say what you need to say

teddy bear picnic

2010-01-24T19:44:00.002-07:00

on friday the firsties enjoyed a teddy bear picnic complete with hot chocolate and doughnuts. as part of the fun day, we wore pjs (yes beauty of all beauties i got to wear pjs to work) and brought our teddy bears.

you will notice katie, amy, amber and i are wearing matching jammies. katie and i were on a little shopping excursion in early december and saw all the jams lined up at old navy. we decided we needed matching pajamas but we weren't sure when we would ever see each other in pjs. we had a moment of sheer brilliance when we realized that teddy bear picnic day was coming up and matching pjs were definitely something we needed. naturally we picked some up for amy too!

i have the best team ever! they make work so much fun!

eagle scout

2010-01-24T19:37:00.003-07:00

david was presented with his eagle scout award on wednesday night. the sibs and i, along with zach and brianna, drove up to support him. we ate some yummy jav's after. congrats david!

(sidenote: please disregard my gross hair)

fancy nancy

2009-10-28T18:20:00.003-06:00

Katie, Amber, Amy, Me, Katie (aka fancy nancies)

today we had our halloween festivities at school. we had a costume parade and our class party. i had so many moms who came to help or donated things for the party. i work at a great school! most of all, i am lucky to have such an amazing team! i love working with these girls! we have so much fun at work!

our school has the students dress up as a book character. the first grade team all dressed up as fancy nancy. i was fancy nancy bonjour butterfly. butterfly wings, glitter, butterfly clips, ribbon, a crown, a wand, fake lashes, 2 feather boas, princess party jewelry... i had the works! my little first graders absolutely loved our fun day, but i am bit exhausted!

the funniest part of the day was when Katie (on the far left) went to pick up our cafe rio take-out order in all of her get-up. she got some strange looks, chuckles, and yes, even some out loud, unrestrained, and very obvious laughter. what a friend she is to go get lunch for us in all her "fancy" clothes. katie we owe you!!

i'm going to get me some grey's

2009-09-14T22:14:00.004-06:00

season 5 is out on dvd tomorrow.

oh, what about season 6 you ask?

september 24th from 7 to 9 mtn time i will be tuning in...

oh, cupcake

2009-08-08T01:31:00.004-06:00

while in palo alto shopping, we stopped for one of these.

it was delicious. it made my heart (and tummy) happy.

i adore sprinkles' vanilla cupcakes.

now playing

2009-08-08T01:17:00.004-06:00

while in the bay area visiting g&g, grandma and i went to see this.

i loved it. so did grandma. it was refreshing.

yesterday caroline and i saw this.

meryl streep was fantastic.

lake powell

2009-08-08T00:02:00.008-06:00

we went to lake powell for 5 days in june. my family plus aunt mary, madeleine, annabelle, and lucy had a great time at the lake.

we survived the intense heat and didn't rack up as many generator hours as you would think... yeah, we're tough.

i learned how to slalom waterski... i was pretty impressed with myself. (i won't mention the fat ski or the cheater rope. and no that is not me in the picture. its christian. someday if i practice really hard maybe i could attempt to make cuts like that.)

we hiked some slot canyons. went on many ice runs to hall's crossing, swam, read books, played games, and listened to some good tunes.

little lovelies

2009-08-07T23:49:00.008-06:00

meet my latest obsession:

letterpressed stationery

yes, it is classy.

i now own this.

courtesy of the paper source, i now own four varieties of fantastic stationery... (letterpressed & printed). grandma shirlee was so kind as to take me on an outing to this most fantastic of stores.

get some of your own here

also check this out

gone boatin

2009-06-29T18:40:00.005-06:00

so here's the thing... we own a boat. our lovely boat often decides to break. whether it is the actual boat itself or the trailer we seem to have quite unfortunate incidents with this lovely boat. like the time we were on our way to lake powell and the trailer decides to start smoking or the time we put the boat in the water only to find that water was spurting in places where water should not spurt or the time that the boys took it out for a joy ride and it got between about 3 or 4 rpms and then croaked.

anyway, you get the point.

boat + trailer =bad luck

we haven't had a fabulous summer of boating fun for about 2 years. after this last round of repairs (which included replacing just about everything in the boat, returning it to the repair place 3 times... yes 3, and sinking a couple thousand dollars into the lovely boat) we finally have a working boat. friday we took the boat out for some fun.

i wakeboarded.

i haven't wakeboarded in 2 years.

i forgot how to wakeboard.

christian and caroline helped to remind me how.

i got up a few times.

i remembered that wakeboarding is fun.

i fell down really really hard on my rear.

i caught an edge and landed on my head.

i landed really hard, but i didn't cry because i was being hardcore.

i decided that i had had enough wakeboarding for the day.

i have very sore arms, shoulders, and quads.

i think i will wakeboard again this summer.

maybe i can become a good wakeboarder.

maybe.

this evening we are heading to the lake for a couple days.

christian left an hour or two before us with some buddies and the boat.

christian called my dad about 30 minutes after his departure to report that the trailer was indeed smoking.

dad and mom went to get the boat, bring it back, and then mom and i will leave for the lake.

dad has again threatened to sell the boat.

oh, did i mention that we have had the trailer completely redone quite a few times... it shouldn't be breaking.

go see this

2009-06-20T16:28:00.004-06:00

last night caroline and i saw this:

we ate popcorn, sipped diet coke, and laughed...a lot!

i give it two thumbs up!

what are you waiting for?

go see it!

glitter toes

2009-06-20T16:16:00.006-06:00

i have a new obsession.

last month they were red and glitzy like ruby dorthy slippers

this month they are golden and sparkly

the best part:

they don't chip!

(pardon the really classy photography)

you had a birthday shout hooray!

2009-06-18T13:53:00.008-06:00

we want to sing to you today!

one year older and wiser too!

happy birthday, to you!

yesterday my family and I celebrated 2 happy days!

i was born on my daddy's 25th birthday!

we went to rickenbacker's for dinner and then came back to our house for cake and ice cream.

caroline baked the white cake and i baked the chocolate cake (both from scratch, of course) and the decorating job was caroline's fine handiwork! yummy!

24 + 49 = 73 candles to light

make a wish!

we put 49 trick candles on my daddy's cake!

and if you must know, yes i had birthday cake for breakfast!

an outing

2009-06-14T22:07:00.004-06:00

last tuesday, while in salt lake on one of our escapades i talked candace into trying out so cupcake with me. here's the thing: every since i moved back from newport, i have been searching for a sprinkles cupcakes replacement. alas, i think i have failed again in my pursuit. the deliciousness of a sprinkles cupcake cannot be rivaled.

anyway, back to so cupcake. we tried the vanilla while at the shop and (which is very chic and darling, I might add.) it was a decent cupcake, but we weren't wowed. I took a 1/2 dozen other flavors home to share with the family. (a.k.a critique as only true cupcake connoisseurs can with my mom and caroline)

we came to the consensus that the best flavor of the six we tried was the carrot. it was moist and delicious... i would go back for another if i was in the neighborhood. i am disappointed that i was not able to try a chocolate or a red velvet... they didn't have any left by the time we arrived. maybe next time.

so to you lucky residents of newport beach, beverly hills, palo alto, scottsdale, dallas, and houston... eat a vanilla cupcake for me at sprinkles. you will enjoy it. i know you will.

No more pencils, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks...

2009-06-03T19:33:00.011-06:00

tomorrow is the last day of school!

last night was for report card comments and tonight is for stuffing portfolios!

meet my spunky, funny, blatantly honest, crazy, sweet, sometimes naughty, but mostly darling kindergarten friends!

(3 friends are missing...although 22 isn't bad 19 would be amazing)

hooray for sunshine, no 55 minute commute, no grading papers, and no planning!

i know 1st grade will be here before i know it, and i can hardly wait!

i am ever so excited to join the katie and amy duo!

not to mention that the other girls that we hired are the cutest!

pretty much we will be the best team ever!

save the last dance for me

2009-05-10T11:28:00.007-06:00

caroline and david went to accolade last night. mom and i spent the afternoon making 5 bouquets and 3 boutonnieres for caroline and david's friends. we forgot to take pictures of our handiwork, but just trust me when I say they were fabulous!

caroline, in typical girl fashion, was running behind and was a bit stressed, but not to worry... mom and I were were very helpful!

caroline and david just before caroline left to go pick up her date. (the dance was girls choice.)

the siblings

christian spent the weekend at lake mead and was not here for the sibling photo op!

yeah, don't feel sad for him.

hannah and david

it was david's first dance and I think he looked rather spiffed up in his tux.

note hannah's flowers... we made them.

(calla lilies, ranunculus, freesia, wax flower, and some lily grass)

2009-2010

2009-05-05T23:40:00.012-06:00

next year I will be here:
teaching first grade with:

yay!

katie and amy,

i can hardly wait for next year! it will be the best ever! i am so excited! think of the fun we will have!

xoxo

rebecca

p.s. i know everyone is beyond thrilled that they will not have to hear me stress/whine/complain over job postings anymore!

the new 'do

2009-05-02T12:51:00.006-06:00

i got my hair cut this morning... on a whim i decided to opt for bangs.

i have been considering the aforementioned bangs the past couple of hours. caroline just pointed out to me that since i have short bangs, the signature rebecca "boof" is a thing of the past. dang! looks like i will have to actually do my hair!

that's okay i suppose because i have decided that i rather like them!

happy weekend!

for your enjoyment

2009-04-25T15:57:00.010-06:00

on tuesday during p.e. time we couldn't use the gym, so i told my kinders that it was their lucky ducky day because we were going to have p.e. on the playground. (yes, i was being a lazy teacher and didn't want to plan an organized outdoor activity.) after i assured them that they could play in the sandbox, james raised his hand.

"yes, james."

"you are a genius teacher."

classic.

kindergarten writing is quite entertaining. it takes great skill to decipher their writing... for you amateurs I will translate.

from london, who doesn't quite pronounce her "r's":

translation: i love you wile (really) much. your (you're) ur (our) bs (best) techr (teacher) evr (ever)

and finally... this one takes the cake.

we are writing i like me books for our super literacy day. sophie provided us with this little gem.

apparently she likes her boos!

translation: i like my fingernails because they are hot pink nails and i like my bows.

mellow yellow

2009-04-15T21:43:00.005-06:00

Here are the latest Spring purchases...

As my kindergarteners would tell you, yellow is my favorite color (favorite colors are important in kindergarten). I am quite satisfied with the sunshine-y, spring-y quality of my newest acquisitions. Let's hope it decides to be spring in Utah at some point. I was greeted by a fresh coat of powdery whiteness on my car when I left for work today. C'mon, doesn't the saying go "April showers" not "April blizzards"? (Blizzards clearly does not rhyme with flowers.)

For now, I suppose I will just look dumb carrying around the yellow purse in the snow!

Let's Talk About This

2009-03-18T00:05:00.004-06:00

So if you know me, you know that I am a loyal and devoted MAC make-up user... however I am not one to rule out a great grocery store cosmetic find. Here is my latest great find that I share with you my blogging friends:

For a mere $7.50 (or something like that) it too can be yours. Yes 1/2 the price of good old MAC plush lash.

Ta-Dah! Presenting...

Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express Mascara

Try it, you'll like it! In a box with a fox, in house with a mouse, here or there... anywhere!

Job interview

2009-03-10T16:10:00.003-06:00

So typically when people think of job interview attire they think suit, nylons, heels, clean hair...

February 27 I had a job interview. This is what I was wearing:

*Note: I also had day old hair. It had been a shower cap morning.

The recruiting lady from the district was here at the school on a Professional Development Day (hence the tracksuit) I popped in to ask her a couple questions about my contract and found out that I would need a new screening interview because I was moving from a part time to a full time contract and I was hired after January.

A few minutes later it was just arranged that I could have the job interview right then since she was already there. I apologized for my lack of professional attire and she just kept telling me how happy she was that I had stopped in and how much the district would love to have me work for them next year. So over the next 30 minutes I grabbed my file and started pulling letters of recommendation, my BYU transcript, and student teaching evaluations. I was asked if I would rather do my interview another day so I could prepare, but I decided to just go for it. After all if I couldn't pass a basic screening interview then I probably shouldn't be teaching!

Thankfully it went really well and I am now in the district candidate pool for the 2009-2010 school year. I am anxious to see where I end up teaching next year. Principals do interviews in April! I will be sure not to wear a tracksuit and to wash my hair!

Time flies when you are having fun...

2009-03-09T20:02:00.000-06:00

As you all are well aware, I seem to have taken a vacation from the blogging world. With moving from Newport Beach, starting kindergarten, teaching every day, and Christian coming home it has been a busy 2009 thus far! Here is an update... photos included! Enjoy!

February 6th Christian returned home from Hiroshima, Japan! It has been so much fun having him home and being all together as a family.

Here he comes

Christian and Me
The Kunz Family (Note the matching shirts... if he was embarrassed it is his fault because he gave them to us!)

Next up... I got lasik!!! I LOVE being able to see! It is the best thing ever! Truly a miracle of modern medicine! It wasn't painful at all... I would do it again! Definitely worth it! At night I sometimes forget and I lie down and spring right back up to take out my contacts. I am not used to going to bed without the blurriness! For your viewing pleasure... here is a disgusting picture of me in my "bug glasses." I had to wear these the first 24 hours after the procedure and then just sleep in them for 5 nights after. Every morning I had to peel goo off my face from the tape. Lovely! I had to put lots and lots of drops in my eyes for about a week and couldn't wear make up for 5 days. It was a quick procedure with an easy recovery. Cheers to 20/20 vision!

I have 21 darling, spunky and busy kindergarteners! It has been so fun to be back in the classroom! Last week was report cards and two nights of Parent Teacher Conferences. It is always nice to have that out of the way.

We have been working really hard on our Writer's Workshop using "spacerman", word wall words, stretching words with our "sound slinkys" and punctuation. Take a look at this courtesy of my little London J. How could I not love my job?
Here's to being a better blogger this month!

A Kunzie Family Christmas

2008-12-26T14:35:00.000-07:00

It seems crazy that Christmas has already come and gone. Here is one of the quick highlights from yesterday (more to come later):

We got to call Christian-it was so good to hear his voice. He comes home in just six weeks! For Christmas, our favorite missionary sent us matching shirts with his photo on them. Of course we all sported them yesterday....

(oh and the shirts came with some pretty sweet headbands)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Enjoy the rest of December until clean-outs, diets and strict work-out regimens commence!

Run run as fast as you can...

2008-12-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

During the month of December my kindergarten friends and I compared different versions of the classic The Gingerbread Man. As a culminating event they got to decorate their own gingerbread houses. My mom, Caroline, and I spent the evening building 45 gingerbread houses from graham crackers. We melted sugar to act as glue and tried not to burn ourselves as we constructed these little beauties. I took them all to school the next morning for my kindergarteners to decorate. My little friends LOVED every minute of it; however, I am not convinced that I am doing this again next year.

turkey, stuffing, and pie... oh my!

2008-11-30T17:49:00.000-07:00

This year for Thanksgiving we had dinner at my Aunt Mary and Uncle Gordy's home. They have 5 kids... Charlotte, their youngest, provided us with some good entertainment! She couldn't remember my daddy's name so she would say, "Uncle (long pause) Uncle." So yes my daddy was dubbed "Uncle Uncle" by Charlotte. Grandma and Grandpa Kunz were there too.

I just love the holidays!

01. everything is so cozy

02. being with family

03. the spirit the holidays bring

04. delicious holiday food

05. decorations

Good food and good times! Until next year...

Mom and Lucy

Mom and Daddy

Charlotte and her Thanksgiving pie goodness

Lucy, Caroline, and Annabelle

Me and Charlotte

Miss Kunz's Kindergarten Friends

2008-11-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

Yes you read it right... I am going to teach kindergarten... in Utah! I will be teaching at the elementary school I student taught at, in the classroom I student taught in, and I will be sharing a contract with the teacher who mentored me! It will be a change to go from first grade to kindergarten, but I am so excited. I will teach full time during Emily's maternity leave and then I will be teaching afternoon kindergarten from February on. Of course come fall I will need to have a full time position, but for the next few months this is just the perfect opportunity.

I learned so much about myself during my Newport Beach adventure--most of all that I find my greatest satisfaction in teaching and that there is no place like home. So on Saturday I will be clicking the heels of my ruby slippers together and heading back to Utah...just in time for winter I might add! The few months I have lived out here have been a great chapter in my life and something I will always be glad that I did!

I will miss Kate, my cousins, and the new friends I made here, but I can't wait to get back to the beautiful mountains, my adorable 5 year olds, and my family and friends in Utah!

This is how my darling six year old cousin Julia feels about my decision:

I promised to mail her some Junie B. Jones books and now it seems that we are on good terms again! I love you Julia! x o x o

announcement!!!

2008-11-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

My mom just got Christian's flight plans in the mail today!!! He is arriving at Salt Lake City International Airport on Friday, February 6th at 3:55pm!!! Wahoo!

P.S. I have another fabulous announcement... but not enough time to spill the beans... so I will just give you a hint.. (hint: Miss Kunz)

P.P.S. I hope the suspense doesn't stress anyone out!

Elder Kunzie...

2008-11-04T12:35:00.000-07:00

Yippee!!!

(still up to his usual stunts)

This is a shout out to our very own missionary who...... will be home in 3 months!!! Can you believe it?? We are oh so excited! The first week of February our Japanese Elder comes back to us!!! I love you Christian!!! We know Japan will miss him, as he has been an incredible missionary bringing joy to the lives of others by sharing the gospel!

Life as I know it...

2008-11-03T20:19:00.000-07:00

I wear...

I love...

I drink...

I feel...

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-10-05T22:37:00.000-06:00

01. Autumn

It is getting cooler... which I love! Sadly there are no red and orange hued leaves out my window, but I can make do if the weather is going to turn cool and crisp. It was even cool enough this morning for my fuzzy polka dot socks!

02. Rain

Yesterday it rained! I love the sound and the smell of rain! I also love rain boots, umbrellas, and raincoats.

03. Apple Crisp

The most yummy dessert! It says fall like nothing else. Must be served warm with vanilla bean ice cream. (Confession: I had two helpings of it tonight.)

04. Clean Laundry

I did all my laundry at Rachelle and Joe's this weekend. Nothing like neatly folded stacks of clean, fresh laundry!

05. Fresh Flowers

I purchased some tulips at the grocery store last night. There is just something about fresh flowers that makes me smile!

06. Conference

I love conference weekends! It is so nice to relax, enjoy good food, and listen to the Prophet and other church leaders. I especially loved President Monson's talk during the Sunday Morning session on change and enjoying the journey. It was a good message of hope for all and I found myself really connecting with it. Sometimes I feel like I get bogged down by the unimportant things. Its always good to be reminded to focus on the simple things and to remember to live and love each day.

07. Blueberry Muffins

I love making homemade blueberry muffins. I love the blueberry goodness! (Hint: Even better than the muffins is the batter!)

08. Eyelashes

Brittney comes into town this next weekend! What does that mean? Eyelashes! I get my extensions replenished! I have had them for just over a month and I am hooked. Luscious lashes without mascara... who would have thought?

09. iTunes

Previewing and then buying new tunes with just a click! Sheer genius...

Some of my latest faves:

Bennie and the Jets (Elton John)

On My Mind (Kalai) thanks Cassie for the recommendation!

Remember That and Come on Over (Jessica Simpson) I am loving her as a country singer...

Forever (Chris Brown) "Girl where did you come from, got me so undone."

Love Remains the Same (Gavin Rossdale)

Love Story (Taylor Swift)

10. Visitors

My family comes out on the 15th for the weekend, Candace and Jared are coming over Halloween, and Grandma and Grandpa Miller are coming out over Halloween too! Yay for visitors!

along came a spider

2008-09-29T00:42:00.000-06:00

Dear Mr. Spidey,

I can say I definitely had a "Miss Muffet" experience this evening. You gave me quite the fright as you were crawling towards my face over my comforter. I am sure you probably came in through the open window. Please note the window was open for fresh air, not as an invitation for you to join me under the covers. I know I was not a very kind hostess rocket-launching out of my bed holding back the urge to scream.

I'm sorry to say, but you were quite the unwelcome house guest. So unwelcome that when I came back to my bed with a tissue gingerly looking through the covers, I was plotting your extinction. When I could not find you, I took a fluffy blanket from the closet and my pillow (after a thorough inspection) out to the couch for the evening.

Upon walking back into my bedroom for a moment, I felt you wriggling up my arm. I immediately jumped and shook you off. If you found that rude, my sincerest apologies. It was there, crawling on my white bath mat, that you met your fate. You now rest in peace squashed between a tissue in the garbage can where you belong. Spideys do not belong indoors and most certainly are not meant to sleep in beds.

It is with relief and a certain sense of creepy crawly-ness that I write you this letter from my bed (which is now hopefully a spidey free zone). May your death be a statement to all other spideys who dare to enter my home.

Sorry you died,
Rebecca

Happy, Happy Birthday Caroline Dear!

2008-09-27T23:20:00.001-06:00

I still remember the day she was born. I was in kindergarten and Susan Darner came to get me from the bus stop at the corner. I remember her telling me that my mom and daddy were at the hospital because my sister was going to be born and I walked home with her to go play until I could go to the hospital to see Caroline.

David, Caroline, and Christian

Caroline is the big 18 today!

18 Things About Caroline

1. We tease Caroline because when she was little she used to run around the neighborhood pants-less... it was always just her t-shirt, undies and a big bow.

2. Like most little girls, Caroline and I used to play Barbies. We had a Pocahantas Barbie doll that was always the crazy neighbor.

3. Caroline is incredibly musically talented. She has an amazing singing voice and is an extremely talented piano player. She also has a very trained ear. In choir she can pick out not only her part, but every other section's parts (including bass and tenor).

4. When Caroline was almost 3, she was playing in the family room in Mesa and bonked her head on the fireplace right between her eyes. She had a deep gash right at the top of her nose. She put her head down for a minute and then I noticed that she was gushing blood. Naturally I started screaming for mom. Caroline had to have 4 stitches and at her Winnie the Pooh birthday party a couple days later you could see them in all of her pictures.

5. Caroline is an awesome snow skier. I am proud to say that she can keep up with all of the boys, in fact she leaves most of them in her dust.

6. Caroline is quite the chef and baker. Confections are her specialty. She makes the yummiest cakes, from scratch of course! She has also seemed to master the whole dash of this, a little of that, oh just till it looks right thing that I seem to struggle with!

7. Caroline is one of the kindest people I know. She has the purest heart and is such a genuine person. I admire her ability to be a friend to all.

8. Caroline is a smartie! She might kill me for announcing it here, but on her first try on her ACT she got a 30. In middle school, she scored in an extremely high percentile on some standardized tests. I believe it was the counselor who started calling her "golden girl". The nickname has kind of stuck among some of her friends.

9. Caroline is an artist, though she would never claim to be. She has taken some painting classes at school and has done a couple paintings. She has a eye for still life paintings and always gets the lighting/shadow effects just right.

10. Caroline wants to go to BYU. Go cougs! She says that she will likely be there a while because so many classes sound of interest. She loves to learn and absorbs everything. (Unlike me I usually learn it and then forget it.)

11. When she was a little girl, Caroline told us that she wanted to be "the lady that scoops the ice cream." Aim high!

12. Caroline was visiting me for a weekend down in Provo when she was 15. I decided that we were going to go out driving. As I recall, her practice opportunities were quite limited at this point. I made her go though a round-a-bout and she was not the least bit happy with me, but hey we both lived to tell the tale.

13. Caroline is quite the seamstress. I can manage to sew a straight line, but she is remarkable. For her musical last year, she sewed all of her costumes...big elaborate dresses. Wow!

14. We sometimes call her "Missy."

15. Caroline's hair is stick straight. She can leave the house with it in a wet pony tail, take the pony tail out when her hair is still damp and run her fingers through it, and when it is dry it looks like she spent forever straightening it. Wouldn't that be divine!

16. Even though she is younger than me, she is an example. She is such a good person and she always aspires to be better. She is firm in her convictions and always makes good choices.

17. I am a bit ashamed to admit this, but I remember a particular conversation we had when Caroline was probably 10 and I was probably 15. We were trying to figure out how tall we would all be by doing the whole double your height at 2 years old thing. We doubled her height and it came out being over six feet tall. She cried because I told her she would never find any boys tall enough for her. (So mean, I realize that!) The irony of it all is that she is the shortest in the family at 5'6'' (or so she claims.)

18. Caroline and I each call the other "my favorite sister". I am so lucky to have Caroline. I couldn't ask for a sweeter, spunkier, more beautiful, talented, or fun sister!

Caroline, I love you very much and I am so happy that I know we will be together forever! I hope all your birthday wishes come true!

I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale...

2008-09-26T00:08:00.000-06:00

Two items for this evening:

Grey's Anatomy It came back to us! Yay! Meredith and Derek are going to try to be happy and normal. Try being the operative word. Izzy and Alex need to be together. The whole Lexie George thing...sad for Lexie. A certain cardio-thoracic surgeon and orthopedic surgeon, well let's not mention that. A two whole hours... my show is back!

White Horse The Grey's producers always pick such great songs. There was a song playing in the background on tonight's episode that I just loved. I thought it sounded like Taylor Swift. Lo and behold after a bit of research, it was indeed Taylor Swift and the song is called White Horse. It doesn't get released until November 11th. I am secretly hoping that it iTunes is able to pull a few strings and get it to us sooner.

"I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairy tale. I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet, lead her down the stairwell. This ain't Hollywood, this is a small town. I was a dreamer before you and you let me down. Now its too late for you and your white horse to come around..."

Target

2008-09-20T12:58:00.000-06:00

As many of you know, I have this thing for Target. Maybe it is unhealthy or excessive, but I love the place and can never leave with only what I came for. Everything about it is fantastic! Home decor, movies, towels (Side note:One weekend I went home and my mom had new fluffy white towels in our bathroom. I asked her where she got them and she told me Target. Now who would have thought! The Thomas O'Brien towels are great and only 10ish dollars!), greeting cards, entertaining items, wrapping paper, seasonal decor, clothes, purses, earrings.... you get the point. I could wander around for hours with my little red shopping cart.

Anyway my whole inspiration behind this post was this amazing little tidbit: Slave to Target. I know my mom, Candace, and Kate share my affinity for Target, but someone has dedicated an entire blog to it! Amazing!

Among other things, a "quick" Target run is on my list of to do's. I go in willingly, knowing that I will not come out with list items only. Dangerous, but someone has to do it.

Photos from Kate's Camera

2008-09-12T22:25:00.000-06:00

So Kate will be the first to tell you that my great scheming decorating ideas always involve some element of work... here are a couple instances we captured on camera.

I picked up my desk from the store rather than having it delivered (I borrowed Rachelle's car, as mine is not the slightest bit helpful when it comes to hauling big loads). After getting it here, we had to get it up the stairs. One of our neighbors helped us get it out of the car and to the stairs (well it was not really "us", more like the neighbor and Kate), but not wanting to inconvenience him any more, I assured him that we could get it up the stairs. I got rid of our help too soon. For the next few minutes Kate and I tried to lug the box up the stairs. I am sure we were pure entertainment to anyone who was watching out the window. Not to mention midway up the stairs I had to stop for a bathroom break because I had been laughing too hard. Kate says I must mention that she was left on the stairs with the very heavy box while I took my little break. We finally got the box up the stairs and so everyone could see how large it really was, we documented it:

Let's just say that Kate probably wanted to kill me, but instead we ended up laughing and I was told that all other furniture purchases must be delivered.

If you know me, you know I love vases and bowls and vase fillers (random balls, rocks, moss, ornaments etc.). I purchased a couple fun vases and decided that since we lived by the beach I needed to fill them with sand and shells. One evening as Kate and I were lounging around in our sweats, I decided that we needed sand for our vases in a desperate way. We drove over to Newport Beach, parked the car, and walked the few blocks to the beach so I could fill my giant ziplock baggie with sand. Kate took a photo:

Don't worry, I got lots of strange looks as we walked back to the car with the giant baggie of sand. Extra bonus, as we were getting back into my car there was a man across the street in his boat (with a beverage in hand) calling out to us, "hey we've got room for two more." We smiled and quickly got in the car. As we drove away we got another nod from our boating friend. Oh, did I mention that he was quite possibly 40? Good times!

Operation Decoration

2008-09-12T22:14:00.000-06:00

I have been struggling with the idea of what to put on the big empty wall above the couch: a mirror, several mirrors, framed art.... One of my new friends is an interior designer and she gave me the fabulous idea to hang a bunch of clocks on the wall. I spent this week purchasing clocks from Target and Ikea. I found some really fun and unique clocks...seven to be exact. Here is the finished product! I love it! Now for the wall above the fire place...

Big news on the decoration front... the Pottery Barn chair arrived last week. It adds some color and pizazz to the front room. I am again a satisfied Pottery Barn customer. I LOVE the new chair!

One last shot to admire the chair and the clocks simultaneously! :)

Kate thanks for helping my hang the clocks and supporting the clock idea when I am sure you had thought I had completely lost it!

Caroline...one of the many reasons that I love you!

2008-08-24T17:21:00.000-06:00

Check it out!

Presenting # 127!

2008-08-24T16:28:00.000-06:00

So here are the pictures you have all been waiting for. (The fantastic arm chair isn't scheduled for delivery until next month.)

Here is the fun drawer pull that Caroline and I found at Anthropologie:

Kate and I LOVE our place. It has been so much fun to decorate the apartment!
The BEST thing is my walk in closet!!! Am I lucky or what? Reason #3276...why we don't miss Provo!

Caroline+Newport Beach + Wicked=Fun

2008-08-24T15:58:00.000-06:00

This past weekend Caroline came to stay with me. She flew in Thursday night and left on Monday morning. I worked extra hours all week so I could have Friday off. We ate yummy food, went shopping at Fashion Island (Anthropologie of course), hung pictures at the apartment, baked cookies and muffins, and went to WICKED!

On Saturday we drove up to L.A. to go see Wicked. It was at the Pantages Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. We parked, walked to will call to get our tickets, and then wandered up and down the street looking for a bite to eat. At Caroline's recommendation, we grabbed a bite "at the first non-shady place we found." We actually had a tasty lunch at a Mexican restaurant and hurried back down the street to meet Jen and grab our seats before the show.

We had awesome seats... I loved every minute! My favorite new song is As Long As Your Mine! Much to Kate's great joy, Caroline and I were belting Wicked at the top of our lungs for the rest of the weekend!

Sisters!

Yay! Jen was in town!

Internet explorer has encountered an error and must shut down...

2008-07-30T22:58:00.000-06:00

Now I pose the question: what exactly does the "send error report now" button accomplish? Perhaps its for statistical purposes. Why are the PC companies interested in keeping track of how many of their computers are internally combusting? Don't ask me I haven't the foggiest. An even better idean, perhaps they put the button there, so in our absolute frustration we feel as if something is being done...even if we are clicking a useless button.

What I do know is that I am forever and always a Mac girl.

I have had a PC for work since Sunday night and I can't even remember how many error messages I have received! Frustrating! I have already reached the point of wanting to toss it over my balcony.

No, I am not being paid by apple for this testimonial.

P.S. I love the mac & P.C. ad campaign.
"Hi I'm a mac."
"And I'm a PC and I don't work properly!"

shoe love is true love

2008-07-27T19:14:00.000-06:00

Three reasons why I love Nordstrom! (I wore the red pair to church today and I am (sigh) in love!)

More First Grade Pics

2008-07-19T23:41:00.000-06:00

I just pulled these pics off of my parents' computer, where they have been for the last 2 months! Indulge me once more as I post pictures of first grade!

Mr. and Mrs. Strong

2008-07-19T22:40:00.001-06:00

Tonight I was able to go to my friend Katie's wedding reception. Katie and I met a little over a year ago when I was interviewing for a job. I had met with the principal that morning and then I got a phone call asking that I come back after school to meet with the first grade team. I met Katie and she gave me a tour of the school. I remember thinking, "Wow she has the most amazing, organized classroom and she has the best taste in clothes... I could totally work with her!" I got a phone call about 15 minutes after I left the school offering me a job to teach first grade...with Katie. Katie was my lifesaver on more than one occasion. She is such a talented teacher and I learned so much from her. We became quick friends. We always say about our friendship that, "we just clicked."

This evening Katie Anderson became Katie Strong! I was happy I got to share in Katie and Anthony's special day! Katie looked absolutely beautiful! She and Anthony compliment each other so well and I am so happy for them both!

Bonus! Adrienne another one of my friends from work, my next door neighbor in the hallway, was able to come with me. We got to spend some time together this evening. I was so happy we got the chance to chat before I leave tomorrow for Newport Beach. (Adrienne said she is coming to visit. So Adrienne, I am holding you to it! :) ) Adrienne came in halfway through the year to take over our C Track first grade. She did an amazing job! I can't even imagine coming in halfway through the year and starting management all over and training 25 first graders in March. I was lucky to have been able to teach for 4 months with Adrienne! Adrienne I am happy you moved all the way across the country... even if you thought it was about the craziest thing you had ever done!

As we were driving in, Amy Hansen, my other teaching friend pulled in with her husband and her darling baby Jaxson! It was so good to see her before I leave tomorrow. Especially since she was out on maternity leave the last 6 weeks of school! Amy was my mentor this year and I can't even begin to tell you how many times I went in to her room just to vent! She was so sweet when I was completely stressed out before starting school. She spent well over an hour just talking about my daily schedule with me and helping me figure it out! We laugh about that now... the time I changed my mind 45 million times and then ended up with a schedule pretty much like Amy's. Amy, thank you for everything!!

I couldn't have asked for three better people to work with every day! Katie, Adrienne, and Amy I will miss you!

Trading Spaces is not as easy as it looks!

2008-07-18T20:10:00.000-06:00

After 4 trips to Home Depot (3 by me and 1 by my dad) and a week of hard work... my chairs are finally finished! Thankfully Caroline took pity on me and decided that she would help. This was quite the project! Stripping, sanding, and painting 6 chairs was much more work than I anticipated! In fact, several times during the ordeal I asked myself why I wanted to strip, sand, and repaint the kitchen chairs. On the bright side, I now feel as if the paint aisles at Home Depot are my domain and I was able to learn quite a lot. Now will I ever use my new found knowledge on a new project? Ask me in a few months because currently the answer is no.

So you too can admire my handiwork...

Stripping the chairs:

I like the contrast of the table and chairs:

So this will be the cozy little table at the Katie and Rebecca residence! Come and visit and then you can eat dinner at our little table!

CPK Lunch Date

2008-07-16T16:54:00.000-06:00

I got to meet 4 of my first grade friends for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen! It was so good to see them! I miss all my first graders so much!

The chair...

2008-07-15T18:47:00.001-06:00

So this is the chair I am contemplating...

It may seem a little intense, but I am a woman with a decorating vision! (again Pottery Barn is fantastic)

I LOVE Pottery Barn

2008-07-15T18:40:00.000-06:00

My new acquisitions...#127 is going to be well outfitted! I am so excited!

Floor Lamp

Headboard

Nesting Tables

Fear not my fellow bloggers…I have returned!

2008-07-10T20:01:00.001-06:00

So much has happened over the past few months and I will attempt to summarize.

I finished my first year of 1st grade. As expected it was really hard to say goodbye to all of my “friends”. I feel so blessed that I was able to have 27 vivacious, spunky, darling children be a part of my life. I miss them like crazy! I cried, as did about 15 of my children. It was a hard day!

I saw school supplies at Walmart yesterday and I’m not going to lie, it made my heart a little sad. Here are pictures from our field trips and our last day of school. Enjoy!

Next up, we were off to Lake Tahoe for our Miller family reunion. We have vacationed at Lake Tahoe my whole life and I love it! It is so fun to be together with the whole family. Since I have a June birthday, it is rare that my birthday is celebrated at home. 23 was celebrated at Lake Tahoe. Caroline made me our favorite white cake (from scratch) with lemon curd. Because there were so many of us, she made two cakes. They were delicious! Thanks Caroline! (note the cute cupcake apron which was purchased for the cake making)

Griffin, my 3 year old cousin, was my little buddy during the week. He called me A-becca…he would ask, “what’s your name?” and then he would say, “oh yeah, A-becca.” We had fun playing blocks, coloring, reading stories, and singing songs. One night he came up to me and said, “butterfly kisses.” So I gave him a butterfly kiss and then I taught him how to do Eskimo kisses. He sat there a minute and then puckered up and said, “Eskimo kisses on the lips.” So cute! I am excited to move to Newport and live close to Fin and his family.
Fin helped me blow out my candles.

This past week I spent in California and Arizona. I had so much fun relaxing! We were supposed to go backpacking while in Arizona, but thunderstorms were in the forecast so we changed our plans. We ate out, enjoyed fireworks, laid by the pool, saw a movie, and had a great time. We went on a short easy hike up in Sedona on Saturday. The red rock was so beautiful.

Yesterday we went out to Santa Cruz and laid on the beach…we ran out in the waves and I got soaked! After a while we started to notice that there were several people around who decided that swimwear was optional…we promptly left! We had a good laugh. We enjoyed a yummy lunch at a fabulous deli. I had a grilled chicken and artichoke sandwich. We then went out the pier by the boardwalk and saw a bunch of sea lions. They make the funniest noise. Look at the sea lions snuggled on the dock. Kind of cute…eh?

I was able to spend some time in Los Altos with Grandma and Grandpa. It was fun to just hang out and visit with Grandma. It was so hot that we spent a while chatting in the pool last night. Of course Grandma and I ran errands…Target, Trader Joe’s, etc. Grandma and I made my favorite blueberry muffins this morning. Delicious! I can’t believe that it was 2 years ago that I lived with Grandma and Grandpa for the summer while I taught at Pinewood. Wow! Time flies!

I purchased tickets to see Wicked in a couple weeks in L.A. and I am so excited! My good friend Jen was kind enough to coordinate it all! Caroline and my mom saw it in New York and LOVED it! August 16th Wicked is coming my way!

Last, but not least, I move to Newport Beach on the 20th! I can hardly wait. Kate went out a few weeks ago and says the apartment is great! I am excited to start “operation decoration” on #127! I will post pics soon! Kate and I will be having a private Welcome to Newport party complete with Sprinkles Cupcakes!

career day

2008-05-29T10:36:00.000-06:00

For the enjoyment of all, here are some first grade quotes from our career day this morning:

Nurse: How often should we wash our hands?
First Grade Friend: Um... every day.

Attorney: I went to school for 3 years after college.
First Grade Friend: How long do you have to go to school to be an astronaut? (completely off topic...of course)

Orthodontist: Candy and soda are not good to eat while you have braces.
First Grade Friends:
Can you eat gum?
Can you drink milk?
Can you eat chocolate?
and the best of all.... Can you drink water?

the germ report...courtesy KSL

2008-05-20T15:14:00.000-06:00

Hand sanitizers: clean hands or a false sense of security?
May 19th, 2008 @ 10:15pm
Debbie Dujanovic reporting Produced by Kelly Just
They seem like a stroke of genius: A way to clean your hands anywhere, no water required. In no time at all, hand sanitizers became part of our daily lives. The Salt Lake Police Department makes sure officers have them handy. Local schools stock it to keep children healthy. And a single bottle can cost you as much as $4.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says they can keep us healthier by getting rid of the common germs that cause tummy troubles and infections. Many even promise to kill nearly 100 percent of germs. But do they always work as advertised? Could these products be giving you a false sense of security?
We randomly purchased 10 brands of hand sanitizers and took them to Data Chem laboratories in Murray to test them out. We requested the lab run a single test on each hand sanitizer. Who better to put the sanitizers to the test than a group of 6th-graders?
The students from Fremont Elementary know when their hands are dirty. One student said he can see the dirt, "when I'm done playing basketball." Another said her hands get dirty because, "I like to play around a lot outside, play with my dog."
Just to make sure all the children had germs on their hands before we started, they rubbed them in their hair. It's a lab-approved way of collecting germs.
Then microbiologist Adrian Gallardo helped them press three dirty fingers into a Petri dish. Using a different brand on each child, we squirted a generous amount of sanitizer into their hands. The children thoroughly rubbed it in, and then they press their fingers in a different Petri dish.
Two days later, the results were in. "There is definitely variability between the products. And there's a wide span of range between the percentages that were killed." said Gallardo.
Before we get to those numbers, we found something about hand sanitizers the children didn't know and you might not, either. Some research suggests they should be used in addition to regular hand washing. In fact, the CDC says when your hands are visibly dirty, go for the soap and water. If you expect hand sanitizers to always kill all of the germs, you may be giving yourself a false sense of security.
With that in mind, two of the brands we tested did kill 99 percent of germs found on the children: Walgreen's and Delta hand sanitizers
Five brands got rid of 90 percent to 98 percent of the germs. The brands were Family Dollar's store brand, Crystal Waters, Swan, germ-X and the American Red Cross sanitizer.
Next we tried Purell and Breck for Kids. In other tests around the country, both brands scored higher than our results, killing between 80 percent and 90 percent of the germs. Our Purell test came close to that at 79 percent.
The makers of Purell discounted our test saying our methods did not follow the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) protocols and procedures. They said our results were not valid for scientific assessment. They stood by their promise to kill 99.99 percent of germs.
With Breck for Kids, our test killed just 16 percent of germs. One possible reason: the Petri dish shows the student who used this product started out with more germs than the other children. The company hasn't issued a response.
Finally, we tested two Bath & Body Works cleansers; the gel and the foam. The gel killed 98 percent of the bacteria. The foam was no match for the germs, killing just 8 percent of the germs. Bath and Body Works did not want to comment on our results. Data Chem lab suggests it could come down to different active ingredients. The gel is alcohol based, the foam is not.

So I guess it is good that we use germ-X in our classroom!

the weekend

2008-05-18T22:20:00.000-06:00

This weekend I helped my mom do food for 100 at a Young Women luncheon, worked in the yard, attended Caroline's singing concert, and had a chance to catch up with friends.

In high school and college I tended for the Talbot family. I would help out so Diana could run errands and tend when Diana and Bryon went out of town. They are like a second family to me. I was able to visit them this evening...it was so good to catch up. Little Lexi, who is 8, is an absolute crack up. She decided that she is going to go on a plane all by herself and come to see me so we can go to Disneyland together. "Mom just put me on the airplane and I'll go see merbecca. I'll just need some money so I can buy drinks on the plane." (We told her that drinks are free, because we didn't think she would be drinking any alcohol.) I told her she would have to be very brave to come all by herself and she said, "I am brave and very responsible."

I also just saw an interesting tidbit on the news: apparently KSL did an investigation on hand sanitizers and found out that some are not effective in killing germs. Yikes! That is what we use in first grade all the time! I call them "squirts". I always have about 5 friends who ask if they can give "squirts" for snack. It airs tomorrow on the 10:00 news...I will most certainly be watching! I know first grade is germ central! Yuck!

the lady on the elevator and idol

2008-05-14T20:03:00.001-06:00

So if you know me, you know I often say hello and strike up conversation with random people: the lady at the checkout stand, the random child at the store, the department store salesperson. Today was no different. I hopped onto the elevator at the condo with a lady who was putting off some interesting vibes. Perhaps against my better judgment I decided to say something. "Hi, how's it going?" I greeted her. She muttered some reply and I said, "thank goodness it is almost the weekend." To that she says, "I don't spend my life wishing, but I do wish my ex-husband husband would get hit by a car- carrying mack truck." Sufficiently awkward. Luckily she got off on the second floor.

So in this moment I am watching American Idol and Fantasia is performing.... I pose this question: "how did she win?" I mean was everyone else tone deaf??

And a side note...of course I want Utah's own David Archuleta! He's darling!

Random story...I was in Relief Society on and during the good news minute a 50 something lady in my ward shares her good news: " I went to the Gateway to see David Archuleta...I just love him!" I laughed pretty hard. Then my mom pipes up and says, "I was at Gateway the day he was there too. The lady at Chico's asked me if I had seen David Archuleta and I kind of just said no and didn't tell her that I didn't know who that was." I had to enlighten my mother...me and I have seen a whole 1 1/2 episodes this season...

not on the test

2008-05-08T23:52:00.000-06:00

Check this out. My teammate Melody emailed this to me. It is so true! More true for those of you who are educators! Anyway it is quite clever!

Lucky for me the Utah State Office of Education opted to not have first graders take the CRTs. Thank goodness because filling in bubbles and multiple choice tests are not very developmentally appropriate for six and seven year olds. More stress than necessary for their little brains!

may musings

2008-05-07T21:40:00.000-06:00

Let's start with California...the apartment hunt was successful! We saw 5 different apartments: 3 in Irvine and 2 in Newport Beach. During our apartment hunt we concluded that The Irvine Company owned the majority of Orange County...seriously! So this company owned every complex we looked at and about 75 more and a couple of shopping centers! We are looking to end up in Newport at one of the two places we saw. We think we found a good deal on rent...if "good deals" even exist in that region of the country. Don't worry I will probably take a big gulp as I write out my first rent check. But nonetheless I am excited about my new adventure!

My other obsession during the California weekend was Sprinkles Cupcakes... they were FANTASTIC! I love them! We went back twice and I purchased more than I should have. Somehow I found myself justifying the $3.75 per cupcake price tag. Let's just say cupcakes will be for special occasions so I don't end up looking like a cupcake!

I stopped by Costco on my way home to purchase a couple DVD's...27 Dresses and P.S. I Love You...both fabulous. Needless to say, these two DVD's have kept me company this evening while folding laundry and creating a first grade unit on the ocean.

I only have 1 more month left in the school year. Our last day of 1st grade is June 6th. It will be bittersweet leaving. I have 27 children who have become such a part of my life. It will be strange not teaching...I feel as if 1st grade teacher has become a part of my identity. My fellow teachers you will understand this.

I am now living in my grandparents' condo in Salt Lake until the end of the school year. It was definitely time to bid farewell to Provo! I am enjoying my space at the condo... it has been quite nice! Beautiful things like: it is only my food in the refrigerator, having a washer and dryer, a walk in closet, drinking juice directly out of the carton....

What is up with the weather?!!!?

2008-04-24T18:41:00.000-06:00

So upon waking this morning it is raining. I drive to work in pouring rain. My first grade friends get sent in from recess early because it's hailing. Lunch recess is on, then cancelled due to rain, and then on again. (insert sigh of relief here) This afternoon as we are walking into an assembly it is SNOWING! I just wish it could be sunny and 75 degrees always and forever! Channel 5 news reported that Snowbasin got 12'' of snow today! I guess that is spring for ya. Never fear because I am headed to southern California Saturday morning! Yea for SUNSHINE!

So the weather makes my first graders get a little out of sync. Today was a hard day because the majority of my friends decided that listening was optional!!

After months, GREY'S ANATOMY is coming back to us! McDreamy and McSteamy have returned! This has been a long awaited moment... So this evening at 8:00 p.m. I will be tuning in to ABC! Let's hope the episode doesn't disappoint!

Lately...

2008-04-18T21:17:00.000-06:00

So Tahiti was absolutely amazing!! It was so great just to sit and do nothing but soak up sun, read, take naps, and enjoy delicious food and beautiful scenery! If you want to see pics check out our photo gallery.

In other news, I have started teaching again this week...it is good to back in a routine, but I am so exhausted! My first graders wear me out! They are darling though. I must say that I will miss them when they go to second grade. Here is a story from the other day: So we are all sitting at the carpet and one of my little friends is still standing over by the backpack hooks. "Honey, we are all at the carpet so you need to come and sit down." She then starts walking towards the carpet and that is when I noticed that she had tied one of our jump ropes to her belt loops and it was stuck....it looked as if she had fashioned her own little tail. I laughed pretty hard and had to end up cutting the jump rope away from her belt loop. Good times in first grade!

THE REALLY BIG NEWS: Last week I turned in my letter of resignation and I will be moving to Southern California in August. I will be working for my uncle Joe and I am really excited about it! It will be strange not to be teaching, but I am excited for an adventure. My friend Kate and I are flying out there next weekend to go check out the housing situation!

Well I hope everyone is enjoying the spring weather! Hopefully it is not short lived like the beginning of the week and that spring is really here to stay!

The Over-packers Among Us

2008-03-28T10:13:00.000-06:00

So tonight we leave for Tahiti! I am so excited! We are off to live a life of luxury on the Regent Cruise Ship for a week! (Yes, I will be laying by the pool and the beach and visiting the spa.) We fly into LA tonight and then fly all night to Tahiti. We land there at about 5:00 AM. Let's hope I can somehow sleep on the plane. My friend Nyquil will be coming along!

So I am a self -admitted compulsive over-packer; however, if necessary I can pack rather efficiently. For Tahiti, I ditched the small suitcase because I figure I am taking the suitcase onto the ship and that is that. We are not trucking it all over, staying in lots of hotels and cities like when we went to Europe or to China. So yes I am taking 4 pairs of flips flops and 4 pairs of other shoes. I am bringing 4 swimsuits and about 10 pairs of earrings.

I did make some cuts, like I will not be bring along my entire MAC make up collection...16 or so eye shadow colors may be a tad ridiculous to cart around...so perhaps I'll go with 4 or 5. And my shampoo is travel sized...look at me go! I will post pictures when I return!

Bon Voyage!

ANNOUNCEMENT: Happy Spring!

2008-03-24T15:11:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about the warm sunny weather. My mom and I went shopping at Gateway today and Spring is definitely in the air. I purchased a few clothing items for Tahiti! Can someone please tell me why I like J Crew so much?

My other new purchase: a 32 GB iPod touch. David got one, so naturally I need one too...just kidding. Actually my daddy said if I was going to make an iPod purchase I might as well go all the way and just get this one. As soon as my laptop finishes updating its version of iTunes, I will be in business! I am really excited about the new acquisition. I do have an original...yes an original... mini that is lime green and adorable, but it was time to move out the iPod stone age and upgrade.

P.S. My back is improving every day! Tomorrow is my 4th and final physical therapist appointment. Can I just say that I am a believer in physical therapists!

2008-03-17T20:09:00.000-06:00

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

2008-03-17T19:54:00.000-06:00

...the dang books are finished! Though nothing academic was accomplished today, we have 26 books ready to go. (well almost 4 still need to be finished up tomorrow). I have 1 1/2 more days until we track off! Hooray!

In other news, my back is feeling much better today....not 100%, but better than yesterday. Hooray!

Grey's Anatomy...oh how I love it! Kate and I sat around reading quotes today. We couldn't stop laughing. In this moment I am on my bed...me with my laptop and Kate with her's ... watching Grey's Season 1.... Hooray!

And last but not least...another hooray: I purchased an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins. I LOVE the frosting part...I would!

"Don't step on a crack or you'll break your teacher's back!"

2008-03-15T21:53:00.000-06:00

So this is not Rebecca. At the moment Rebecca is on the floor unable to move because of severe back pain. The poor girl moves like an old women, her body's failing her at 22. She can't even sit up to blog,(that's pretty serious, seeing how obsessed she's become with this) so she is telling me things which I ought to write. So earlier Rebecca was lying on the floor and David, our dear sweet brother David comes and farts in her face, sadly Rebecca couldn't move away from the smell fast enough and was crying (no not from the stench) because of her back pain. David now has a new nickname: "little poo".

On to other news, Rebecca will be moving out of her apartment in Provo this week. Wait let me clarify, Rebecca's family will be moving her out of her apartment in Provo this week. However, we don't mind so much this time seeing as Rebecca isn't going to be much help to us anyway.

Well, those of you who read this should wish Rebecca well- as she still has three more days of school to endure until Easter break.

first grade funnies...

2008-03-05T00:49:00.000-07:00

So today I had a little boy raising his hand for quite a while when we were sitting at the carpet. I eventually called on him and he said, "I burped a minute ago and I just needed to say excuse me." I thanked him for his good manners and tried not to laugh too hard!

At the Meet the Masters Art assembly today, my friends were learning about a particular Mexican artist...Frieda Cahlo I believe...anyway in one of her self portraits she has a really intense eyebrow. The parent volunteer in charge of the assembly put up the slide of this painting and asked what they noticed. A first grader raised his hand and said, "She has a uni-brow." Good times!

So enough blogging about first grade...new topic! SPRING! I can hardly wait..I hope warm weather is just around the bend! I enjoy the amazing spring weather and I look forward to being able to drive with my sunroof open with out having to blast the heat... not to mention adding a few new spring pieces to the wardrobe. ;)

my present to myself

2008-02-29T20:27:00.001-07:00

in january i purchased the best present to myself yet...a new car! let's just say that it makes the morning commute enjoyable--so smooth, so quiet, so fast, and amazing seat heaters! i am super happy about the warm weather because it means driving with the sun roof open. plus the metallic paint glistens!

No school for me!

2008-02-28T00:39:00.000-07:00

I taking a much needed day off tomorrow! The apartment complex in Salt Lake I am looking at only shows apartments on weekdays, so I took a personal day so I could go check out that complex and spend the day with my mom...shopping, lunch, etc. We'll call it my mental health day! I love first grade, but sometimes you just need a break.

jelly beans

2008-02-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

There are certain times of year I look forward to for their candy selections...one of them being Easter for William's Sonoma jelly beans and Cadbury mini eggs and the other being Halloween for the candy corn.

I was at William's Sonoma today and to my sheer delight...jelly bean season has arrived!

2008-02-21T21:27:00.000-07:00

I have now become a blogger...

2008-02-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

Recently, whether because of boredom or curiosity (I'm not entirely sure), I have been looking at friends' blogs thinking that it could perhaps be fun to have one of my own. So here it is: Rebecca's blog.

Today in first grade we had a dental hygienist come and speak to the entire first grade (brave woman)-surprisingly, my friends actually listened pretty well. At the end of her presentation, she of course asked if anyone had any questions. For those of you who don't know, this statement is seen in the eyes of a six-year-old as an opportunity to share stories. Often we have to explain the difference between a story and a question and usually it is to no avail. Anyway, nearly every hand shoots up and the kids start talking about their cavity stories, why they like the dentist, why they hate the dentist, the reason their little brother doesn't brush his teeth... and you get the point. There were also some candid confessions as some offered up information like, "I didn't brush my teeth today." My personal favorite, however; (in an extremely proud voice) "I have 7 silver teeth." Too bad when you are six you don't realize such things aren't good to brag about!

Finally a little boy (not in my class) actually asked a question: "Why does floss taste all minty?" Needless to say, we had a good laugh at his random inquisitiveness. All I can say is there is never a dull moment!