Birthday fun!

Ok ok! I know it's been a while since I last wrote! And I wish more was going on so that I had some kind of excuse! But the only thing note worthy since I last wrote was that I had my birthday! Yes...the big 26!! It was a fun birthday this year. Still wish I was around my family for it but hey thats what I get for moving out here to Utah. But mom and dad both send presents and Kristi sent me Twilight! Yeah! And Terra sent me a cute picture holder with pics and artwork from Dakota! I also got tons of birthday wishes! Thanks everyone! I had to work on my birthday but I love being able to share it with my class. Once they found out it was going to be my  birthday they were stoked! I got lots of presents and flowers from my kids and one mom even brought in a cake! My little girl Madeline was so worried that I wouldn't have a birthday cake because my mom isn't here so she made sure I got one! So cute! Then after work, my friends Meg and Kate took me out to Applebee's for dinner and to a movie afterwards. We saw Duplicity with Julia Roberts and it was sort of a disappointment- but still a fun night! Thanks girls! And yes, still no pics. My home computer is being retarded and taking forever to load. but as soon as I get it worked out I'll post some! Promise! 

Thankful...

I don't know how many of you know about the show on HBO called "Big love" but it is supposedly about a fictional modern day polygamist family who lives here in Utah. When the show first game out the makers said that they aren't really talking about "the Mormons". Well tonight they are airing an episode that supposedly takes viewers through an LDS temple. They've said that they are going to be showing the endowment session and the celestial room. They've hired and ex-mormon to help them build scenes and to tell them exactly what happens during these sacred rituals. Anyone can go through a temple during time that a temple is having an open house before its dedicated. Here they can see each of the rooms and signs are posted throughout explaining what happens in each room. However, like most other faiths, the temple is a place reserved for sacred worship. Having been able to go through the temple myself for the past few years I can honestly say that there is nothing shocking, weird, or inappropriate that takes place. I am interested to see how this HBO show portrays these rituals and the story line that would allow a polygamist to go to the temple. However, I will not be watching the episode. The funny thing is, they are showing this episode in hopes that their ratings will improve. So I hope others will put aside their curiosity and not watch the show.  

Well, then this morning while on the internet I came across a few pictures and websites where people have been talking about this whole thing. The worst website that I came across was a site where people were talking about their bad experiences in the temple. I was mortified about how people were talking about going and not understanding what was happening or that it was simply boring so they never went back. I can't even put into words how I felt as I was reading the reasons these people had for leaving the church. I honestly believe the people that spread these rumors about weird or inappropriate things that happen inside the temple, simply don't understand LDS doctrine. I don't believe they were ready or prepared to go through the temple. Not because anything is shocking or scary but because I don't think they were prepared or at a place in their life where they are ready to incorporate the blessings that going to the temple brings into someone's life. I have felt the spirit multiple times in the temple. I know the things that we promise our Heavenly Father in the temple are sacred to my life. I have spent many hours in the celestial room feeling embraced by the love Christ has for me. It was sad to read that someone went through the temple once and never felt that love or the spirit and turned away from the church and never went back. I feel bad for these people. I am thankful that this controversy has come up because it has made me truly think about the blessings that the temple has brought to my life. I am thankful that I know and have felt my Heavenly Father's love and I know that this is His true church. One silly show, not commissioned by God, is not going to make me outraged or change my mind. It will however, make my glad that I am a part of this church and one of His "peculiar people." 

Check-Ups and 100th day of School

Today was a big day. First off, it was our 100th day of school! Yes I know, a pretty lame thing to be celebrating but belive me it is a huge accomplishment (especially for the teacher) to know that you've made it through 100 days with these "wonderful" little tikes! And now we only have about 60-70 days left of school! Thanks goodness! LOL But it really is a fun day. We wear fun 100's day glasses, bring in collections of 100 things, and basically lots of activities having to do with....you got it 100! The kids end up having fun and the poor teacher goes home exhausted. ha ha what's new about that?? LOL After school I also went to the eye doctor for...can you believe it... my 1 month LASIK check-up! I can't believe it's already been a month! Boy does time fly. But all in all my eyes are doing great. I can see 20/20 but my eyes still need about 2 months to heal completely. I can see just fine but have a bit of trouble with lights. I still see halos and starbursts arounds some lights, especially at night. But the doctor says that should start going away as my eyes heal more. (HOPEFULLY) But all in all, everything is great!! Happy 100th day everyone!

Kissing ball

Valentine's Day kissing ball

So as I was blog hopping (aka stalking) when I came across a tutorial on how to make kissing balls. I have loved the look of these cute little balls of flowers ever since I saw them hanging in the Wynn hotel in Vegas. And I have always wanted to make one of my very own. Then, I read that according to tradition if an eligible young lady received a kiss on the cheek under the kissing ball, marriage would soon follow. What?? No wonder! I better get making my kissing ball....and fast! :)

Kissing ball made with Hydrangea

Busy, Busy, Busy

I know it's been a while since my last blog so I thought I'd let you all now exactly what I've been up to while on my track break! This track break has been a busy one, even if I didn't go on a trips. Well first off, I had my LASIK surgery last Thursday! YEAH! The doctor said that everything went really well! My aunt Kim took me to the doctor's office where they gave me Vallium (which Kim said I'm not any fun on 'cause it didn't really affect me in any way). Then the doctor took me back and had me sit in a chair. Kim got to stand outside the room and watch through the door and she saw everything on a tv screen. I had to put on a surgical cap and then they gave me a teddy bear to hold. (I wanted a picture with it but they pretty much get you in and get you out) But good thing I had it 'cause I'm pretty sure I squeezed it to death! The only pain came from the thingy magig that they put in your eye to hold it wide open. Good thing it didn't take too long! They also gave me some pretty awesome sunglasses and goggles to wear while sleeping and lets just say I am pretty good at putting eye drops! But after all that, I am happy to report that I can see 20/20!! YIPPEE

Well, I also went to the Draper Temple Open House. It was yet another beautiful temple of the Lord. I especially love all the murals in the rooms. I can't believe we have 12 temples here in Utah. (There iwll be 13 when the Oquirrah Mountain one is finished!) Other than that, I've been doing a lot of scrapbooking and stitching. I made this one for Kristi's Birthday. (It's an updated version of one I made for her like 6 years ago! I also made something for Terra's Birthday but since she can't open it for a few weeks here it is wrapped!

And I even made a quilt! My roommate asked who it was for and I am proud to say that it is for....myself! Yes it is the first thing I've made that has all been for myself! The front is a patchwork and with a flower applique which took like forever! And I think it turned out great! I can't wait to do another one!

Track break stuff!

Well I totally hate posting without pictures but I can't find my camera cord at the moment so you will all have to do without pictures today! Since being on track break not a whole lot of exciting things have happened but here are a few... First I have subbed a few days. Once for a second grade teacher and one for another first grade teacher on my team. Both times were fun but boy it really does make me miss and actually love the class I have. Of course I've got a few stinkers but after these classes I really can't wait for my kids to come back! Next, I went to the open house of the Draper temple. And boy was it gorgeous. It seems that in the new temples they have had a lot more murals and the ones in this temple were beautiful! Of course the celestial room was beautiful but my favorite place was the place where the brides get ready! So amazing! Then I took Donny down town to the train station so that he could go back home for a while. And I've also been to the eye doc for my pre-op visit. After a few eye scans and some tests, it looks like everything is a go for LASIK next week! YEAH! The wierdest thing was that the Doctor had to dilate my eyes. I've never had my eyes dilated before and they looked crazy! And now, abot 26 hours later they haven't changed! So I still have big black eyes! I look weird! See, now you're all wishing I had those pictures! I have to go back to the doc tomorrow to get these little plugs put into my tear ducts so that my eyes will stay more moist for the surgery and then it will be time for it all to happen! Yippee! Don't worry, I'll look for my cable and post some pictures of me in my cute glasses I hear that I'll be getting next week!

Cute Valentine's Idea

So I know everyone has probably already seen these but I got them as a Valentines gift from one of my students and thought they were cute. They are simply chocolate dipped fortune cookies! I also got a red "love" picture frame, stuffed lion, and heart socks. But an idea for any parents who want to get a present for their teacher...gift cards are always the way to go! Especially when its for a place that doesn't have to do with school! Just an idea! :)