the one about acting my age

I saw this quiz thing on Tari's blog and I was excited to take it. And I am pretty impressed, it says I act like I am 30, and I will be 30 in October.

Kinda dumb, but fun!

You Act Like You Are 30 Years Old

You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! You're responsible, wise, and have enough experience to understand a lot of the world. You're at the point in your life where you understand yourself pretty well. You are figuring out what you want... and how to get it!

What Age Do You Act?

the pictures of my hideous nails

The request line has been jammed since yesterday afternoon....

Here are the pics! By the way.. That is my grandmas ring I have been wearing, since I lost mine.

Enjoy!

the one about my hideous nails!

I have fake nails. I have had them for a long time and I love love love them. I like them pretty short and NOT FLASHY! I like them simple, french manicure. Well, yesterday, I needed a fill in and I happened to have a little bit of spare time. Quayd was with me and we went in. The place I go accepts walk-in's, which is so nice for me. Anyway, Quayd loves it when I get my nails airbrushed, but remember I told you that I can't do the flashy obnoxious thing? So after they filled my nails in, I told them I wanted airbrushing. We went to the display and tried to decide what I wanted on them. Remember, NO FLASHY! Well, Quayd liked the brightest most awful designs. I thought that a simple heart would be nice since it is nearing Valentine's day. I suggested pink, he wanted blue. I didn't want bright so we settled on a baby blue. I told the guy that I wanted hearts on my ring fingers only with a TINY bit of glitter on the white tips of my nails. (I do that a lot and I really like it. It's very subtle. Remember, I don't like bright and flashy.) Well, they work so fast and I wasn't really paying attention, and all of a sudden I had the most obnoxious blue shape on every single fingernail. The shape can only be described as a flower/heart/swirly thing, and of course, they are DRENCHED in glitter. THEY ARE AWFUL!!!!!! I am so embarassed. You should see these ugly things. Oh my heck. Puke. I wanted to use polish remover the SECOND I got home, but my sweet little son said, "Mom, your nails are so pretty. Do you like what I picked out for you?" Well crap. Now I am stuck with them for awhile.

Only 2 weeks until my next fill in.

the one about my new job!!!

I am super excited! I applied for this job at Quayd's school. I have been waiting to hear about it. I finally got called for and interview. I interviewed today, it went great and I got the job!!!!!!!!!! I will be a Teacher's Aide and I will be starting up a new program to work with the "Gifted and Talented" kids. The great thing is... Iwork only 19 hours a week and I will work the very same hours that Quayd is in school. No babysitters needed. I can still sub in the afternoons if I want, so that will be fun. I am super excited and proud of myself. I had to get reference letters, make a resume', wirte a letter of interest and do the application thing. It was super hard. I haven't had to do anything like that for a long time. So I am crazy excited today! Oh, and I start right away.

the one about Brett's test results

So Brett took the personality test and if you know him at all, you will know this is TOTALLY HIM!!!!!!! Kinda freaky how much it is like him. What do you think....

Brett, your true color is Brown!

You're brown, a credible, stable color that's reminiscent of fine wood, rich leather, and wistful melancholy. Most likely, you're a logical, practical person ruled more by your head than your heart. With your inquisitive mind and insatiable curiosity, you're probably a great problem solver. And you always gather all of the facts before coming to a timely, informed decision. Easily intrigued, you're constantly finding new ways to challenge your mind, whether it's by reading the newspaper, playing a trivia game, or composing a piece of music. Brown is an impartial, neutral color, which means you tend to see the difference between fact and opinion easily and are open to many points of view. Trustworthy and steady, you really are a brown at heart.

I thought it was him to a T! The funny thing is, one of his favorite things in the world to say is from the movie Anchorman. "I'm very important. I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany." So when we first started reading this we both giggled because it starts talking aobut fine wood and rich leather.

So funny. Maybe you had to be there.

I love you my handsome BROWN devil!

the one about President Hinckley

I am just so sad tonight. I can't believe our beloved Prophet has passed away. Yes, I know, that is totally selfish of me. I am sad to think he is gone. But wow. What a reunion he must be having. I am getting goosebumps just thinking of it. I can't even imagine all of the people who are waiting to greet him tonight. Number one, his sweet wife. I bet he is so glad to see her. Major goosebumps. I bet my Father-in-Law is waiting in line too.

I remember when it was announced that we were getting a Temple in Vernal. A grounbreaking ceremony was held and I was actually seated close enough to see President Hinckley. I will never forget it. I have always been pretty good about journaling, and I am anxious to look that up. I know I scrapbooked lots of pictures and feelings I had about that day.

I have never met him, or touched him or anything, but I feel like I know him well. I feel like he knows me well too. He was such a great man. I am so sad about his passing, but also, so happy for him.

I have to share my experience when I first heard about President Hinckley's death. We had all taken a little nap late this afternoon. Quayd and I woke up around 6:30 pm and I decided I better get some dinner cooking. I finally had dinner ready around 7:30 and I had woken Brett up to come and eat. He had just got his soup and walked into the living room to eat. I have a tv in the kitchen and I was watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Quayd and I were in the kitchen as I was dishing his dinner and a Breaking News story came on. As the news reported the tragic news, I kind of shouted "NO!" then instantly put my hands over my mouth and started to cry. I was staring at the tv in disbelief. Quayd asked me what was going on, and at that time a picture of President Hinckley appeared on the screen. I told him that President Hinckley just died and Quayd looked at the picture and just exploded with emotion. He started crying and just clung to me. Then he ran in his room and threw himself on his LoveSack and cried and cried. It really made me realize how much this man has affected EVERYONE in our Church; people of all ages.

On Friday, I saw a quote by President Hinckley on Janice's blog about journaling. I LOVED it and stole it and put it on my blog. It has only been there a couple of days, but will stay there forever!

This is truly the reason I blog and journal. This quote sums it all up......
"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experiences. "
Gordon B. Hinckley

the one about my personal hell

Hello friends! I have kind of been in a weird mood today, so I decided to play on the computer and unwind. I did my usual, checked email then checked blogs. I went to Kandice's and she had posted about this personality test she found online. I decided, "What the heck?" and took it myself. I really liked what it said about me, so I would like to share. Some of the things are like me but I don't think I am as great as this makes me sound, so I guess I will try to work on being more like this...

Mandy, your true color is Green!
You're green, the color of growth and vigor. Good-hearted and giving, you have a knack for finding and bringing out the best in people. Green is the most down-to-earth color in the spectrum — reliable and trustworthy. People know they can count on you to be around in times of need, since your concern for people is genuine and sincere. You take pride in being a good friend. For you, success is measured in terms of personal achievement and growth, not by status or position. Rare as emeralds, greens are wonderful, natural people. It truly is your color!

Isn't that nice? I hope I can be the friend that people feel like they can count on. I know I am not perfect, by any means, but I do consider myself pretty dependable. And I try to be trustworthy. Really, if you tell me a secret, I will do everything I can to keep it that way. (Except I usually tell Brett EVERYTHING!) I also try to be giving and put other's needs before mine. I'm not the best at it, though, but I try really hard.

It wasn't in my test results, but I want to talk about some of my other personality perks and flaws. Is it weird to talk about ME some more? I hope not, because, afterall, it is my blog.

I really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really really hate confrontation. I am a peace maker. I just want everyone to be happy and at ease. It seems like a good trait, but its not. It sucks. I seem to always be more worried about what everyone else is feeling, and then my own concerns get put on the back burner. I don't ever ever ever want to hurt any feelings, so I put up with lots of crap to avoid any trouble. Not only do I want everyone to like me, but I want them to like everyone that is important to me. My dear sweet husband is VERY opinionated and I often feel like I am trying to smooth over some of the things he has said so nobody feels uncomfortable. That's stupid. I know. He is himself, and I am me. I don't have to be responsible for anything that he says. Nor does he need to feel responsible for the stupid things I say. Why do I put myself through it? I do this with some of my friends too sometimes. Kandice and I were talking about it last night, and we decided that it is hard to be the "smooth it over" people. How do the opinionated people get away with it? We take what they say and just brush it off. We say, "Well, that is just Brett." (Or whoever it is; sorry I am usuing you, Brett, as the example of my opinionated person! ((LOVE YA!!!))) and then it is all over. I think that if I ever said some of those things I would upset everyone. But why do I care? And when did I get put into this roll? Can I ever get out of it? What would happen if one day I just stood up and said what I was feeling?......... ...................................... ..................................... ............ ....... ........................................................ ............................................... .............................................. But you know what I decided? I probably never will. I will probably go on forever being the way I am. You know why? Because that is what makes me ME! So I guess it's really not all that bad. I know I have MANY MANY MANY flaws, but is all I can do is just keep on being me. I am trying my best and that is all that matters, right?

So I just read through what I just wrote and I was seriously worried that I might offend someone. So I almost didn't post it. But then I realized that it is my blog, and my journal and I can write what ever the heck I want, right!?!?!?!?!? So please don't be upset. K?

Oh, and I am crazy indecisive. Maybe you didn't notice that yet. Or maybe you did.

this is my personal hell.

If you think you are interested in taking this quiz.... here is the website. http://web.tickle.com/color/ Maybe you don't want to though. It has really opened a can of worms for me. Yikes!

So sorry for this strange blog entry everyone. I told you from the beginning that I was in a weird mood.

the one about Skeet

Skeet is my cat. He is my precious, beautiful, spoiled rotten, loveable, cuddly baby. I have had him for about 7 years, I think. We adopted him from the animal shelter after my other 2 cats died. (I wrote all about that terrible tragedy in a blog entry a few months ago.) He is a HUGE tom cat with a weight problem.

So anyway, Skeet loves me so much. Everynight around bedtime, he comes looking for me meowing to make me come to bed. For about a half hour or so in bed, he gets right on top of me so I can scratch him. Brett loves Skeet, but we make him sick and he gets totally annoyed with Skeet and I. Skeet used to be Brett's cat, but at some point after I stopped working and started staying home all day, he became MY cat. So, during our "cuddle time," Skeet will get right in my face and lick me, purr and flop his whole body all over me. He is so cute and sweet. I just love him to death. The funny thing is, he cuddles me before he is ready to go to sleep, but when he is finished, he goes to Brett's feet and stays there all night. Then when he wakes up, he comes right back up in my face to wake me up so I can love him. This morning, Brett was getting ready to leave and Skeet was in his favorite place. So Brett grabbed the camera and snapped these photos. I have to warn you though, I am a ROUGH sleeper! I look so scary in the morning and I had only been awake for about 30 seconds, then Brett flipped on the light, and took these. Please don't judge me. I know I am hideous, so focus more on the cat than me. K?

the one about my crazy good cinnamon rolls

I am sitting here in the peace and quiet of my home SHOCKED that I have nothing to blog about. Quayd is sleeping, Brett is at work, my house is clean and I have the furnace cranked up so it is tosty warm. It is the perfect opportunity to blog, and I haven't a thing to say.

I do have a blog in the works about my uncle Kim, but I am not ready to post it yet. I am trying to find the perfect picture to go with it. (Help me out, Kim! send me something fabulous!)

I made clam chowder and rolls for dinner last night, so then I decided to make cinnamon rolls and they were WONDERFUL! I learned how to make my cinnamon rolls from Janice, and now they are a staple in our home. As soon as they come out of the oven, I spread homemade frosting on them and it gets all melty and delicious. The frosting is Holly's recipe and the main ingredient is clouds from heaven. I shudder just thinking how great they are. So now i am just trying to eat the whole pan in a 24 hour period. You know, so I can see if I can. Just Kidding. I am eating them all because I just can't stop myself. It is ridiculous. But they sure are good. Want some?

the one about talking in "O"

Quayd and I have a secret language. Ok, it's not super secret or really even hard to figure out, but it is our language and nobody else speaks it. Just us. To each other.

Let me explain.

A long time ago, Quayd went through a little phase where he started calling Brett, Dad-O. Then it got a little more intense and turned into Mom-O, Quayd-O, Gran-O, Brayd-O, etc. Suddenly, almost every word he said ended in "O." Actually, it was every word that ended a sentence-O. Get it-O? OK-O. It got to the point that it was driving Dad-O and I crazy-O. Brett kinda of freaked about it and told Quayd to stop because it was bugging him so bad-O. But it wasn't that big of a deal to me-O. I actually thought it was cute-O. So we made it our secret-O. We talk in "O" all of the time-O. We love it-O. In honor of "O" I will finish my blog entry in "O" language-O.

Well, one day I was helping in Quayd's class and I saw him from across the room and he looked a little sad-O. I mouthed the words, "I love you-O." He couldn't understand me so I decided we needed a code-O. So after school, I told him that if we ever want to tell each other, "I love you-O," that we could make and "O" with our hands and that would be our signal for "I love you-O."

So now we do that all of the time-O. It's my favorite thing in the world-O. No no no no, THIS is my favorite thing in the world-O!

I love my little Quayd-O. Isn't he awesome-O?

the one about MY bear blank

So After I posted the other day about Quayd's bear blank, I started thinking of all of the people, ADULTS, that I know that have a bear blank of some sort. (Kandice, Amy, Talia, Holly, Gleneita, Brett) Do you have one? Tell me about it. Infact, I challenge all of my blogging friends to blog about their favorite blanket. Don't be ashamed. Don't be embarassed. We are all adults here. Stand up for your believe in a blankie, woobie, ne-ne or whatever else you might call it.

Let me start it off. I am proud to say, this is my blankie....
And it has quite a story.... This blue blankie was actually my father-in-law Mike's. Brett and I had only been married for about a year or two and I had been at my in-law's and fell in love with this blanket. It turned into quite a war between Mike and I, because I would threaten to steal it all of the time. He would throw a total fit about it and tell me that if it ever came up missing he would know where to look. Well this playful fight went on for about a year. One time, I can't even remember why, but I just took it! I did it because I wanted it, but also to see how long it would take Mike to realize it was gone. He didn't have the best memory! To my surprise, it took no time at all for him to miss it. He called me and asked if I had seen it. I jokingly told him I hadn't. I know that he knew exactly where it was, but he played along. I kinda think he secretly liked knowing that I was so in love with this blanket. So I had it for a few years, and one time when we were camping, he came in our trailer and spotted it. He laughed and I hid it! Well he snuck back in and stole it later. Then I marched right over to his trailer and stole it back. It was a joke forever! Like I said, I really think he liked knowing that I had it. It is just a simple tied quilt and it's actually made out of sheets. And not even attractive sheets! But they must have a very high thread count or something because it is truly the niceset fabric in the world. It like, always stays cool. Its crazy, but I love it. It is the same on the top and bottom. I think Gleneita had made it for Mike several years before. He still gave me a hard time about it! I have made really nice blankets for almost everyone in the family except Mike and I, so I had decided that for Christmas this year I was going to take it apart and get that great minkie fabric and turn in into two blankets. One for me and one for Mike. Unfortunatley, I didn't get to do that. So it is still the same. And I love it. And everytime I snuggle in it, I think of Mike and all of the crap he used to give me about that blanket.

Remember, I told you that Morgan is staying with us for a few days, well here is her blankie, "Deet-Deet." (by the way, PLEASE don't tell Janice how awful she looks! She totally ripped out her not-so-cute-to-start-with pony tails. I am not quite as good at doing cute girl hair as her!)
Last night for Morgan's bed, I actually laid my blanket down for her to sleep on. That is big for me! I don't like to share my blanket! But just like I do when I have it, she slept like a baby! (Speaking of Morgan, Quayd couldn't stand it last night. He HAD to get in the porta-crib with Morgan. He offered to sleep in there to keep her company, but I assured him she would be fine!)

And of course, Quayd and the famous Bear Blank.

This is Brett's blanket. I made it for him for Christmas last year and I used lots of outdoor prints, and plaids. If you look to the right of the photo you will notice a skinny strip of the blue bear fabric from bear blank. I used that scrap of bear blank after previous renovation project. I thought Brett would like to have that little piece as a memory. As soon as Quayd saw that on Christmas Day, 2006, he quickly named Brett's blanket "Big Bear Blank."

Now please, take my challenge and blog about your blankie! It will be fun to see how many of you really have one!

the one about being all alone

"ALL BY MYSELF..... DON'T WANNA BE, ALL BY MYSELF, ANYMORE....."

So I am feeling a little loanly. I shouldn't though, because if I were really that loanly I have plenty of people to call. But on top of being loanly, I am sick. So that probably makes it worse and I am feeling a little sorry for myself. Brett is out of town for the whole long weekend, Thursday-Sunday. With him is Talia. They are at a fire training in St. George. Kandice and her family are in Arizona visiting the in-laws. Holly must be gone because I can't get a hold of her, my brother and the boys are out of town, Janice is in St. George with some of her family members and Greg, Taylor is in PG with her cousin, but good old Morgie is here with me and Quayd. Have you noticed a pattern? They are all in a place where it is warm, and I am freezing my butt of here in cold snowy Vernal. My friend Alison refered to it as "Booger-Freezing cold." That is a good way to describe it.

So back to Morgan. I have been begging Janice to leave Morgan with me for EVER! Well, she finally went for it. I am so glad. I have been looking forward to it for weeks. As I mentioned, Brett is gone, so it is just Quayd, Morgan and me. Jani has been working on potty-training Morgan and she is doing SUPER! She has gone pee and poop in the potty for me several times already. Only 1 tiny accidnet when she first got here. We are having fun. Both of the kids are hiding under my bed right now. They think they are so funny. It is so dirty under there I am a little scared for them. Oh well.

Anyway, that is all I really have to say for now. I am bored today and I have ayucky nasty cold. I think i will go lay down and read. I will probably go finish book today. I am nearly finished with the third book of the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. THEY ARE SO GOOD!!! I highly reccomend them, #1 is Twilight, #2 is New Moon, and #3 is Eclipse. They are a must read.

But I can't leave without a shout out to my friend Kim B. I read her blog today and she has a video there that made my whole day. It is so flipping funny! She and her family went sledding and, well, it kinda speaks for itself. If you want, click on thier blog link in the "a few of my friends" category, it is "Berezay family." The movie is on the 2nd post for January 18th, and it is the second video down. I am to dumb to figure out how to post the video on my blog. Anyway, its funny, if you want a laugh.

the one about Bear Blank

So if you know Quayd very well, you know EXACTLY what "Bear Blank" is. For the rest of you, Bear Blank is Quayd's bed partner, comforter, companion, travel companion and best friend. My grandma made this blanket for Quayd before he was born. He loved all of his flannel receiving blankets, but became totally attached to this one at about 1 year. The top is blue with lots of bears all over it, and the back is a brown/tan plaid. It had a cute crocheted edge around it, but it wore off about 2 years ago. It seems like bear blank gets smaller and smaller all the time! I have had to mend, repair and re-sew this thing several times. I have tried to find the same fabric many times, but it has not been easy. I found a piece of the back, brown and tan plaid, but the blue bear print is discontinued. I am sure we have the last piece in the world. I have let Quayd go to the fabric store twice and choose any thing he wants so I could make him a new blanket to trade for Bear Blank. I have, in fact, made 2 blankets, and my grandma made one, but he will not trade. Last week, it finally got so bad, I had to take some serious action. It was so thread-bare and ripped EVERYWHERE. I was nervous to wash it, in fear that it might not even exist when I got it out of the spin cycle. This is a picture of Quayd with "him" and he was so mad that I had to work on him. He is actually faking a frown in this picture, but he truly cried the whole time I cut and sewed the darn thing. My only choice was to throw away the back piece (OK, it is hidden actually, for memory-sake, but don't tell Quayd) and I had to take the new brown and tan plaid and sew pieces of the blue bear print on top of it. Then I found some brown super soft minkie fabric for the back. Here is a picture of the new and improved bear blank. It is hideous, but it was my only choice. This is how Quayd said it had to be. He still wanted the bear fabric on it so he could rub it on his face. He is not very happy about it and he tells me everyday that he misses Bear Blank.

Here are a few interesting things about Bear Blank. Bear Blank is a world traveler. "He," (and yes, Quayd refers to him as a person; a boy in fact) has been to Mt. Rushmore, Yellowstone, Salt Lake City, Denver, many camping trips, Florida, Oklahoma, Mexico, Belize, the Zoo, in an airplane, on a cruise ship, in a car, on a sled, on a bicycle, on a 4-Wheeler, and he especially loves riding in the wagon when Quayd hooks it to his bike and pulls it all over. He has been covered with dirt, food, blood, tears, snot, puke, and silly putty. He loves to play CandyLand, GameBoy, and XBox. He loves Otter Pops and even helps Quayd hold them so his hands don't get cold. He has acted as a bandage for many wounds. His favorite cartoons are Fairly Odd Parents and SpongeBob. His favorite animal is Cat, and he loves to wrap around Orange and help Quayd pack him around the house. He loves music, and his favorite song is "You're a Grand Old Flag," so Quayd sing it to him all of the time.

This is Quayd and his cousin Abby at a family reunion.

Here are some pictures during the "Extreme Makeover; Bear Blank Edition."



Bear Blank is truly like another member of our family. I know that sounds retarded, but it is true. It drives Brett and I crazy, but at the same time, we love to see that some silly blanket brings him so much joy and happiness. He is 5 1/2 now, but you know what? When he snuggles his Bear Blank, I can still see the tiny baby that fell in love with it so many years ago. I love this picture of my husband with our tiny boy who was not even a day old yet, still in the hospital, wrapped in his bear blank.

the one about the real live soccer mom

It's official. I am a socer mom!

Quayd had his first indoor soccer game on Thursday and he did so awesome! They lost 0-3, but they had a great time. I was so proud of him. He was goalie for a little bit and a ball got past him. He was so proud of himself and said, "I let my team get a point!" So I tried to explain to him that it was actually the other team getting a point. It was so funy. He ran and ran until his little cheeks were bright red! He is so awesome. Here are some pics.

the one about the girl with no life

First of all, I need to thank all of my wonderful friends and family for being so sweet and supportive of my the last few days about my "school drama." Its all good. I am fine with it. I have been so busy this week that I actually haven't had time to really dwell on it too much. I have been working at Quayd's school doing some testing stuff. It's been good. I have really enjoyed it. I would like to keep doing it, (Hint, hint, to all of my friends who work at the school!!) or at least something like it. Subbing is great, but I would LOVE to have a part time everyday job. I have decided that I would like that better. I have applied, so wish me luck. If I get the job I want, I would work everyday from 9:00 am to 12:30 ish. Just the same time Quayd is at school. Sweet huh?

I love to title my blogs to really captivate my audience. So don't be nervous about the rest of my entry. Stay with me, I have a few things to tell.

I totally had to blog about these funny pictures I took of Quayd today. He was sitting on the toilet reading a Lego magazine. He didn't know I took the first one, but looked up at me for the second one.
Aren't they so cute! He looks like a little an reading the paper on the toilet or something. He kills me!!!

So, I have had something on my mind that I would like to discuss with you, my readers. I can't believe the amount of people who tell me that they read my blog so faithfully. I am really in shock. I have NO life. I am so boring and have nothing wonderful to say, but here I have so many followers. Truly, I don't know who it is more sad for. Me, the girl with no life, or you, the weirdo's who read about the girl with no life. But I do have to say, I am flattered and truly touched. Thank you all for showing an interest in me and my family. Grandma Galley, Rhonda, Amy, Uncle Kim, Ma, Judy, Kandice, Hope, Fawn, Jani, Ramanda, Alison and all of the rest of you. It means a lot to me. I love you. Really. Thanks!

the one about my big let down

Well, crap.

Today, I had an appointment with the lady who was going to help me get financial aid for my college. She gave me a list of things to bring and be in her office at 9:00 am. I shouldn't call her "lady," it's Kathy. Anyway, I was all good to go and after my appointment I was going to finish registering. My first class was tonight.

Well, guess what?

We make too much money and I can't get financil aid. CRAP! There are other ways for me to get money and scholarships, but I am too late to apply and get help for this semester. So I have to wait unitl Summer.

I am so bugged and frustrated. I was so geared up and so excited, and then..... the big let down.

Bummer.

Oh well. It must be for a reason and I am trying to have a positive attitude.

the one about starting the new year

I have mixed emotions about starting a new year, but either way... Welcome 2008!!!

Saying goodbye to 2007 is bittersweet. Of course, our biggest trial of the year is losing Brett's dad in August. I am glad that our first holiday season without him is over, but at the same time I feel bad knowing that the last time I saw him was in 2007. And now, 2007 is gone. It just makes his death that much more final.

Also, as most of you know, I am the sunbeams teacher in my ward. I wasn't real excited with the calling at first, but grew to love it. ALOT! I love the sweet kids that I taught. They came so far and I am super sad to say good bye to them. I feel like they are my kids and I don't like watching them grow up. Of course, saying goodbye to them, means saying hello to new ones. I am frazzled today after teaching 14 new 3 year olds. Yes, I said 14. But they will be splitting the class in two so I think I end up with 7 or 8. Still, they are such babies and have a long way to come. I hope I grow to love them as much as I did my old class. It was tough today. Very stressful and BUSY!

Another hello/goodbye thing is my freetime. Let me explain. I have been substitute teaching, and most of the time, LOVING IT! I have found something that I think I could spend the rest of my life doing.... Teaching. I have finally decided, and it is official, I am going back to school. Utah State University. I started my generals (I hate to admit this....... gulp...) 10 years ago. So I have about a year completed. Now, ready, set, go, I start tomorrow. When I quit college 9 years ago, I never ever ever thought I would go back. I just knew it wasn't for me. I hated it. But now I am a little (or a lot) older and hopefully a little (or a lot) wiser. We will see. I talked to the Elementary Ed Advisor on Friday and we planned out my next few years. I am so scared to start. I was an OK student, but it was really hard for me. I hope now that I am going with a goal in place, I will be more determined and it will be a little easier for me. Wish me luck. The semester starts this week. I have really been debating this the last couple of months, but after meeting with the advisor, I decided to go for it. I haven't had much time to think about it because my decision came on so fast. But, I am at a good place in my life to do this, so here goes nothing. Go Aggies!

I am still planning on subbing for the time being. I really love it. I taught for Quayd's teacher this whole last week. They had a death in the family so I took over. I can't tell you how at home I feel when I am in the classroom. I love K-2nd grade, so I am getting my degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. Or something like that.

It is so crazy.

Our ward experienced some changes this year too. We were scheduled to go to Church at 11:00 am, but they had to add another ward to our building and it changed it all around. Now we go at 9:30. I am not sure why this happened. But I know it will work out and it must be for a reason. But I sure am curious. It was weird. We had a member of the Quorum of the Seventy and our Stake President in our Sacrament meeting. Anyone have any insider information they would be willing to share??? Let me know. It cool, though. The 9:30 thing is great for me. We are out at 12:30. Now here I sit with the whole afternoon ahead of me. I plan on blogging and working on my latest project, digital scrapbooking. I am working on an album of our cruise. I am still learning how to do it, but so far, I love it!

I am really not big on setting resolutions for the new year, but I do like to look at it as a fresh start. Although, sometimes I take the "fresh start" idea a little too serious. I have a hard time not getting to overwhelmed with the things I need to change about myself and my life. But today I heard something that I need to take to heart. Our Stake President spoke to us in Sacrament meeting and made the comment, "We can only compare ourselves to the way we were yesterday." That is genious. If I can look at my life in one year and see any change for the better, then I guess I have succeeded. I definately feel that I am doing a little better since January 2007. I am blessed with a happy life, a great husband and the perfect child. And at this time next year, I will have one more year of education under my belt.

the one about the best new years eve party, EVER!

Kandice and GJ threw the best party ever. It was a blast. There were 6 couples, total. Kandice and GJ, her brother Kael and his wife Emily, Greg and Janice, Ryan and Shauna, Jason and Jessica, and Brett and I. We ate dinner at home, then had snacks at the party. I made my yummy hot artichoke dip, and little smokie pigs in a blanket. Janice made a delicious bean dip, Kandice made some wicked good tortilla, fajita wrapie thingies and we had tons of other great stuff.

We played lots of games on the Wii, and I have to brag a little bit... I was the Wii champion. It's true. I actually hate video games, but I LOVE the Wii. I don't know how I was so good at it. It defys all laws of the universe that I would be able to play. I am not coordinated, I am sucky at sports, and, again, I hate video games. But now I am very eager to get my hands on a Wii. They are impossible to find, and the money situation comes in to play, but as soon as I get those two kinks worked out, I am having one.

Anyway, here are a few pictures of our fun New Year's Eve.