Month of December... up to Christmas

My quick update as of the happenings of the month of DECEMBER. This month was a little crazy at school, with Christmas and the STUCO dance we had to put together.  Then there was just regular Christmas activities, plus I'm on FHE council for my ward.  Very glad I'm not in charge of it, just part of it. :)  So Suzi and I talked about things we wanted to do for Christmas.  We decided to do the 12 days of Christmas and drop treats off to our friends and people in our ward randomly.  We came up with new treats each night and door bell ditched people.  It was really fun, we left little notes with funny Christmas poems or spiritual Christmas poems; we signed it -Your Secret Elves.  Some of our friends got in on it with us and helped deliver the treats.  We only got caught once because they spotted our car and knew it was us.  It was a lot of fun.  One of our deliveries was to a friend that didn't have bed sheets, so we got him some.  It was pretty funny.  I think it was a really fun tradition to start doing each year.  I even have pictures of us dressed up in our night gear, when I find them I'll put them on here for you!

                       

U-Z Thankful!!

U- underwear, c'mon I had to say it!  I'm also grateful for utilities, like electricity and heat!
V- volleyball. I am in love with Volleyball, it's my favorite sport.  I love to coach volleyball and play volleyball.  It's my favorite thing to do in my free time. 
W- weather and wind.  They create snow days!  I am also grateful for the wilderness.
X- the Xgames!  They are so fun to watch and helped develop my favorite winter sport into what it is today, snowboarding!  Xgames are great.

Y- yellow!  Yellow just makes me happy and feel good.  I love surrounding myself in yellow, and yellow personalities.  Also, yellow reminds me of Sabrina, Spring, and Shelly and since they are my favorite girls I love to remember them!
Z- zippers, lets face it, what would the world be like without zippers.  Things could get dangerous and on top of that, your couch would be so strange without zippers.  Your coats would let in cold air and it would be difficult!

Thankful N-T

N- nachos, basically because I can't think of any other N I am thankful for!  But.... Nachos are really good!

O-  organization.... I am honestly super grateful for organization.  Without organization, people would live in pig pens and it would give me a headache.  I am extremely grateful for organization.
P- I am grateful for pizza, I love pizza.  When I was little I didn't like pizza too much, but I've outgrown that!  I am also grateful for pants, pants are so comfy!  I am also grateful for Prophets to teach us and guide us through all we encounter.

Gino's East Pizza in Chicago with Suzi

Q- quilts, I am grateful for quilts.  I am constantly cold in the winter so quilts help keep me warm!
R- running, I love to go running.  I also love to wear runners!  They are my favorite shoe because they are comfortable and have support.  Too bad they don't go with dress clothes!

My actual runners! :)

S- snow, I love snow because then I can go snowboarding!  It is one of my favorite outdoor winter activities.  I love it because it makes me like winter and long for snow!  I also am grateful for snow days.   It's great to have a free day and get things done! Also, I'm very grateful for Sabrina.  I've had her all my life and she's my best friend.  We've literally been through almost everything together.  I constantly bug her and her husband to move back to the lower 48 so I can see her more often.  I am most thankful for Sabrina.  I am also extremely grateful for Spring, she has been there through all of my trials and adventures in life since 2002.  I would be lost without her friendship.  I am still mourning her moving to Pocatello but love her the same!
T- I am grateful for testimonies.  Without a testimony I would truly be a lost soul.  I know that it is through my testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I am able to progress in life as I am.  I am able to have a sure knowledge of the plan my Heavenly Father has for me and I am renewed through the atonement.  I am also grateful for Teralee, my little sister.  She is so much fun to play with and she has always been a great support to me.  She is there to listen to me when I need her and she is compassionate.  I love Teralee.

My favorite painting of Christ, O Jerusalem

Thankful I - M

I - I am thankful for ice cream.  Life is wonderful with creamy ice cream!  I am also thankful for the Irlenbornes, my cousins.  I have so much fun with them and chatting with Angie on the phone.  They have been such a help in my life and I love spending time with them!

Irlenborne girls and I at a Civil War site in Arkansas

J - I am grateful for jam, jelly, and jell-o.  I love all three and grew up eating them often! :)  I am also grateful for Jesus Christ.  At times when I struggle and need a friend, he is always there for me.  I have learned to rely on him and he always helps me through.  Without Jesus as my Christ, I wouldn't be the person I am today.  I love to read about him and learn about him.  I love surrounding myself with people that remind me of my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am grateful for the restoration of his Gospel on this earth and for the knowledge I have of it.

K - I am thankful for kites.  I have a big fish kite and it is so much fun to play with!

L - I am grateful for love and laughter.  Both make the world go 'round and without them life would be boring!  I have so many friends and family that I love and help make my life better.  They are truly a blessing. 

Laughing and having fun at Teralee's Wedding

M - I am grateful for my Mother.  She is so much fun to play with and chat.  She and I stayed up until 2:30 last night chatting and laughing.  She has been an inspiration to me and a stalwart member that has set a good example to me through all of the trials in her life.  When I need her, she is there.  On top of that, she also lets me set my own path and make my own mistakes through life that I might grow and learn.  I love my mom.

My Mom and me in Seattle

Thankful in November A-H

One of my good college friends informed me that she was starting a letter a day thankful list.  I decided I would do it for the month of November A-Z, so however many I decided to do a day! :)  I'm cheating... haha.  But here it goes.

A - answers.  I am grateful for answers.  Answers that guide me through life and tough times.  I am also grateful for alarm clocks, without them I would never get up on time.  A's, I'm also grateful for A's, as in the grade students get.  It makes my life easier when my students are A students!  I am also grateful for my cousin Angie.  Although we are ten years apart, she has been such a support and help to me!  I love talking to her and learning though her.

B -bathing suits, without them I wouldn't be able to go swimming and to the hot tub (which I really enjoy doing!).  Beaches... I dream of living close to or on a beach.

The beach in Costa Rica

C - cheese, I love cheese!  I also love coaching sports.  It is a passion of mine, I get to work with my kids and teach them how to become better and more dedicated.  Coaching is what makes me love my job so much more each day I coach.  I am also grateful for my sister Crystal.  I love her, she is always there for me to talk to and she is extremely kind and helpful with anything.  I lived with her for two summers and they are ranked among my top summers of my life so far!    Crystal has always been there to help me become better and she always says the kindest words.

Crystal, Camarae, and Matt Porter

D - Desaray, she's my big sister and when I feel like I'm drowning she reaches out to help me get up.  She constantly looks over me and although she might be too protective sometimes, she really does care and just wants what's best for me.  She is creative and so much fun.  Corey is so lucky to have her as his wife!

Desaray and I about four years ago.

E - egg nog, I love egg nog!  I also love the elliptical at the gym.  My knees have been given me problems lately so the elliptical is wonderful for them!!  I have also been upping my running to 4.75 miles a day which takes me an hour.  I'm excited I can do that easy!

F - fruit and food!  I love to cook and try new things, so food is a must!  Also, I love seeing what dishes I can make.  It is a goal of mine to work my way through a cook book like Julie and Juliet.  That would be when I have enough money to afford all of that food!

G - gum! I love gum!  I always carry gum on me.  It takes care of bad breath and gives my mouth something to do instead of eating. haha.  Gum is great.  I am also grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Without it I truly would be a lost soul.  The Gospel helps me to find peace and guidance and most of all love.  I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true and I will always be grateful for it.

H - home, I am grateful for my home.  It is cozy and mostly warm.  I come home and I'm thinking, aaahhhh home.  I also love my other homes, Missouri and Alberta.  There is such a feeling of love and joy when I go to either place.  My homes pull on my heart strings.

Canada in July

This summer I was able to go to Alberta Canada for about a week.  It was so much fun to visit my family up there and not have any pressing demands for events. :)

Cardston Temple <3

 First Suzi and I drove to Aunt Ruby's house and just barely made it across the border before it closed...  not really we crossed at dinnertime.  So it was perfect!  We went to Aunt Ruby's house, got settled in and then partied all night!  We arose the next morning, packed up, and drove to Calgary where we stayed with my Aunt Becky.  It was a blast with her at her house.  We played with her, Kristin, and Uncle Bryce.  After a delicious pizza dinner, we chatted until bedtime.  The next day Aunt Becky drove us to the C train.  Like the UTA Trax...  and we took it to the.......... Calgary Stampede!!

Calgary Home of the New West!

The Stampede was a blast.  There was so much to see and do.  First we booked it over to the rodeo.  We made it just in time to get our seats and then sing the national anthem.  The rodeo was awesome.  There was some really run bull riders, barrel racers, and team roping.  Then they let the young kids try shetland pony riding!  There were 3 boys and they had to chase the pony with one holding a rope around the pony's neck, and one boy had to jump on the pony.  It was super funny and entertaining.  The barrel racing champion was Sue Smith from Blackfoot Idaho!  Afterward we went to the big barn with all the animals and I made Suzi pet a heifer because she had never before! Then we went back and played with Aunt Becky and Uncle Bryce again.

Banff National Park on a trail to a sweet waterfall

The next day we headed out to Banff National Park.  It was a great day with a lot of fun places to see, and then a rain storm!  We had fun but the weather could have been nicer!  When we got back, we headed out to Aunt Becky's horse stable and Suzi and she went riding for about an hour.  After we cleaned the horse smell off of Suzi, we drove back down to Cardston.  Aunt Becky's house was awesomely fun and I felt like I got to know Uncle Bryce a little bit better.

Lake Victoria celebration!

Back in Cardston, we just played.  All of Aunt Ruby's kids came over and we had a bonfire one night, Aunt Laura came and yelled at Jeff and I.... I tried to get him out of it but she was still mad.  A lot nicer because I went and talked to her first.  Jeff and I were four wheeling all over during the early night, like 10:30, and she was mad because I had Jeff drive down her driveway.  OOPS!!  I had an absolute blast playing with them.  We kept Jeff up until almost 4 am!  He almost died.  Then I got to play with Jordan and Chantelle.  I love them.  It was totally worth the trip and I was dying to stay longer but couldn't.  I love Canada!

Good Luck!

My little Aurora and Twin Time!

For the past three weeks I've been able to spend time with my sister Sabrina.  She flew down from Alaska and I met her in Layton at my mom's house.  We had a fun weekend where we started the burning pit and roasted marshmallows to make smores.  So yummy!  It was a blast playing in Utah with everyone. 

Sabrina, Aurora and I made the long trip to Rock Springs, Wyoming to visit the Porters.  We got to play almost all week with Camarae, Graham, Crystal, and sometimes Matt when he wasn't at work.  We helped Crystal get a little more settled in and played games most every night.  It was good to have the three of us sisters together.  

Aurora giggling

 Now Sabrina and Aurora have been with me in Rexburg for almost three weeks.  I know it's hard being a full time mom, but it's hard being a full time teacher and aunt!  I get to come home every night to play with Sabrina and Aurora.  Aurora is just the cutest little bug.  We play and play until she goes to bed and then Sabrina and I go to the gym while Suzi stays at home with Aurora.  

Aurora loves to giggle and shake her head no to you when you do it to her, and then she loves to put things over her head and wrap it around her neck.  Like this below... haha

and no, those aren't mine. Haha silly girl.

I also had to help my ward with a Halloween party.  Suzi and I dressed up as Sydney Bristow, form Alias. We had a blast at our ward party. 

Alias in action

I also love this shot with our good friend Jonnie.

Suzi, Jonnie, and Megan

Potato Harvest in Ririe Idaho

I worked Spud Harvest for a good friend, Brigham, this past week.  I only worked four days but I still worked about 40+ hours.  I will have to give a play by play of each day to explain my experience.

Monday Brigham put me in my spud truck (see picture below) and took me out to the field to learn how to load the truck alongside the tractor with the 'loader'.  You have to be a certain distance from the tractor and you follow alongside at the same speed as the tractor and there are two lights, red and green, if the green light comes on you speed up until it goes off then you keep pace again.  Same thing with the red but you slow down.  I'm sure you understand.  So Brigham made the mistake of telling me to stop driving so I did! and then the potatoes came flowing over the top of my truck!  Well, I learned quickly how to follow alongside the tractor and not stop until I'm loaded.  Later that day I was driving behind another spud truck waiting for my turn beside the tractor, the trucks ahead of me stopped so I did also.  I pulled out my air brake and then jumped out to see what was going on.  I was outside about 3-4 minutes and then hopped back in.  I pushed my air brake off and an alarm went off.  I tried a bunch of different things but to no avail.  Exasperated I called Brigham.  He said he'd be out as soon as possible to help me.  While I was waiting I walked to the tractor that Brigham's dad was driving and told him my situation, he was like I think your air just needs to build pressure.  So we walked back to my truck to check it out and sure enough the alarm was off and my truck was fine.  Just then Brigham pulled up.... Oh No!  So I had to apologize but lucky for me Brigham brought his dad's dinner with him.  Brigham was a great sport in helping me figure out what to do and not getting frustrated.  We broke down the first two days for at least an hour or so each time and I never saw him loose his temper.

My Spud Truck #99

Tuesday went pretty well.  At the end of the night I took another driver, Ben's, truck home to the shop.  He had a really old truck, a 92, it was so old I had to pull the choke out to kill it.  I pulled up beside the shop and turned the truck off and pulled out the choke.  Well.... the choke kept coming... and the truck didn't turn off!  I kept trying by pushing the choke and and pulling it out and it didn't solve the problem. The truck just kept running!  I tried calling Brigham and he ignored me, so I txt him and told him what happened and he still didn't answer.  So Gary, another driver, showed up and I told him my situation.  He couldn't kill the truck either, I swore to everyone that I did not break the truck!  Finally Jeff, Brigham's cousin, came over and opened the hood and manually pulled the choke to kill the truck.  I finally could go home still swearing I didn't break the truck and I told Ben, I broke your truck!  And he responds... "Hey I didn't break your truck!"

Sunset shot from inside my cab at the review mirror.

Wednesday was great and so was Thursday.  We ended early on Thursday, like 7pm because Brigham's grandpa passed away.  It was a blessing though because he was really ill and in a lot of pain so everyone was just waiting for him to be sent on.  It was such a great blessing though to go and work for Brigham.  He was a great boss and super fun to be around working.  I also felt like I drew back on my roots of farm/ranch work from my childhood.  It renewed my admiration for farmers and all the work they do. 

Idaho sunset across the already harvested wheat field

The cellar all full of potatoes

Wisconsin and Michigan Trip, Part 2 FINALLY

I know I said a long time ago I'd post the rest of my summer trip, well it's finally here and I'll have to do it in parts, so second part is Wisconsin.  Next I'll get to the Canada trip!

Megan at Gino's East Pizzeria

Suzi and I drove from Missouri straight to Wisconsin, outside of Milwaukee.  While in Milwaukee we played with Suzi's family including her little brother Joey, who is awesome!  We went to Chicago for a day and had real Chicago pizza, at Gino's East!  It was delicious.  We saw downtown and the pier and wend to the Field Museum.  It was so big we were inside for a couple of hours and we still didn't see everything.  I've never really been to a big museum so it was a great first experience.  Then we headed to Michigan to visit Suzi's 95 yr old great-grandmother.  She was a hoot.  It was tons of fun to see her and play in Michigan, the house was a little hard to stay in though because her great-grandmother smoked her whole life until she went to the nursing home.  I managed though.  Michigan was fun, we even went to Tower Hill at Lake Michigan and got to play in the water.  It was great, I didn't swim because it was a little cold and I didn't want to change, but it felt like the ocean with big waves!

We went back to Wisconsin after I we were done our 4 days in Michigan.  We played in Milwaukee and also went to the Harley Davidson Museum!  That was a blast.  We got to sit on real Harleys and learn all we could about them!  We also went to a car show on the rive after the museum, it was an accident but great fun.  Our last day we went to the Wisconsin Dells.  It was really neat to go up and down the river and see the rock formations and play in the Dells.  Wisconsin was a lot of fun!

Black bike at the Harley Museum

We drove out early on Saturday and went to the Corn Palace in Mitchell SD.  I love that place, it's always different and something new.  Then we traveled on to Wall Drug.  Suzi had neve been there but I had quite a few times and I loved it, we stayed in a really crappy hotel, but not cheap by anymeans.  It was July 3rd....  We ate dinner downtown and had fun just hanging out in a small shop town.  We woke up early and went to Mt. Rushomore on our way out of SD, it was really neat to be there on the 4th of July.  Then we drove all of the way to Cody WY where after an hour of passing town, we finally entered into Yellowstone National Park.  We took pictures and froze our little selves off, but it was a blast.  I got to watch the fireworks for the 4th of July in West Yellowstone, just like I had 5 years earlier.  It was neat to do that and see town again!  I loved Yellowstone!  We finally made it home at 1am and it was the best feeling to sleep in our beds again!

at Mt. Rushmore on July 4th!

Suzi at the Corn Palace

Grand Canyon of Yellowstone!

Blonde or Brown? I need help!

Dear everyone that reads my blog.  I'm trying to decide between having brown and blonde hair (I know the problems I face!) and I can't pick!  So I thought I'd bring it to the public and get input from my family and closest friends.  Let me know what you think.  Thanks!!

Brown Hair

Blonde

June Trip 1: Arkansas

On June 8th Suzi and I departed from Layton Utah and began our trip to the MIDWEST.   We drove all day and then the thought came to me, check the oil, so I did.  Sure enough we needed oil and I added a quart.  Before we left I also checked the tires, they were worn out and ready to go, wire tread showing and as bald as an ice sculpture.  (I'm funny eh?)  I knew we needed new tires, so Crystal (my loving older sister) did some online checking and we had to get 50 miles down the road in an hour to get the the last open place.  It was already 7pm central time.  About half an hour down the road the tire went flat.  I got out and changed the tire --it's recorded on camera so there is proof!  We very slowly drove to the tire and lube.  The men stayed ten minutes after their shift to help us, by the time they were done changing the tires, it was an hour past their closing time!  What great men at the Walmart in Grand Island Nebraska!!  We were so grateful and ready to get back on the road and to Arkansas.  Angie and Dustin (my cousins' whose kids we were going to be watching for 10 days) were really anxious to see us get there in time!  About half an hour down the road I was talking to my mom on the phone and Suzi was driving, next word out of my mouth was deer deer deer deer deer!!  Suzi switched lanes to avoid the deer and it jumped in front of us!  We pulled over as soon as possible, I got off the phone with my mom, and checked out the damage.  We saw headlights hanging out and a dented front passenger fender.... ouch!  So after calming Suzi down, we got back in the car, I took the wheel, and turned the a/c off.  I drove to the next possible town, 1/2 hr down the road.  By the time we finally found a hotel, apx. 10:30 at night, the temperature hit RED hot.  We turned the car off and settled down for the night.  To make a long story short now, the next morning we got a tow and went the the shop and rented a car to get us to Arkansas.  We drove all day and got to Angie's house by 7ish that night.  It was great to finally be at a destination, one that we wanted to be at!

We watched the kids and played for over a week.  It was ten days, by the end I was glad I don't have any kids of my own right now!  So much work with 5 kids to take care of, oh and a Suzi. haha, don't tell.   We did have some exciting days, Precious Moments Chapel and Civil War Battle sites.  It was quite an adventure with the boys in tow!  We hiked up to this waterfall, this is the lower shot, there was more waterfalls up higher on the hike.  It was Suzi, Carley, and I with 11 kids!  

 We also went down to Fayetteville and met up with one of my old friends, Michael.  It was a ton of fun, we toured the Razorback campus and went mini golfing and go-karting!  We found the road that had my name on it, my favorite thing in Fayetteville!  We finally bought Suzi a new car because her other car was totaled by the deer. :(  ...but the new Civic is awesome!  Then on to Milwaukee and Chicago and Michigan! I'll show that later.  Bon Voyage!

Day 31: Wind Caves and Snow snow snow

First I want to share some photos of the past. :)

One of my best students, Alyssa Hawkes.  Her mom wanted photos of us together, she was my best volleyball player and track star, won the puppy of the year award (best student and athlete), a hard worker, and my first student council president! She's so much fun.  Also, her mom is destined to set me up with their cousin who is an engineer so I can be part of the family.  Good stuff!!

First is Katelyn, whom I car pooled with this past year. It was really good because we became good friends and saved money at the same time! Carpooling wasn't that bad with her!  Then Alyssa and Beca Rivas.  Now Beca is a stubborn hard girl, but she's so great and helpful.  She has so much to give and just wants to help everyone. She has been a life saver for me many-a-time!!

This group of 8th graders saw Katelyn and I drive by and came to find us!  We drove down the road a little bit so I could change my clothes, lucky for me I had just barely (by seconds) finished when they pulled around the corner!  It goes as follows, Delaney, Alexa, Hannah, Colten, Abby, and Hannah.  It is such a fun spirited class, imagine 30 kids with big spirits and a lot of fun and chattiness in one room.... wow how did I do 2 years?

Hannah Brown, Katelyn Quintin, and I after graduation.  I tried to come as spirited as I could for the kids! So I have all purple, yellow, and black on.  Hannah is my worlds fastest runner.  She is ranked at number one in middle schools in the state according to the Idaho Sports website.  She is hard to get working but once she does, she's a fireball!  Katey is my reader, her and I are always giving tips on what books to read next and usually I'll read it after her but a couple of times I get to suggest to her what to read, that's always fun!

We got a small group to go hiking today.  We went to Driggs up Darby Canyon and tried to hike to the Wind Caves.  This is Bryan, Bre, and I on our way up the mountain.  It was all snowy up the trail and we got wet, but it was so much fun!  We really enjoyed ourselves.  Suzi had a walking stick and still fell a couple of times and soaked her pants, but it was still fun!  Afterwards we went to mexican in Driggs and did Jonnie a favor by cleaning his cabin. We played Yatzee for a while and relaxed.  It was a neat Memorial Day weekend!

Me, Suzi, and Alycia playing on the mountain.

Suzi and Eric Stevens at the end of the hike.

Yay Mexican!

I am seriously going to take up hiking this summer as a weekly activity.  I'm really excited for this challenge!!

Day 28, 29, 30: Friday off of school

Today was the first day off from school.  It was so nice! I just did errands around the house and attended the temple, which was nice but seriously took 3 hours!  I also had the repair guy come and put in a new garbage disposal.  My advice to everyone buying a home, DO NOT buy the extended warranty on appliances!  It is not worth your money!  I had to pay 65 dollars for the guy to come out and do the garbarator, and his total bill was only 120.  Which, I paid almost 350 for my appliance warranty.  I could have saved so much money.  Also, the main reason why i hate this idea of buying the warranty....  The customer service people were so rude, they were not helpful and I spent over 40 minutes on hold with them in order to put my repair man on the line so they could approve the fix (they wouldn't find the repair man, I had to do that myself!).  The first time, my repair man ran to get a part, and they were like, oh you've been on hold for 20 minutes but we can't wait 5 for him to come back and talk to him.  You'll have to call back.  So after letting that lady know that I wanted to talk to someone to tell them how they could better run a company, I finally got a different rep to the the job approved by chatting with my repair man for 1 minute! count it, one!!  That was my productive Friday! :)  I also went to Robin Hood that night.  I seriously loved it, probably my favorite Robin Hood yet!

Saturday: ICE CAVES!!

Today I went to the Ice Caves with my friend Brandon.  We had a blast!  After driving down a holey, muddy, rocky road, we came to the caves.  Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures!  We put our snow clothes on, hiked in the cave, scooted on our rears across the ice, fell down a few times, climbed up an ice wall and slid down... good stuff!  It hailed on us as we climbed out, but it was great fun.  Then Saturday night I went to the Ridge and watched the Lakers game with Juan and my old friend Natalia.  It was so much fun I loved it, it was great to see old friends and just have a good time. 

Sunday: Relaxing....

Church was really fun today, I chatted a lot with friends, Suzi made me laugh a lot during the sacrament talks.  It was probably bad but o so funny.  I will do better. Afterwards, we went on a drive to  Monkey Rock (shown above).  Then we came home and made food, got home taught, and made cookies.  Some friends came over to play; we played Super Mario Brother Wii, because my friend Tyrel go my wii to work again! YAY!!  It was a good night.  Tomorrow we will hike wind caves! :)  Here are some pictures I wanted to share!

My Plants!  the green hang basket, is a topsy turvey, it froze last week and I didn't get home in time to bring the plants in. It froze the tomatoes.