Last Day At Work!!!!

Today is my last day at work, before I have the baby. I am glad I decided not to work right up to having the baby. I think I would have lost my mind. I still think I may loose my mind.
I am looking forward to making to do lists everyday, that include things I want to do!
Like pedicures, reading, making pies and cookies, walking, scrapbooking. (I am trying to catch up with my scrapbooking right now. I am barely into summer 2008. I would really like to keep up with this, my whole life. I really enjoy doing it. For me Scrapbooking is like a family journal with pictures and things we have colected from trips, outings, and fun around the house. I really like adding little stories to the pages as well! so much fun!)
I digress...
I have been working on getting things set up for when I am gone for the last month or two, updating the testing bible, cleaning out files on the computers, training, fileing, and cleaning. I spend most of today creating tests. which was nice because it made today zoom by!
I am going to miss it here. I really love working at East Shore. (probably why I have come back 3 times!) I am looking forward to February when I do come back to work, and work nights. Also I am really happy with who they hired to replace me durring the day! He will do a great job! Infact I have felt like the third wheel for the last week because he is doing so well. That is a big comfort to me, because I have put a lot of time and work enforcing the rules, so students know I don't mess around when they are naughty.
This also means my posts may be less frequent. Oh well, maybe there will be more substance to them... I don't know
Also on a funny note:
I have been walking wround UVU while Justin has his early class. It has been great exercise, and I feel much better throughout the day because of it. In the last month though The Daily Harold has been at the school petitioning to get their newpaper in the school. Which it ok, I don't have a problem with it. But as the weeks have gone on they have become more and more agressive. Usually I walk in a group and try and avoid them. Why, I don't go to school at UVU and if I want a newspaper I will pick up the New York Times. They also have the Deseret News for local news. (sorry Daily Harold) When they have asked I usually politely decline. Well, yesterday I got a petition shoved in my face, I didn't like that at all. So I told them flatly No I would not sign. Today they were in the halls again. And they asked me agian and I said no politely. (Seriously, I am the only 8 1/2 month pregnant woman walking the halls of UVU at 8 in the morning. You would think they would have recognised me by now. And known I was not going to miraculously say yes.) As I was walking away one of the guys said It dosn't cost the students anything, and a few other things I didn't catch, so I said "Yeah well what does it cost the school?" He said nothing, and I kept walking. (At this point I am thinking UVU could spend their money on something worth while, like a track...)
When I walk I also make a circut, so, I got to see them again, and they started to ask and then realised it was me and said, "you said no". I smiled to myself, finally they get that I don't want to sign the dang petition!
Thankfully, I will not be seeing the daily harold people anymore at UVU. And I am sure they will be glad not to see me either.

16 days?

Whoa! only 16 days!! That is insane! Seriously, seeing that makes me want to go home from work right now and do a ton of things. I need to make a to do list...

Nosferatu

I thought it would be fun to update you on our new rat.
He has improved socially since we got him last week!!!!! I am so happy about that!
Yesterday we observed him climbing on the cage! Also, I got him to come to me, which was really cool. He still does not get the whole treat thing. We gave the rats peanuts in the shell last night, and I though for sure he would attack it, nope he wouldn't touch it. But, he does love toilet paper rolls. He just devourers them. We gave him a paper towel roll yesterday, and he spent most of the evening trying to drag it into his apartment. Silly guy. He is also not clingy anymore, mostly he wants to get away and run around so that is great! ( I kind of miss him clinging to my feet and resting in my arms.) He is still a little timid, and not potty trained. But I think we are on the right track and even making progress!
Magellan still does not like him, he tolerates him a tiny bit better now, but he still tries to get at him. For instance, he will reach through the bottom of the cage and grab his feet, or if he is out he tries to dig through the bottom of the cage to get at Nosferatu. It is kind of funny to watch, but still not good. Macbeth could care less most of the time, but still is not ready to accept Nosferatu.
We still have work ahead of us, but it is nice to see progress.

Pum[kin picture!

Ok, I am super glad my sister got this shot with her son. It is super cute, but it is a really good picture of what my pumpkin looked like. (I REALLLLLY REALLLY loved it)

Enjoy the glory of my pumpkin!!!

oh, and the cuteness of my nephew, the bee.

New rat and sickness

Well, last week was super fun for me. I started to get some nice painful contractions. (nothing close enough to even think about going to the hospital) I was also very uncomfortable. And I got sick, I woke up and my neck felt swollen, and my nose was out of control. So, I decided to not go into work. I ended up staying home for the week, sleeping, eating bananas and drinking lots of fluids. I am feeling pretty good today, apart from a little stuffiness, and being uncomfortable. Justin was also sick. It was actually really nice just to spend some time together. But, with a baby on the way we decided to get some projects done. So, over the course of the week, I finished a stuffed animal or 2, re arranged our room, built a crib, took down Halloween decorations, and started scrapbooking.
We also took a quick trip to Petsmart to get some rat supplies, Justin also wanted to look at the rats, and maybe get one. We got there and looked at them in their cages. They were pretty cute. We held a few, and I picked one out. He is now my rat, Justin informed me, I named him Nosferatu. The name for some reason just fits him nicely. We have been working on integrating him with Magellan and Macbeth, but no real success stories yet, unless you count terrifying the new guy so he hides everytime youget him out. But progress was made yesterday! He now will explore and is also getting better at being picked up an handled. So hopefully we are on our way to getting him integrated better. We also maybe getting a couple more rats. A neighboor had some and her kids are having an allergic reaction to them so she is looking for a new home for them. So in the next few weeks we may be getting 3 new additons to our family!

Guy Fawkes 2

The moral of the story: Don't try and blow up parliament, unless you want people burning you for the next few hundred years.
the reason we decided to celebrate Guy Fawkes Night was because we had a scare crow we were going to throw away from Halloween. It happened to be November 5th, so why not celebrate Guy Fawkes day! Afterward we thought that this could be a fun/silly family tradition we could have. Next year we will invite a few more people and have marshmallows and maybe baked apples.
Currently Guy Fawkes day is celebrated with fire works and bon fires all over the U.K.

Guy Fawks Night

Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated in Britain annually on November 5th. The event is accompanied by firework displays, the lighting of bonfires and the ceremonial effigy-burning of one Guy Fawkes. The origin of this celebration stems from events which took place in 1605 and was a conspiracy known as "The Gunpowder Plot," intended to take place on November 5th of that year (the day set for the opening of Parliament). The object of The Gunpowder Plot was to blow up English Parliament along with the ruling monarch, King James I. It was hoped that such a disaster would initiate a great uprising of English Catholics, who were distressed by the increased severity of penal laws against the practice of their religion.

Gifts

Last night I registered for baby gifts. It was super fun! This was the first time I have registered for anything. .
No wonder people register at 3 or 4 places.
Anyways, for those that would like to know I am registered at Target. I am surprised at how many books I registered for. But, I really like books. And, most of the ones on the list were some of my favorites as a child. I just couldn't help but scan them. I am really excited to have this baby! There are just so many fun things I want to show him!
Every day it gets closer!!!
And I get a little more uncomfortable and excited!

1 month

1 month!
I can't believe I made it this far. I really thought I was going to die the first few months. (It made me wonder how people can do this over and over again. Stronger women that I, that is for sure.)
My biggest issues right now are swelling and weight. I just hate how much my feet swell. It is so nasty and uncomfortable. Weight... I know I have gained 15-20 pounds more than I should have. I just feel unhealthy. But in a little while I will experience the quickest weight loss one can, in just a few hours. So I guess there is that too look forward to. Oh, and also I get a baby!
Really, if that is all I have to complain about at this point, I am Very, very, grateful.
at this point I wonder if the baby will be early, late or right on time...
What do you think?

Unbelieveable kids meals

I read this article on MSN today: The 20 Worst Kids Foods in America
I was completely shocked at how high some of the calories were for children. Seriously, there are a few meals that go over 1,000 calories!!! No wonder we have a problem with childhood obesity in the U.S.
Also, this makes me want to make home made dinners for my family even more. There are also alternatives with the article, usually blasting the high calorie dinner in half and sometimes more. Gosh it seems like they will soon need a little green leaf next to items on the kids menu saying which ones are more healthy...

Totally blew me away.

Camra Sadness, Halloween Fun, and New Washer and Dryer!

Well it was a fun weekend here is a small play by play of what happened.
Friday Night: Got home relaxed, and found out my family was going to be gone for the night. I was able to have a spooky romantic dinner with Justin. We then decided to relax and watch T.V. together. While in our room the rats had a fight, a BIG fight. Justin got them separated, and found that he had blood on his arm. We both were scared, there really isn't much you can do for such a small animal, especially one who will just eat any bandage you put on it. It was Magellan who got hurt, on his foot. We watched him to make sure the bleeding stopped and that he was not in any danger. Then we knew we needed to put him in a sterile environment so the wound would not get infected. So we got out their travel cage and added some clean bedding, and food and water. Well, they did not like being separated. Macbeth spent a little bit of time running around looking down at his brother. Magellan, was wondering around the small travel cage looking up. It was pretty sad.
So, somewhere in the last 2 weeks I broke our camera. The display does not work anymore. I am going to see how much it will be to repair of replace it. Man, this could not happen at a worse time. I am about ready to pop, and we would not have any pictures! I am also super bummed that I didn't get any pictures from this weekend.
Saturday: We woke up to Magellan pounding his little hands on the cage trying to desperately get out. He looked a bit stir crazy. We let them out and played with them for a little while. After we put them back into their separated cages, I wen toff to eat. When I came back in the room Justin told me to watch Magellan in his cage. So I did. After a min. or so he started pushing on the top of the cage and was able to open it!!!! Crazy! So, we had to put little book on top to keep him from opening it. I then spent the rest of the day helping my sister get ready for the party. We decided not to do the sugar cookies, because she didn't want to. (which was fine because I don't think we would have had time) The chocolate ghosts turned out really great! It just took a few to practice on (the first 5 were pretty bad looking). And, When it says teaspoon they mean a spoon you serve iced tea with, not a measurement spoon. One I got all that figured out they turned out awesome. I am going to try and do snow men this Christmas with the same recipe. We got everything set up and ready around 4ish. Justin and I then were off to the pet store to get more bedding for the rats. It was nice and relaxing to see all the cute puppies and various other animals. It made me super sad to see the feeder rats and mice. I really like our rats. It is pretty hard to not want to come away from a pet store without wanting to take all of the pets home. We got back to the house and I was off to get myself ready. I decided to be a pirate, because it was super easy and I knew we had pirate stuff in the house. (I am really sad I don't have any pictures of my costume because I thought it turned out pretty dang good. It was around 6 when I was finished getting ready. I had to hop on getting final details ready outside and inside. I frantically made a quick Halloween mix for the party. Alas, I wish I had more time. but next year I can add a few more scary songs to the mix.
We also got a new (used) washer and dryer. My parents Dryer was finally dieing after about 23 years working. (For the past few months we have been hanging our cloths out on a line.) It has been nice but really hard to spend all day doing laundry. My dad and little sister were great and took over dinner duties for me. (I was annoyed with myself, we were supposed to eat at 5. Just not enough hours in the day...) Mean while, Justin was out back cutting off dead branches from the willow tree and prepping the pit for a large bon fire. Guests and trick or treaters started to arrive!
It was great to see my sister and her family! They were Dressed as the little bee and the BeeHive. Super cute! After all or most of the guests had arrived they spent some time out at the bon fire. It was pretty huge! Justin burnt 2 more broken chairs on it, which made it super bright and very hot. The guests then went inside and started playing games and generally having fun. I was able to go outside and spend most of the evening with Justin, it was a perfect Halloween night, no wind not too cold and almost a full moon! We had a few surprise visitors, My cousin Berlin and a friend came by to say hi and visit for a moment. And my cousin Laura and her roommate stopped by for a quick visit too! It was fun fun to see them all. Laura was dressed as the queen of hearts, the coolest part of her costume was that she had a pink croquette flamingo from the movie! I loved that! Justin and I then prepped things for the glow stick fight my sister had planned next. (Basically you cut off the ends of glow sticks and fling the liquid at each other. I know it sounds dangerous, but that is what she wanted to do.) It was fun to watch the kids run around glowing. Then a little bit later my brother and his friend with came over with their Rave car. Seriously, he has a fog machine, laser lights, a disco ball, and a good sound system. Such a silly looking this to see in your drive way... We also had another really fun house on our street this year, they had tons of pumpkins lights and a grave yard, all synchronized to the music from the Haunted Mansion. It was fun to go over and see it. Then all the guests left for the dance, and we started to clean up the worst of it. Then I was able to spend another hour or so out side with Justin, and that was really nice.
Sunday:Well I spent Saturday Night and part of Sunday morning feeling sick. I suspect it was from over doing it Saturday combined with being kicked in the stomach on the hour every hour all night long. So, I was not going to go to church. I slowly got up and ate, and started cleaning things up. I spent the morning with the rats, while Justin cleaned out their cage so we could put them back together again. They spent the morning on my shoulder while I cleaned. The rats were super happy to be together again. Afterwords, Justin was like shoot, since I am home I am going to switch out the washer and dryer. I was like wholly crap that is a HUGE project. But once Justin sets his mind on doing something, he does it. (oh, my parents also went out of town that morning for a funeral) So, he got started cleaning out the laundry room and moving out the old stuff. (Also, after 3 or 4 hours I was feeling much better that day. Which makes me think it was my silly baby kicking me...) I was sent out to get some pipe dope for the gas hook up. Which made me laugh because I was super afraid I would go into Home Depot and ask for dope pipe or dope for my pipe. Something silly like that. But I didn't! And, the guy knew precisely what I needed. By the time I got home Justin and my little sister had removed the old washer and dryer and had moved in the washer, and were getting ready to move in the dryer! Justin installed everything while my sister and I worked on organizing and throwing away old socks, and other things from the laundry room. My brother came home and helped us finish everything up. and we ran a few loads through the washer and dryer and no leakage from the gas!! It was a big thing to get done. I am super glad to have that project out of the way. I think my parents are too. The house is looking really nice right now. Unfortunately this week I need to take down all the Halloween decorations which will make another temporary mess. Thankfully the next big decorating project is not till Christmas. I just have a few more projects to do before then, making stuffed animals, finishing a crib...
I just hope I will be up, and able to get everything done before the baby comes!

Weekend Plans

I am so excited that Halloween is on a Saturday!
I feel like I have time to do everything I need to, for like the first time ever!
This year I am helping my little sister with her Halloween Party!
(I have been wanting to throw a Halloween party for some time now...)
This is a quick list of what I have been up to:

• Ice Cubes: They were super easy to make Just put one blueberry into your standard ice tray. Add water and freeze. And, when the cubes are in a drink they look like eyes! (also, some of the blueberry's burst so it gives them and extra creepy look.) I have a couple of bags of those ready to go in the freezer. (it took em about 1 weeks to get 2 bags. I kept forgetting to check on the ice...)
  
• Pies: (because I can't make enough of them lately) I made some Mummy apple pies last night. They turned out super cute!!! Instead of just doing the lattice pattern, wrap it to look like a mummy, then add 2 blueberries for eyes. Wicked cute! Today I am making Jack O' Lantern pumpkin Pies, just use the extra crust to make the eyes and mouth!
• Ghosts, and sugar cookies: I am making chocolate ghost lollipops. And Creepy Cookies, I really like this sugar cookie recipe. Royal Icing tastes the best with these cookies.
  
• Lanterns, and other decor : I am also super excited to decorate the buffet table. I made some lanterns from Martha Stewart. they were super easy, just make sure you use 12X12 paper or 12X24 paper to make them. I used 8 1/2 by 11 paper, made my life a little difficult and, it took forever. They look really good lit up with glow sticks they will add a really creepy look to the buffet table. I have some black paper coffins, spider webs and black lights to add to what has already been decorated. I am looking forward to seeing what it looks like all dark!
  
• Dinner Tonight: I am making a spooky Alfredo, with graveyard peas and sweet potato pumpkins.It is super easy, Just make regular Alfredo (it is spooky cause it is white). What makes the peas graveyard peas is the bread. Just cut grave stones out of bread toast them with a little butter in a pan and place in the peas. And, the sweet potato pumpkins, instead of cutting them into fries, just leave them in circles. Vola, you have pumpkins. A really Easy fun dinner.

I will post pictures of the festivities hopefully next week. Wish me luck!
And everyone, have the Best Halloween!!!!

H1N1 shot

Well I got mine.
I (and others like me) am at the top of the list They told me they only had 13 shots left, I am still not sure why they told me that...
The best part was that it didn't hurt, and I don't feel sick at all.

Take that! All you fear mongers.

Also, I got a super cute band aid. It was a crayon shaped band aid.

Pumpkin Carving Pictures 2009

Here are the pictures from pumpkin carving!

The one on the left is Justin's and the one on the right is mine.


~Boo! It's a Ghost!~

The pumpkin on the far right is my little sisters. It is Ang, glowing with Avatar power. You can't see it, but she has carved in the air symbol on the back of her pumpkin, which looks really cool on the house.

Looking for a unique Christmas gift?

Check out this shop on Etsy There are several Cute purses and some really fabulous shopping bags.
Maybe you will be lucky enough to get one this year for Christmas...

Pumpkin Carving

This year instead of carving pumpkins will all my cousins, I decided to carve pumpkins with Justin. (Lately I have really been feeling a time crunch, and I want to do as much as possible with him while I have the time and am not extremely sleepy.)
Anyways, We talked about what we wanted to do. Originally we were just going to do 1 pumpkin together. Justin had a really great idea for a pumpkin, and I wanted to do a more traditional pumpkin. Se we decided to each do a pumpkin. (well, I really decided that we would each do a pumpkin;) It was really cool to carve the pumpkins we grew in our garden this year! I am still amazed at how big they got. And to think, if we would have stayed in Provo, we would have had 2 more!
We spent 2 1/2 hours working on them. And I really liked the results! (I will post pictures soon)
We lit them both up and took pictures than went inside and cleaned up, and had hot coco. MMmm

Also, It is snowing right now! I wonder how much will stick?

Carrots from the Garden

Right now I am in love with the carrots we pulled from the garden. I have tasted the carrots that come from the store and I don't like them as much. The carrots have been such a fantastic tasting treat fro me. I think I may be enjoying them as much as the rats have been. The other day I was snacking on one while they were out and they practically mauled me trying to get a bite. They did the same thing to Justin yesterday.

That is one thing I noticed about being pregnant, some things taste sooooo good. So far the best tasting stuff has been Indian Food and Carrots.

In and Out Orem Style

Oh man, Yesterday I saw it. The almost completed building.
(Really, I must live under a rock to not know it was there.) But, I am excited!!!
I really LOVE their burgers!!!
Too bad it wasn't there 7 months ago when I really wanted burgers.

The only crappy thing about it being opened in Utah is that the words "Grand Opening" attract people like flies to poop.
Seriously, every time I have seen a "first one in Utah" open, the place is a mad house for almost a year. I still remember the whole state of Utah waiting in line for Donuts. Not to say that they were no good, just not worth waiting 2 hours in line for them.

I know there will always be lines around dinner and lunch time there.
I have eaten there plenty of times to know that:)
Also, there will be other chains opening (hopefully around the same time) in American Fork and Draper. So that may relive some pressure from the bursting tides of people trying to get one of their delicious burgers.
Oh man, that is where work should get our next parent night catered from.

That looks so good right now...

Fall Pictures!

Here are some fun Fall pictures!

Justin prepped the garden for winter. Daisy really enjoyed being outside with Justin.

This is the rest of the fall harvest. I was surprised at how many apples were still on the trees. The apples are really tasty! This weekend I am going to pick the pears. I hope they taste just as good.

Another picture of the front yard at Halloween! I just love the color of the trees. Too bad all the leaves were blown off this week...During fall break we went to Gardner Village. It is a pretty cool place. I really liked every shop we went into while there. It was fun to do some shopping with my family.
Eliza also colored my hair! I really like it. The good news is that I can still donate it! I was just getting super tiered of the dumpy hair. I just needed something to make me feel girly.



The girls in front of the pumpkins! They had so many pumpkins! My nephew just loved all the pumpkins. I also loved all the pumpkins. I really like pumpkins! They also had a ton of witches there (real and not) the day we went. It was fun to see all the women dressed up for witches night.

ABC's of ME!

I saw this on a friends blog and it looked like it would be a fun activity for the day.

THE ABC’S OF Katie

A – ADVOCATE FOR: Eating well. Not just healthy things like using fresh fruit and veggies in cooking, but also eating what tastes good too. maybe spending a little bit more when you go out to eat. (I HATE being disappointed when I eat out.)

B – BEST FEATURE: I really like my wrists.

C – COULD DO WITHOUT: pain

D – DREAMS & DESIRES: That Justin and I could live on a farm, with the exact house we want, and I could be the house wife I have always wanted!

E – ESSENTIAL ITEMS: chapstick, iPod, car keys

F – FAVORITE PAST TIME: making things!

G – GOOD AT: Cooking, criticizing things, creativity.

H – HAVE NEVER TRIED: Sky diving

I – IF I HAD A MILLION DOLLARS: Go by that farm and build our dream house.

J – JUNKIE FOR: Good Cheese & chocolate

K – KINDRED SPIRIT: Eliza, Justin

L – LITTLE KNOWN FACT: I have a scar on my tongue, and I hate green beans. (worst vegetable ever)

M – MEMORABLE MOMENT: Getting married. I don't know if I will be able to top that. Maybe in a few months...

N – NEVER AGAIN WILL I: spend $70.00 on a pair of pants I don't really like.

O – OCCASIONAL INDULGENCE: Bombay house, and clothes shopping!

P – PROFESSION: teacher aide

Q – QUOTE: "The Greatest Adventure is what lies Ahead..." (this was the only thing I could think of, other than "where there's a whip there's a way"... I must have those old cartoons on the mind right now)

R – REASON TO SMILE: The rats, and Justin "playing" with the baby.

S – SORRY ABOUT: not having enough time and energy to do everything I want to.

T -THINGS THAT ARE WORRYING YOU RIGHT NOW: Will I ever be able to fit into my old clothes? Is there enough room in our room?

U – UNINTERESTED IN: math

V – VERY SCARED OF: spiders, swimming in open ocean, Great white sharks, the Twilight Zone, Zombies (only the ones in my dreams), being sucked into the vacuum of space.


W – WORST HABITS: Not doing things that need to be done.

X – X MARKS MY IDEAL VACATION SPOT: small beach house in norther California, with a tandem bike.

Y – YUMMIEST DESSERT: There are far to many to choose from, I really like Mango with rice and coconut milk (a Thai desert) Cheese Cake (Justin's)

Z – ZODIAC SIGN: Libra

Red Ribbon Week

Today is the last day of Red Ribbon week at school. Making posters and helping with a few things has made me think of my decision to be "drug" free.

Simply, High School, I just saw some of the silly things people did and the consequences of drinking and getting high . Also, Smokers stink, actually there is literally a smell, and that grossed me out.
I also lost a grandparent to smoking, and will lose another soon because of the long term effects of smoking.

So, ask yourself why are you "drug" free?

Most amazing Rat feet Ever!!!

Last night we had the rats out in the room they were happily playing. Justin had a piece of the yummy ice cream cake from my birthday. Magellan snuck up and started licking the plate, Justin said "NO" and put him n the ground. Magellan must have really liked the cake because he climbed up on to the door of the cage and was balancing on top of the open door trying to reach the cake.Pleas excuse my primitive drawing, but essentally, this is what it looked like. Rats really are amazing!

Pictures, pictures, and more pictures!

So I am finally loading some pictures. they range from August to yesterday! I hope you enjoy them!
We finally gave them a real bath! We have tried this a couple of times. This time they were almost ok with being shampooed and cleaned. They were super cute to watch afterward in the towel snuggling up and trying to get dry. I forgot how white they were...

They are super curious, and quick. it is not easy getting pictures of these little guys. (don't worry the cup was put in the dishwasher afterward)

My nephew and his birthday cake! He really liked the orange frosting!

Girls Night! We had a girl party at my Aunts house. We had fondue, Pulled pork, and lots of fun.
The girls enjoying the chocolate fondue! (my favorite was the caramel with pretzels....)

Making pies conference weekend! Justin was a super help!
We made the pumpkin pie filling from scratch! Much easier than either of us expected it to be. Oh I just love the color of the pumpkin!




Adding the spice to the pumpkin pies!

The pies all done! It was super weird but the pie with the burnt top tasted better than the un-burnt one. We used the same exact bowl of pumpkin pie mix.... Oh and the one in white is the wheat free version of the pie!

Beautiful red apple from my parents tree! Get ready to be in a pie!





I didn't get as many of the "making of" pictures for the apple. thank heavens for Apple Peeler Corer Slicers! they make making apple pies much easier!


The bottom 2 are the apple pies and the top one is my mom's wheat free cherry pie! (she bought it at Good Earth) No I did not make my own crust. I have in the past, and it is fabulous, but really I just wanted to relax. Making pie crusts can be very frustrating.


mmmmm pies...

( I really like making pies)



Eliza made a super yummy Buffalo chicken Chili for dinner that night!

Justin and I have been going outside and using my parents dutch oven pit and a small fire pit. It has been very romantic and nice for the two of us. but My little brother wanted his Friends to come over one night for the fire. Let me tell you it is hard to get 8 people around a little 2 foot hole. So Justin had the idea to take the trampoline off and use that as a bigger fire pit. It was a success! We had fun cutting down some dead branches and adding some broken chairs to the fire.
P.S. the bamboo chairs from Ikea burn super hot and long, you don't need to do more than one chair at a time.

Justin, my Little fire starter.

Me playing with the settings on the camera.


I have also been helping my parents get ready for Halloween. This is the not so scary, kid friendly side of the yard. A cute scare crow and pumpkin patch.

And the little bit creepy graveyard side of the house. I really like this side. The grave stones on the far right go back for quite a ways making it one of my favorite grave yard set ups. Next year maybe I will have time to make 20 more stones and do the rest of the yard too...
I also decorated the inside.
Scary Piano!

~spooky table~
Justin and I Painted our baby crib this weekend. It was fun to do a "project" together. we have talked about re finishing and doing other things for a while but this is our first one! This is what the crib looked like before.


And almost, kind of after. You will see a picture of it all put together in a few weeks. We decided on a mat black paint. I really like how it looks. I am going to paint some Dr. Seuss characters on the larger panels. Which ones I don't know yet, but I need to figure it out since I have a 5 day weekend to work on it this week. Don't worry I did help paint and so did Justin's brother Collin. we didn't make Justin do it by himself. Then we went to Bombay house. Oh man I love there food soooooo much. I swear, Indian is the best food!


I also had a birthday this weekend! Wow I look "super" good! makes me wish I would have put makeup on...
Ah well, I was super comfortable.



This is for those of you who want to see what I look like pregnant. Super awesome picture for future generations...



And the cake was yummy, mint chocolate chip icecream cake! Oh man it was sooooooo what I wanted!

Cake idea for an upcoming baby shower...

Here is what I was thinking for a cake for my shower...

Nah, just kidding. I do not need a cake representation of my belly, seeing it everyday is enough for me;)
But you should check out this blog Cake Wrecks. It is super funny!

Banned Books

I can totally understand some books NOT being in Elementary Schools, Jr. High's and High Schools.
But, after reading some of the books in the top 100, I was shocked. A light in the Attic, James and the Giant Peach, Tom Sawyer, just to name a few. (I still can't figure out what could be offensive in James and the Giant Peach? Maybe the aunts, they were pretty mean...) Anyways, I found the information interesting and I thought I would share the web site I found this information on with you. On the site there are also graphs that show the biggest reasons why books were banned, who asked them to be banned, and where the books were to be banned from. Also, you can look at the top ten books banned by year.
For me, it reminded me how important communication is with children and young adults. You have to basically trust that you have taught them good principals and trust that they can make good decisions. ( a responsibility that seems to be getting a little more real for me now...)
Here is the link to the American Library Associations Website
Personally, I love reading and I am glad that my parents never limited what I was reading.

Front yard and inside finnished!

I have been working on decorating the front yard and the front room of my parents house for Halloween. It is not my best work, I just got tiered...
The front yard is kind of different this year, we have a half scary and half kid friendly front yard. Half is a pumpkin patch with a scare crow and the other half is a spooky graveyard. Personally I would really like to make more tombstones, but I only have so much time and so many projects to do before the baby comes. I can't believe 2 more months and I will have a child! (no name picked yet...)
Pictures to come of all the fun things we have been up to. ( I am so glad I finally remembered to take pictures!)

H1N1, or Swine Flu

I read this article today about H1N1. I found it to be very informative. It is 7 myths about H1N1.
Please remember to wash your hands frequently, keep your work areas clean and sanitized. They are super easy things everyone can do to keep not only H1N1 at bay but other flu's and colds.
yeah for Lysol, Clorox cleaning wipes, and Germ X!!!

One of thosee days, again...

This morning after Justin got out of class and we were walking to the car, I had the overwhelming urge to call in sick. I just wanted to go on a hike and be outside. It was so wonderful and crisp! I just wanted to celebrate such a great fall morning!

I chose the high road, and went to work...
At least I can see the mountains.
But before I got to work, we decided to go out when Justin comes to pick me up from work. I am super excited. We are going to hike (walk really) up to Bridal Veil falls, eat at the brick oven in Orem, and go shopping at Harmon's. I love shopping at Harmon's! The store is so great they have had everything I have ever needed, and so many things I don't. If you have never been, you should go. Here are my top ten favorite things about Harmon's:

1. Cheese Monger! They have a Cheese Monger! So cool, he was able to help me match a goat cheese to what I was making for dinner! Also they will cut cheeses for you to try and answer any questions you might have.
2. Fresh Fruits and Veggies. Not only do they have a huge selection, but everything comes with a little explanation of what it tastes similar to and what you can use it in. The only fruit I have had a hard time with is Mango's, but I have never been able to find fantastic mango's in Utah.
3. Bakery, mmmmmm. They have a new addition, specialty breads! Fantastic!
4. Foreign Foods, they have a larger selection of Asian, Mexican, Italian, English, etc... than I have seen in any other store.
5. Store Managers. They are really the best! I have always felt super welcome in the store, and they are always easy to find and willing to help. Also I don't think I have ever waited in line longer than 8 min. Seriously, I was there Thanksgiving morning 2 years ago and I was in and out of that store in less than 4 min. They did such a good job of directing people and having ALL of their registers open. Also everyone that works there has been super friendly and nice.
   
6. Local produce and other locally made items. They carry locally grown and made items. Seriously try Clinton's Cereal. It is fabulous! Also try their bread! It is made right in Salt Lake! ( we also found cheese curd, a favorite of my moms, made in Logan)
   
7. Health Food Section. It is the biggest I have seen in a grocery store. They have all kinds of whole foods, all natural, no preservatives, and Gluten free. ( like a mini good earth) They also have an all natural beauty selection, Not just bert's bees ( like most). You should try the Jason Aloe lotion it is amazing on sunburns! also the Coco Butter has been very nice an soothing on my belly.
   
8. Florist area. They have your usual grocery florist plants but they also carry a wide variety of in season flowers too. They have a nice selection on vases and other floral needs as well.
9. Deli and Sushi. They make their sushi fresh every day, and they have more than imitation crab rolls. They have real uncooked fish! The Deli carries you usual pre-made, and fried stuff, but also a large variety of meats and other things. And they have Ice cream! Not soft serve, but real ice cream!
10. Clean! The store has always felt clean when I go in. I love that!!!! It makes me feel more relaxed. Ugh, I hated shopping by the Albersons next to my old house. It just felt dirty and dingy, like old cigggarette butts. Also, I hated that their fresh meat section was hiddden behind their Large Bulk items. HOW WERE YOU SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHAT THE MEAT LOOKED LIKE!!!! Super scary, super scary...

I have gone to the Sunflower Market, The Good Earth and Smith's Market Place. Smiths has some fun things, but it just feels like it is too big and spread out. Not personal. Sunflower Market has a great selection of fruit and Vegitarian items, and is super friendly. The Good Earth has a great selection of suppliments, and beauty things. I love all the essential oils and other things you can use to make your own fragrences. No store does it for me like Harmon's. It is kind of like Forever 21 to teenege girls. ( I also love that store too!)
Everyone has their favorites, and this is just one of mine.
Also, is anyone else super excited for Halloween! I know I am! Now I just need to think of a costume...

Rats on the mind

Lately when I have been dreaming, I seam to dream about our rats. Usually they are not a big part of the dream, usually I will open a box or a drawer and find it filled with little Magellan's and McBeth's. Most I think would find that terrifying but, I always think it is cute in my dreams.
Anyways I was trying to figure out what to do for my class room and I was looking at Martha Stewart.com and found these paper mice. I was super excited. It is something i can totally do while I am at work!!! Although I am realizing that I am going to be cutting out mice for the next 2 days straight... But the results should be fun and a little creepy.
Also, cutting out all the mice is making me think of the rats. I miss those guys, I can't wait to go home and play with them...

Fall!!!

I am so glad fall came this morning at 3:00 a.m. And that I was awake for it!
I awoke to little sprinkles on my face and Justin climbing over me to close the window. The next thing I knew the heavens opened and I was very glad Justin closed the window.
I am glad and grateful the weather cooled off this week! We have snow in the mountains, and now I can snuggle with Justin again!
Also has anyone else noticed how beautiful The Wasatch mountains are right now? I have never seen them look this good in the fall. I say it is time for a ride and a walk up the canyon!

Another Student Story

Sorry of you are getting board with so many student stories this month. Lots of amusing things have happened recently. This particular incident happened about 2 years ago. I was thinking about it today and thought you might enjoy it.

Here is some background information:

• At this time the testing lab was in the Library. Also, the 11th grade English lab is in the library, and the Librarian is over that particular lab.
• The Librarian likes to do little improvement projects around the library.
• The librarian is a good friend of mine.

Here is the story:

I was sitting in the testing lab waiting for students to come in and test. At this time the librarian was in the ceiling hooking up something so we could hang flags from the ceiling. A student came in with an 11th grade English packet to test. Unfortunately, the teacher had not signed the packet, so I sent the student back to the lab to get the proper signature. (There was a sign in the library saying, "If you need help, please go to the 9th and 10th grade English lab.") The student came back a few moments later. I looked at the signature and knew it was a forgery of the librarians. So, I called up to the Librarian in the ceiling and said, "Did you sign his packet a few seconds ago?" He said, "No, I have been in the sealing the whole time."

The look on the students face was classic, complete shock. He had no idea that the Librarian was just above me in the ceiling.
Good times...

Good bye's and Hello's

Well Saturday we finally did it. We got ride of the Stratus. I was a little sad to see it go, but it was time. The transmission was slowly dieing and it was not fun to drive. (it was having real trouble switching between 1st and reverse, which made stop signs and traffic lights lots of fun) It was also unsafe to drive. We took it down to Low Book Sales. They were very friendly and we got precisely what we thought the car was worth. Not much.
So what are we driving these days? A 94 Toyota. It is very nice to drive something that works! I am happy with it. I only wish the air conditioning worked, but that is something that can be fixed later on. (I am happy fall is coming!)

BA. to be Biel?

As a child I liked the A- Team, it was silly, a little dramatic, no one ever got hurt, and everything always worked out within the 30 min. time slot. Perfect for a 7 to 10 year old. One of my favorites was Mr. T as B.A. Baracus. I just found out today who they cast in his part...
Jessica Biel?!?
I am very skeptical, from what I have read she will be an old flame of Face's. Also they say the movie will be less campy and more slick. Whatever that means

Boring...

Students again...

1 student walks in to the testing lab with an assignment that needs to be signed by different teachers and secretary's at the school:

The student asks, "Can you sign this?"
The teacher replies, "Have you read through who needs to sign that paper."
The student replies, "Yes."
The teacher replies, " Then why are you here, since you know I don't sign anything on that paper?"
The student replies, " Well the testing rooms is the most important place at the school, don't you sign it some where?"
The teacher replies, "That may be, but there is still no where for me to sign the paper."

The student leaves looking a little confused, and the teacher smiles to herself, knowing that the student probably didn't read the paper.

Students...

"Does sexy count as a final grade?"

Bed bed I couldn't go to bed.....

Lately Justin and I have not been able to sleep. It has been very frustrating, because now it is Thursday and we ( at least I am ) are exhausted. It has been nice to stay up talking, I really like that, but we both know we need to sleep and just can't. This weekend we are going to relax. No BIG projects for us. Really we need another vacation.

Fall break come soon!!!!

New Old Shoes

So, as you know I finally threw away my nasty old pair of floatie sandals. Yesterday my fantastic sister gave me her old pair! (and they were in good shape!) I was so happy. As soon as I put them on I felt a difference! Last night me feet were not as swollen! And I could walk around after making dinner, and I was not nearly as tiered and sore!
I have ordered another pair online so hopefully between the 2 they will last me for a long time!
Thank you again Awesome sister!!!!

Good Bye To Our Old Friend

Our phone died. We had a Chocolate that lasted us for about 2 years. I remember the reason we got this phone was because I washed Justin's phone in the washing machine. Oh man I felt so stupid...
Last Friday the speaker started going fuzzy, then the touch pad stopped working, and finally the screen died too. I was surprised our chocolate lasted so long. I have known several people who had lots of problems with that particular phone model.
It served us well, and had way more fancy gadgety things than we ever used.
We did get a new phone!

"Sleek, stylish design with large keypad, Bluet

ooth ready, 1.3 MP camera, one-touch speakerphone

, text and picture messaging.

The LG Glance VX7100 is the ultra-slim, ultra-hip handset that is perfect for the fast-paced professional. From the easy-to-read 2" display, enhanced Bluetooth capability, and speaker-independent voice command, the Glance is the sophisticated phone that deserves a second look."

I really like it! No frills or fancy things. Hopefully this one will be able to last as long as our last phone. The only thing we don't like is the back it has this weird unnecessary metal braiding texture.

Swelling

So, in the last few weeks I have noticed swelling.
Blah, so uncomfortable. I can't do all the things I want to do now. My feet and hands just hurt. But, I have found something that has helped me be on my feet for longer.
Floaties!!! I have always loved these shoes! They are great if you will be standing on your feet for a long time. (LIke 5 days of Disneyland!) The pair I own are falling apart and are ready to meet their maker. (one bad thing about the shoes is that if you wear the shoes a lot they wear out fast) I threw away my monkey ones last month. It was hard to let go...
I am now out on the search for more. Wish me luck!