town to Mark Twain (okay Samuel Clemens). We road the Mark Twain riverboat up and down the Mississippi. I also found a cute antique shop and spent a little too much money on a great 1910 circa steamer trunk( Oh Fiddlesticks)We then left and headed to beautiful Nauvoo. This town is amazing. So much to see, do and learn. The whole place has such a sweet spirit. It was just another testimony to me on why I love the church. The pageant was super great, along with all the other shows...almost Broadway worthy and they are FREE!!!

The temple was probably the highlight of my time in Nauvoo. I loved the history and the story of the temple and loved the inside.

We spent three nights in Nauvoo and still didn't get to do and see everything.

St.Louis was our next stop. I price lined the hotel and we had a great four star room at the Hilton downtown. It was by far the nicest place we stayed and the cheapest...even with the $18 a night parking. We were two blocks from the amazing Gateway Arch. In a pod and up a tram 630 feet to the top of the arch. It was a little freaky at the top but so worth the ten dollars we spent. The next day we found a church and hit the St. Louis Zoo. Its was free also and it was a super awesome zoo. We had fun acting like zebra's, monkeys and bears. Or maybe a Tizard, Girabbit and a Hornelphant ( inside joke, right Lou?) We then went to the Delmar Loop ranked one of the top ten streets in America. A fun little place with lots of fun shops and vintage clothes. I scored a super cute timeless dress.

We then meet Pat. Our friend Pat from Arizona, he took our picture in front of Busch Stadium and then joined us for dinner. He is retired from the military and before we knew it it paid for our dinner, said thanks and to pray for our troops and left. What a nice kind stranger. Our last day in St. Louis we went on a free tour of the Budweiser Plant, not originally in our church history plans but super interesting non the less.

So overall I had a great time and didn't spend as much money as I thought. I loved every moment and was glad to share it with my mom and sister. My heart is full for the love of our early saints who came and paved the way before me. I know more than ever that the church is true. Life is great! Even if my summer is slowly coming to an end.

summer days

2009-07-15T22:29:00.000-07:00

I have had the opportunity to serve a couple times at the new Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. I am so excited to have a new temple five miles away. The temple is absolutely beautiful inside and out. Today I worked the 11-4 shift and was helping with transportation and parking. I actually got to greet every car as it came in and I couldn't believe where people came from. California, New York, Iowa, Canada, Texas, Washington, and Colorado just to name a few. I have three temples that I can see from my back porch, I seriously am so blessed.

I had a slumber party with my niece again. We had such a good time and she says the funniest things. For example, her mom asked her if she slept good, her reply." I didn't get any sleep because aunt Amy was snoring so loud." I admit I could have been snoring, but she did sleep at least until 6:15 when she woke up...super early. Then she was in my closet and asked if she could try on my shoes. She picked out this gold pair and then asked if she could try walking int them, and then said these almost fit. I laughed. She walked over to my mirror and then came back for another pair. This pair was white patented leather, she then asked me if those were my wedding shoes, because they looked like glass slippers. It was so cute, she would then walk over to my mirror and admire them, take them off and then back for another pair. When she was done I had about ten pairs in front of my mirror, and her favorite were the pink pair of glass slippers. I knew I owned alot of shoes, but I never knew I owned that many pairs of glass slippers.

First Day of Summer

2009-06-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, so technically today was my first day of summer break....complete with thunder showers and cool tempertures. My friend Julie just wrote about how teachers don't really get three months off like they used too. Its so true. I am going to a conference next week and then off to leadership camp on the 22. I have a few things planned for July, but then I too will be teaching a new class next year and have many things to read and to plan for the new year.

As for my first day of summer...I slept in....well sort of. I didn't get to sleep as long as I wanted but I did sleep past 5:45 so I guess that is sleeping in. I went and meet one of my favorite roommates from the Dixie days. It was so good to see her and catch up. We haven't' seen each other in over five years (reunited on FB), but its like we just saw each other yesterday.

I then went shopping. One of my favorite things to do. I was shopping for my two nephews and my nieces birthday, but I did pick up a few things for me.

I do love summer nights and plan to enjoy and savor each one. I have decided that I think about the past and worry about the future but I don't spend much time to enjoy the present. So that is my goal for this summer. I will keep you updated.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people

2009-05-07T21:20:00.000-07:00

I had a student come in and talk to me. It wasn't about homework or a project, it was a sincere chat. This student has had a hard life. I can't imagine some of the things high schoolers have to deal with. But this student has overcome those things, and will be graduating with honors in a few more weeks. But he asked me if I believe in God? And I told him I did with all my heart. The follow up question, why do bad things happen to good people? How do you answer that? I mean I did answer it and told him what I believed in, I guess it was a little missionary moment for me. But yes yes, sometimes bad things happen to good people. There is a talk by Elder Richard G. Scott, and he talks about trials and challenges. He says our trials are a result of two things. One would be sin on our part, and the other one is because the lord favors us and wants to make us stronger.

Last week when I was in California my mom called me and left a message. I could tell by her voice that something was wrong. She told me the next morning that my nephew was in a really bad motorcycle accident and he is so blessed to be alive and not paralyzed, but he did break his back. I was saddened and relieved at the same time. I don't know why things happen the way they do, but I do know that it is part of a bigger plan and bigger test. I just hope that I won't miss the lesson.

California

2009-05-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to go to DECA Nationals last week in Anaheim, California. I had one student qualify and then I was helping chaperone another school in our district. We had a successful time, but I wanted to write about some of the highlights.

We had a four day hopper pass to Disneyland and California Adventure, but the end of the trip I was all disneylanded out. I get motion sick ever since the incident so some of the rides I can't do. I still think Snow Whites Haunted Castle is scary...I was traumatized as a child and will never forget the witch and how she pops out at the end. In fact, she pops out more than once, I think they must have remodeled the ride. The Tower of Terror is by far one of the funniest rides there. Walt Disney really knew what he was doing. I am so amazed at the logistics of it all, it is a marketing teachers heaven. I should start a class just to study Disneyland, and then we would have to take two field trips one to Cali and one to Florida, just to compare and contrast the differences. I wonder if my district will buy into this one:)

We also had the chance to go to a Dodgers game. It was quite excited even if we got their late. Our bus driver thought he was save time by exiting early and going the back roads, but it ended up not being a short cut. In fact, it took us three hours to get there, and I was getting bus sick...all the stop and go. We had super high seats, but the Dodgers pulled it off and we won. 55,000 fans...sold out. Not to mention the $6.00 water and the $6.00 nachos, I would have to say the memory is priceless. The bus ride home...40 minutes.

I also got to see my good friend Jenn. We headed out to Huntington Beach for a couple of hours, complete with TK Burgers and some sun. ( Most of the week was lacking the sun)

Oh lets not forget the reason we were over there. DECA Nationals. Utah didn't do as well as we hoped. We had 8 finalists.

We also went and saw Ghosts of Girlfriends Past...super lame ladies. Save your money. I wanted to leave like thirteen times, but kept thinking it was going to get better....but it didn't.

Is this for REAL?

2009-04-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night my friend Melanie asked if I wanted to g to the REAL Salt Lake soccer game. She had premium seats ($135) so I said what the heck. I actually had a really good time. The game was sweet, well the second half was. We scored six goals to their zero. It was fun. It was a bit cold, but the game was exciting. The stadium is beautiful.

There was one of those really loud and annoying fans behind us. We sat in the second row right behind the home bench. Anyhow they were yelling some really dumb things. For example at the other team "Thompson I hate you," "Go home" "Ref, that was a filthy call". I wanted to take a picture of the guy so I could blog about it. I just was really wondering if he really loves soccer and the REAL that much to hate a player on the other team. I just feel that hate is such a strong ugly word. Anyhow I got a picture of one of them. ( I since took it down, because I was tactless by putting it up). It was none the less entertaining. Thanks Mel for the seats, it was fun.

I also had the chance to take my two nieces to a movie on Saturday afternoon. It was raining so the park was out. We went to the dollar show and watched "Hotel for Dogs", Nicole enjoyed it, but Emma did not like it. She liked the fact that we got popcorn and red vines. She kept saying I don't like this show can we go home now. During the movie she had to go to the bathroom, and while we were in there for like ten minutes, she said some pretty funny things. I am sure that other patrons coming in to use the bathroom had a nice chuckle of all the things a three year old thinks to say while she is going to the bathroom. My favorite, "Don't you love being a princess Amy? I love being a princess." Yes Emma you are a princess!

Spell Checker

2009-04-20T20:47:00.001-07:00

My sister Lou asked me last night, "do you know that your blog has a spell checker?" I replied, "I guess I never really paid attention." I then proceeded to ask her what I spelled wrong? And then she started telling me....so after the fourth word....I was like OK I get it. I guess I just keep waiting for my misspelled words to be underlined in green. My fault. I will admit and I will try to be better.

Happy Birthday Dad (A day late)

2009-04-15T20:57:00.000-07:00

So it was my dads birthday yesterday. He has been working out of town so I gave him a little call. I also told him since he never wants any birthday gifts, I bought myself a new laptop instead. He told me that was a good idea. Anyhow I wanted to let everyone know how awesome my father is. He is truely one of a kind. He is such a good example to me. He has taught me from day one to be a hard worker (even if that meant mud fights in the garden). He leads me by example (even if that means crying over hallmark movies). He used to kill my spiders, but know since I am a homeowner I have to do it myself. My dad is amazing. He can fix anything. He can open any bottle. He is a master chef. He is made out of steele. He treats my mom with the upmost respect and honor. I love you dad! Happy Birthday.

I would add a picture of us, but since this is a new computer I haven't added any yet. But my dad is very handsome even if he is over 60.

Spring Break

2009-04-12T22:22:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a couple days in the beautiful city of Las Vegas. I went down to visit my sister, do a little shopping and relax from the awful week before. So here is a little travel log.

Our first stop was getting a lovely pedicure, one of lifes simple pleasures. And since its now spring I feel its finally time to put away the boots and break out the sandals, even if it does snow again. We then hit the first goodwill of the weekend. It was some what successful. One skirt, one shirt and some jewelry.

The next morning we hit one of my favorite places to eat for breakfast. It is called "Hash House A Go Go." The plates are huge and the food is super delicious. I decided to order my first "Hash". It was pretty much my very own skillet full of food. While I was eating I found a small piece of cardboard, I guess its because of the carton of mushrooms or something. Anyhow they comped my food. Great that was $13 more for shopping.

We then hit the big goodwill, lets see another skirt and pair of shorts later, we left. We hit a couple of other stores, also very successful. We then went over to Ezra's sisters for a barbeque.

The next day we hit a couple more stores, we found this $3.99 discount shoe store. It was floor to ceiling of shoes....1000 of pairs. But you know what I didn't buy one pair. They were all really cheaply made and not comfortable. I know I know....not a single pair.

For dinner we went to BJ's, famous for Chicago style pizza and Pizookies. It was so so so good. We then colored easter eggs. I don't care how old I am, coloring easter eggs is fun.

Today was Easter. Church was amazing, and once again I am so thankful for being a member of this church and for all the blessing I recieve. I am so thankful for the knowledge that I have and I wish I understand the atonement more fully. I keep learning and living and want to be a better person.

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-04-07T21:55:00.001-07:00

Today my mother turned 58. Although I still think she looks like she is in her forties. She is still one beautiful woman. She is one of my best friends. She is one of my examples. She is a superhero. She is constantly sharing her love, support, sholder, and food with me. I love hearing her stories and never get tired of her love. I hope to be a mother like her some day. Thank you mom for all you do for me. I am one of your biggest fans. I love you!

We went out to my sisters in Tooele to have her birthday dinner. It was delicious! And the gluten free chocolate cake...that was seriously to die for. I love being around my family. They offer me so much love and support. My little niece Emma of course is hillarious. We took a walk today and I kept telling her that her shadow was chasing her, so she was trying to turn around to look at it while attempting to run in her new dora flip-flops. It was quite the site. Her little behind shaking in the sun.

Two negatives= one positive

2009-04-06T22:00:00.000-07:00

I think thats true, at least I remember learning something like that in math. I had a really hard last week, someone that I truely love really really hurt me. It was tough. I even had to take a sick day, because I couldn't get out of bed. I am trying not to feel sorry for myself, but what do you do when it consumes all your thoughts?

However, I was extremely glad that it was General Conference. I love conference. I haven't always loved conference, but while I was in college I had an institute teacher tell us that if we pray about our concerns and write them down, they will be addressed and answered in conference. It happened to be a Saturday conference and my family and I were driving home from Idaho, where we just had a funeral for my dear sweet cousin. I was praying all week for some peace and comfort from his death. It was President Monson, his talk was titled something like "think to thank". I am not really sure exactly what he said, but I remember finally feeling some peace and comfort about my cousins death.

Ever since then, I make it a point to write down my concerns and pray that they will be addressed. I can give you countless times, when I have felt the lords tender mercies for me. The same was with this conference. It is like a couple of the talks were written just for me. Elder Hollands talk was quite powerful, he is such an amazing speaker. Some of his words brought chills to my arms. And once again, I felt the unconditional love of my savior. The only one who has expirenced all the emotional pain and anger that I have felt all week. I noticed that an overall theme was to be cheerful. So that is what I have decided to do. Sometimes being cheerful is just a front, but eventually I know I will be happy again.

A random blurb: You see I have this tiny tiny spider in my bathroom. It is just chilling on my ceiling. In fact it was there a couple of days ago, then it disapeared and now its back. (Hopefully its the same one) I used to freak out, and would make someone come and squish it. But for some reason I haven't yet...seriously maybe there is something wrong with me.

Tears of Joy?

2009-04-02T21:43:00.001-07:00

I know its been a while. I honestly have been really busy and not the most happy person lately. My little sister got married on March 14th. She made such a beautiful bride. And being able to be in the temple with her and share in that moment...well it brought tears to my eyes. My family is a bunch of cry babies, and my little niece is having a hard time figuring out when we cry is it a good cry or a sad cry. So we always have to tell her. The wedding festivities were very successful. She had another wedding reception up here, which also proved to be very successful. I was sick as a dog that night and didn't have the best time, and I wasn't in the best mood either. So I am sorry to my family and friends that I haven't seen in such a long time.

My sister Lynsie was up here and then my mom decided to go back to Las Vegas with her. So I had this crazy idea. We purchased my mom a beautiful new comforter set last year for her birthday, and it has been sitting in her corner for almost a year. She didn't want to put it on until her room was painted. So I called up my sisters and my brother and told them that I am going to paint mom's room as a surprise. So we did just that, and when my mom came home tonight to see it...well you can imagine she cried. And yes they were tears of joy.

Unfortuntely I celebrated another birthday, and I cried. And no these were not tears of joy.

In fact I have been crying alot, its been a really tough week for me. I have all these emotions running through me and recently someone really hurt me and made me really angry. Angry enough to punch my wall. I decided that its okay to be angry for a bit, I believe I am justified. I am fighting with my inner soul because being angry is not very Christ like.

So I believe that all tears can be tears of joy, I just need to take a step back on look at them from a different prospective.

Old Friends=Good Times

2009-02-11T22:11:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was able to get together with a couple old friends from highschool. Although our paths have gone seperate ways we are still able to get together and laugh alot about past memories. We all remember different things which makes reminicing all that more fun. Good times for sure. Most of them are married with adorable little ones, or some on the way. I guess in a way I am secretly jealous of them. My friend Loralie collected some past video recordings and complied them on a DVD for our preview. Seriously I thought I was a better dresser...I guess I wasn't always a fashionista. Karakoe on a cruise with six single and sober friends...need I say more.

Birthdays and Blessings

2009-02-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

It was my nieces 3rd birthday on Friday. Yesterday we all gathered at my sisters house to do to things: 1. Bless my little nephew 2. Celebrate Emma's birthday. It was a good time had by all. Cameron, Savannah and Tanner were there, and I realized how much I miss them living so close to me. I used to stop by there house a couple times a week and I was blessed by having them on my route home. Now they live up in Kamas and our visits are fewer and farther. Dad (Papa) took little Hunter and gave him his long name, Hunter Calvin Blaze Trusedale and then blessed him with some great things. Hunter looked so precious. I kept saying he looks so much older, and I believe it is because he was wearing a little button up shirt. We had a feast of homemade marinara sauce, some pizza and of course my big salad. It was quite delicous. I don't know what it is about family and food, but the combination of the two is guaranteed a good time.

As for Emma's birthday. First of all Emma is afraid of flames (Thanks to Tepanaki), so she would not let her candles be lit. Then she started crying because her cake had a princess on it and a frog with some big eyes, and she didn't want to eat the princesses head, nor the frogs head. It was quite entertaining. One day she will laugh at this. Seriously I have the best family ever.

Friday Night Laundry

2009-01-30T21:44:00.000-08:00

Yes it is Friday night and I am doing laundry. I figured I was extremely productive today so I didn't want to stop when I got home. Since I am the DECA advisor at my school we had a competition which means I had to prepare sub plans, and then find out that they weren't followed. ( Other teachers will understand how frustrating this is)

We also had our rival school Basketball game tonight. We planned a little Jag Bash, and I helped prepare food for 250 students. It was a fun time, but we didn't win. To bad, I even let them paint a little paw print on my check.

I had to stop at Wal*Mart afterwards to pick up some supplies for Emma's party and Hunter's blessing tomorrow. I asked my niece what she wanted for her birthday? Her reply, "playdough and barbie clothes." There is an entire aisle at Wal*Mart dedicated to Barbie merchandise and other princess crap...I mean other princess stuff. I figured I would be able to find something pretty for her barbie doll, but to my dismay Barbie really dresses like a little...how do I say this nicely...a hooker. Okay it wasn't nice but really what happened to pretty formal dresses and fun shoes, boy how things have changed.

By this time its 9:30 and I figured I might as well be productive while I am still awake, hence the laundry. It doesn't stop there either, I also cleaned the kitchen and then opened the fridge to have a bottle of jam fall and break on the floor. Then I cleaned all the hair out of the vacuum, I think having three girls live in the same place is almost just as bad as a dog with all our hair.

I am excited for tomorrow...a family party. Did I ever mention that I have the greatest family in the world. Well I do!

Life long learning

2009-01-29T20:54:00.001-08:00

Learning is fun. I love to learn. I thought I would share a few things that I learned today.

1. A small paper cut on your little pinky can make your entire hand ache.
2. I really do have an entertaining job...high school students say some dang funny things.
3. Leg day at the gym always kicks my butt, and the exercise ball will always win.
4. Running into friends whom you haven't seen in awhile always help you remember who you really are. Good ol' Dixie days.
5. Cafe Rio is one of the best things invented.
6. The chicken toastada at Cafe Rio is one of my favorite things.
7. Eating at Cafe Rio is so much better when your not alone.
8. An "over the top" grasshopper cookie can take away your troubles momentarily.
9. Heat warmers in your seats are wonderful.
10. Family is always there, no matter what.

Blind in the Fog

2009-01-26T21:44:00.000-08:00

I meant to write about this last week, but I didn't so I get to share today. We had some really bad fog last weekend. It was creepy, blindly, and scary. I was driving over to my friend Mel's house and almost turned around like seven times. I didn't, instead I focused on the outside white lane on the road and of course took it slow. So then I had this thought. Sometimes we go through life and its very foggy, we can't see what is up ahead. We have our end destination in mind, but the only way we can get through the foggy spots is to slow down and focus on the white lane guides. They will lead us to the right spot. Just a little "fog for thought".

Super Good Skookie

2009-01-26T21:31:00.000-08:00

When I was in Hawaii my sister introduced me to the pazookie. Its a delicious warm cookie topped with ice cream, and so gooey warm it makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Well some smart marketer decided he could sell a "skookie" which is a small cast iron pan with little pot handles, so you can cook your cookie in a skillet. Pretty smart idea. So I was doing my Christmas shopping and told my sister Ashley that I was going to get Teddy a skookie, because I knew how much he loves his sweets. She told me that was a dumb idea and that he wouldn't like it. End of story...well sort of. So I bought it for him anyhow. On Christmas morning Ashley gives me a gift and it was quite heavy...and to my surprise it was a skookie maker. I must say that Teddy was so excited about it. So the next present I get was Teddy's, which happened to be the same shape and size, so my dad makes this comment, "oh look Teddy got his own." And then he opened it up and found his own skookie maker. We all had a good laugh. Ash told me it was dumb, because she had already bought me one, and I didn't tell her that I got one for Teddy, because she thought it was dumb. So we created our first Skookie on Sunday. I must say it looks better than the one on the box. It was a fun little treat. Ash, Dad and I shared one, and JB....well he pretty much ate his own:)

Fashionista?

2009-01-26T21:23:00.000-08:00

So I have the most adorable little niece, so brings me so much joy. I am not sure how I would survive this crazy world without her cute little smile, silly comments, slumber parties and her saying "I love you." My sister and brother in law did really good. She was staying at my mom's house and I went over. She was wearing a cute little outfit, and obviously dresses herself. So I asked "Emma, who picked out your outfit today?" and she said that she did. So once again, I told her 'your quite the fashionista.' She told me "no Amy, me not a fashionista me a princess." I had a good chuckle, one day she will realize that being a fashionista is better than a princess. Only a true princess can pull off flowers, stripes, and princess shoes.

No School

2009-01-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

I feel a bit selfish, here it is a day off of school and I didn't even reflect until about 6:00 pm the reason why? I am so thankful for my civil rights and for all those who have fought so hard to protect them. Since I get to live in this great country I am granted those freedoms, and I know I take them for granted. I sometimes ponder why? Why did I get chosen to live here in this country, in this state, in this city, at this particular time, to my amazing family? I must have a purpose. I don't think I truly live up to it sometimes. Although its a new year and a big change for me. I have been reflecting on my past and want to be a better person. I have made some big goals for 2009, and I am going to accomplish them!

So since we didn't have school today, I got to sleep in. I will admit my alarm went off at 10:30, but I stayed in bed pondering my life until about 11. About that time, I got up sent off an email and made me some delicious eggs. I then went down into my basement to finish cleaning up a mess that my dad and I made a few weeks ago. My dad helped me sheet rock a small room and put up some shelves so I can organize the basement. And when I say my dad helped me, I mean he did 95% of the work while I watched him. We did have some good bonding time especially the days after Christmas while I was a emotional wreck. My dad is so amazing and he is such a great guy. I will be so blessed to find a man who is quality like my father.

After sweeping up mounds of sawdust and sneezing my head off, (You see I have a slight allergy to dust) I finally got ready for the day. My mom, my sister and I went to do a little shopping. The goal was to find a dress for her wedding, and I actually did, and it was on sale! It was awesome. I then picked up a few other items...not on the list, but I am quite excited about my purchases.

Turkey for a Day

2009-01-14T21:27:00.000-08:00

So while we were raising money for our Sub for Santa at my school my dear student Gabby dared me. If I raised more money than her she would have the wear the chicken suit, and vice-versa. Guess who lost? Seriously what student is going to give you money if they will get to see you like this all day...Yes all day....I had to teach in it and it was not the most fun thing. It was for a good cause though.

gotta laugh

2009-01-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

I just was thinking how laughing is so great for the heart, mind and soul. I am lucky to have a job where I get to laugh everyday. Today my students were presenting their business plans. They seriously have some of the most creative ideas. All of them were doing great and then this one partnership got up. The name of their lawn care business....."two bro's and some hose". How funny is that, and it doesn't stop there they did a really good presentation and sold their ideas. It was the top vote in the class. I sometimes think I am not being a good role model and people might think that is inappropriate, but seriously you just got to laugh.

I also had a doctors appointment today. I went in to get this lump looked at on my hand. Its weird and it was moving. So an ultra sound and probably $200 later, all is well. It is nothing to worry about....thank goodness. My doctor did say I should stop typing on a laptop...but look at me now.

I went to our enrichment tonight, it was titled a new year a new you, how original right? Since I teach a fashion merchandising class I got to teach tips and tricks for dressing to your body shape, size and color. It was fun. I am so thankful for the relief society organization. Some the sisters in my ward are just so amazing and quality.

Typical Monday

2009-01-12T20:28:00.000-08:00

So I say its a typical Monday. The semester ends this week for my students and I keep hearing questions like this: "Ms. A, why do I have a F?" , "Ms.A are we doing anything important today?", "Ms. A, can I still turn in this assigment from the beginning of November?". All I can say is are you serious? Let's anyalze this. You have an "F' because you haven't turned in any assignments since December and yes turn in that late assignment, I am not going to grade it but turn it in. And yes, believe it or not we do important stuff in here everyday. I swear sometimes I wonder what the heck I am doing? And then I think about all my amazing students and my long holiday break and that seriously I am grateful that I have a career and for the most part I do love teaching...Okay enough of the end of semester venting.

On a better note...or not, I had to go to the Doctor's today. It was the normal checkup. I also have a weird lump on my hand, and it has moved. I get to have an ultrasound on Wednesday to see exactly what it is. Let me tell you being a woman is great!

Let see...I invented the best thing. I like to make popcorn and when its warm I like to put m&m's on it. It is so good. Speaking of m&m's, I created some personalized m&m's for my love for Christmas. They were quite expensive but fun. They have two different pictures and two different sayings. To my dismay my love and I are no longer together, however I am not wasting perfectly good m&m's. So I took them to my sisters house this weekend. I had them all in a bag, I asked my little niece if she wanted some m&m's. Of course she said yes, and then I showed her that Teddy and mine pictures were on them, and said come on lets eat Teddy's head. She wouldn't she totally freaked out, I tried to explain her that it was just our pictures, but she still wouldn't eat Teddy's head. I guess thats good for Teddy.

Inspired

2009-01-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

As I read family and friends blogs, I am inspired to start my own. I kind of think of it as my own personal history. I decided that I have funny things happen to me, and since I suck at writting in a journal than atleast I can try this out. I am currently on the search for a new laptop. I am trying to stay within a budget and you would think will all the economic news I would be able to find one, but I haven't. So the search continues.