Dear California

What happened to the 76 degree forcast for this week of joy and festivities? Do you not recall that I have been snowbound since Thanksgiving and was depending on you to provide me with capri and flip flop weather? I understand that you may feel 67 degrees is perfectly acceptable, but another 10 degrees wouldn't kill anyone right?
You have one day to re-think your decision! I will be arriving at 3:45pm and in good faith, will be wearing capris, so do what you can and 'make it work.'
Hopefully yours,
Amanda

A Most Incredible Day

Well, as many of you know, yesterday John and I were sealed in the Nauvoo Temple. It was really the most amazing day and I thought you'd all like an update on the experience.

Our sealing was yesterday at 3pm. We had to be ther by 2pm for all the paperwork stuff, so we left our house around 7:45am. It was a great drive, aside from our hour long detour!! We arrived at 1:30 and got to see Chris and Bob Smith (Bronwyn's mom and step-dad) before going into the temple. They have been driving around the country visiting family and church history sites. This was their last one. We headed over to the temple and got ourselves ready.

I was taken to the women's dressing area and I was walked past the Bride's room and then there was this very awkward 'should she be in the Bride's room or in a regular locker' thing between a couple workers. They decided that a regular locker it was. Off I went to go change into my dress. Half-way undressed, someone came and told me to stop. There had been a mistake. I should have been in the Bride's room. So, I put my clothes back on and came out. Another lady joined us and was confused because other brides were in there. I was sent back to the locker. Then as I was getting dressed, I started to get a bit emotional. (Okay, I was kind of sobbing like a wee babe). When I was finally ready, I went into the bathroom to check the make-up situation and a different woman came in and all embarassed apologized for the whole situation. She kept explaining how they should have let me in and all the brides could share. I had to interupt her and assure her that I hadn't been crying from the devestation of being relegated to a changing room. The changing rooms are beautiful in Nauvoo. All fancy wood. Even the lockers are all wood! Once I had assured her that the incident would in no way impact my experience, I was off.

I met up with my mom, who had been getting ready to be sealed to her parents. It really was the most incredible sealing I've ever been to. :)

First, John and I were sealed. Then my grandparents (mom's side) were sealed and then my mom was sealed to her parents.

Then her dad's parents were sealed and had 4 of their children sealed to them.

Then my grandmother was sealed to her parents.

It was such a special day and gave me such an appreciation for the purpose behind the sealing power. As we united so much family together, the Spirit was so strong and instructive.

We had dinner with our friends that came and then we all headed off back to our homes. We got home at 11:30 and went to bed with such grateful hearts.

There is such a noticeable difference in the feeling of peace and love in our relationship and in our home. What a blessing!

Um, hello Andrea?

Dearest Andrea to all that know and love you,

I am dedicating this entire post to you! All comments should be geared towards letting Andrea know how absolutely fabulous she is and how much we miss her all day, every day!
I just read your most recent post on your blog about how you deseperately miss all of us and the wonderful world that is CA fun and friendship. So, having hinted around via my blog, your blog and word of mouth, I am going to straight up ask if we will need to make some airport signs for your return next week? Doesn't it sound to good to be true?
I know it is. I think 1 yr at ASU deserves a special little visita con amigas! Si, si?
Now, I understand that you may not be able to make it while I am visiting and even though I would be so sad for most of my trip, I would of course eventually heal the wounds in my soul. But the uncertainty of it all is more than a girl can stand. So? Wanna come and play?
I am arriving (pay attention everyone) at the Ontario Airport next Tuesday at 3:40pm on Delta 3805. Wahoo!
I will be with the girlios Tuesday evening and head off to Santa Barbara on Wednesday and Thursday with my dear Nan. Then I will be back on Friday morning to hit The Getty Villa and other activities with my favorite girls before leaving early on Saturday. I know this is not the most convenient little weekend timing, but it is what it is.
Now, I am going to throw one more thing into the pot. I am pretty sure that even Katie will be joining our Friday daytime activities! For her to miss a day of school is monumental. You wouldn't want to miss that right?
So, who loves Andrea and needs to see her? Comment one and all! Also, give a shout out if you are in for Tuesday night or Friday day & night?
Can't wait to see you girls and break out the flip flops! Wahoo!


Lovingly,
Amanda

Bring on the Brass!

Here is a treasure! I could only actually watch about 40 seconds of it.

Spring Has Brought Me Such a Nice Surprise

"A WINTER STORM SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE FROM 5 TO 9 INCHES OF SNOW ACCUMULATION BEGINNING AROUND MIDNIGHT TONIGHT AND CONTINUING THROUGH MUCH OF THE DAY FRIDAY. "

Happy First Day of Spring Everyone! :)

Oh, the Joy!

Disregard all the sadness and despair of the last few days (or months) I am currently in a magical place called the Land of the Fluffernutter.

I went grocery shopping today really to just pick up milk, eggs and butter, etc. but as you know, when you shop hungry, all sorts of random things end up in your cart. So as soon as I spotted the beloved jar of Fluff, in it went. From that moment on, a smile of pure bliss spread across my face. I knew that I would be having a Fluffernutter for dinner.

Those of you not familiar with Fluffernutters, I have failed you as a friend and I am sorry. A Fluffernutter is the staple of every child in New England. It consists of Marshmallow Fluff and Peanut Butter on the fluffiest, most unhealthy white bread around.

While celebrating this sandwich of perfection I ran across this little article that was quite entertaining to me. This is the kind of thing that happens when you make the Fluffernutter the Massachussetts sandwich. I didn't know we had State Sandwiches. Anyone ever heard of this before?

Further joy came when I remembered that Easter is Sunday, so I began the earnest purchase of Easter candy for our little baskets. This is certainly not my first purchase of Easter candy this year, but the first time that the intention was to use it in the filling of baskets.

I am glad to report that my day has taken a lovely turn for the joyful. Have no fear friends, I bet I have at least another 7 sandwiches left out of the jar, so at least one week of happiness is mine.

Craziness!

Lately I have been feeling a little neglectful of American Idol. Since I have usually been quite faithful to the show and my favorite singers (I think that Rachel and I almost single handedly provide Taylor Hicks victory), I feel the need to change my ways. So, tonight I am commited to watching the show. I just went on YouTube to view some of the contestants and found this!
Now, probably most of you are familiar by now with David Archuleta, but this was my first exposure and I was completely amazed.
My disbelief at his vocals was almost overshadowed by Paula's comments. She is all sorts of crazy.
Off to a fun night of American Idol. Enjoy!

Oh no! You again?

Dear Co-worker that I can't stand,

Do you realize that everytime you speak to me in that condescending and passive aggressive voice, you make me want to rip your head off? I mean really? Do you think that anything that you have to say to me is important enough that it actually changes from the normal 'blah, blah, blah' into something interesting?
And by the way, not to be insensitive, but since you started it, the reason you are not married or dating has nothing to do with those horrible men out in the universe. The decent guys are all just hiding from you because #1 you can't possibly get duller and #2 you think you are interesting (which works out to be very annoying) #3 you say snide little comments all the time and then finish it off with one of those smiles that lets everyone know you are thinking 'i'm amazing and you are a moron' which of course is not true.
Now I normally wouldn't bring up the 'you are single' card but because that is all you can ever talk about, I'm just going to answer your constantly burning question of 'why you aren't married.'
Okay, I think I crossed over into the insulting area, so to back up a little, you do have nice hair and you usually do a good job of putting yourself together.

Yours truly,

Me

P.S. Please don't ever speak to me again. Thanks so much.

A Day in the Life

Happy St. Patty's Day to all. I am sad to report that I neither wore green or ate corned beef and cabbage. We actually grew up eating that each year, but I have lost the tradition. Mainly because I can't seem to remember what day it is today, let alone what holiday is coming up.
So, my day consisted of many pinches from students. If they would have stopped talking over me long enough, they might have learned a few things about the beautiful Irish Day. That was not to be the case today. It is always a relief to know that all the other teachers had crazy days too.
My favorite event of the day was when I went to get my kids from recess. One of my children (he who must not be named-due to blog anonynimity) was screaming and running at me. He didn't beat the recess aide that informed me that he just punched a kid in the face. I know you can't advise kids to punch back, but sometimes you just think it might end if the other kid wasn't so obedient. (just a thought) So, as I am hauling his butt to the office, he is trying to convince me that he is a good little boy because that running and screaming was his attempt to 'tell the truth.' He apparently thinks that the honesty points completely negate the 'punched a kid in the face' incident. Boy, was he wrong. I would love to report that this was his first, second or even third run in with the law (a.k.a. The Principal), but I have actually lost count.
What I have not lost count of is the number of days until June 14th! 89. So, that is really not a fantastic number, so how about 11 more Fridays. That sounds much better. We have a few Fridays off, but it still is music to my ears.
Have a happy week! Anyone have countdowns of their own going on?

My Schedule

For those of you interested, I thought I should let you know what my plans are for Spring Break, so you can play hookie and have some fun.
Katie, I am going to do a public shout out for you to play hookie. I know that it goes against your very nature as a responsible individual, but it is on my list of things to witness before I die. You really never know how short life is, so do what you can! :) Okay, it actually wasn't on my list until now, but I'll be sure to add it. What do you say?
Here is my schedule so you can decide.
Tuesday, April 1st: Fly into Ontario at 3 something pm. Any takers on meeting me at the airport? I would love some signs. I know those have been reserved for Andrea in the past. Hey, maybe Andrea is coming and will be flying in around that same time (wink, wink) and then you can make signs for her and add my name in small leters at the bottom.
Tuesday pm ideas: Pasadena? Sur La Table, the stationary store, Cheesecake Factory, Huntington Garden ? Really anything with you guys.
Wednesday and Thursday: Santa Barbara with Nan :)
Friday: 10:30 The Getty Villa. I have 6 tickets reserved? Who is going to take the other 5. Katie, this is a very worthwhile reason to be sick. You can just consider it an Educational Enhancement Day. You are adding to your vast knowledge which will allow you to be a better teacher. So, you practically have to take the day off.
Friday afternoon and evening: Fun times and lots of laughing. I am thinking the coconut sweet potatoes are in order.
So, here is my tentative schedule. Let me know where and when you will be making your appearances. Can't wait!!

She Gave it a Try

I have an adorable girl in my class. She is blond, cute and often walks on her tippy toes just for fun. She also begins each comment by doing this little 'tsk.'
So she is walking out to recess today and stops to tell me "The other day I was trying to speak Spanish, and then I realized that I don't know how."
Then she let me know that sometimes she tries to speak 'Parish' which I think is code for French.

100th Post

Okay, so after Liz telling me how to check my post numbers, I realized that here I am. When I checked early it said #99 and then I just checked and it said #100, so here goes.
100 Things about me:
1. I dream of living on a farm
2. With chickens
3. And a jersey cow
4. And a goat
5. I love making bread
6. And I make the best toast bread
7. I have always wanted a little kitchen herb garden
8. Even though I kill all potted plants
9. And I don't do tons of cooking
10. I love reading
11. But have to finish it within a few days or I forget what is going on
12. My fingernails grow really fast
13. And pretty
14. Then I get a manicure and...
15. They become little uneven stubs
16. Grocery shopping is theraputic to me
17. I have two dogs-Max and Yoshi
18. Every time I let Max out of his kennel, I tell him he's my favorite
19. Yoshi is cuter
20. I can fit my whole hand in my mouth
21. This is both impressive and embarassing
22. I cannot karaoke in front of others
23. I did once and got booed by an ex-boyfriend. Pox on him.
24. I have a not-so-secret dream to be DDR Champ
25. I am the champ of my house
26. I love toe socks
27. Even though they aren't very comfortable
28. I have a great pair of striped ones
29. I hate all scary movies
30. I have been known to hit people who tried to scare me
31. I have obnoxious sneezes
32. I love to be the center of attention, but not for sneezing
33. I used to think 5 yr olds were funny
34. I haven't laughed at one in at least 3 months
35. My most used line in school now is "Whining doesn't work."
36. Reminding them doesn't either
37. I love making quilts and blankets
38. I pretend that I am more talented than I am
39. I have friends that don't burst this bubble
40. I have written a few poems in my life
41. It took me about 15 years to admit that
42. It will take another 15,000 before I would share them
43. I am not really good at comforting people
44. I just try to make them laugh
45. If that isn't appropriate, I got nothin'
46. I LOVE inappropriate cards
47. I don't love people who judge me for it
48. If you don't like The Office, I don't really like you
49. My favorite drink is Pepsi
50. I wish I could just get an IV of it
51. My biggest fear is getting attacked while in the shower
52. Don't worry
53. I have a plan
54. I'll share it
55. Lather up good
56. They won't be able to hold on to you
57. Don't forget your hair
58. I'm very excited for the NKOTB reunion tour
59. I was devestated that I never went the first time around
60. For sure I'd be related to Marky Mark by now
61. I like Family History
62. I'd like to write a completely fictional family record
63. Not that my own family isn't interesting enough
64. We have two of the most annoying yappy dogs next door
65. I wish I had pepper spray
66. I got mine stolen (confiscated) at the airport once
67. Oops
67.5 I like the word confiscated. I'm going to use it more often.
68. I hate taking off my shoes in the airport when I know they won't beep
69. I love to fly
70. Especially to CA!!
71. My mom gives me maternity clothes every time she comes to visit
72. I want to learn to live off the land
73. One of my favorite books is My Side of the Mountain
74. I hate avocado in any form
75. I have lost many friends because of this fact
76. I broke down sobbing at a RS function
77. Because there was avocado on the sandwiches
78. I always cut both ends off cucumbers
79. And rub them against the other part
80. My mom always did
81. And told me that that took the bitter out
82. It doesn't work
83. I do it anyway
84. I want to retire in Salmon, ID
85. At the age of 32
86. I don't really like Disneyland
87. I want my next car to be a Chrysler Pacifica
88. I drive the truck to work
89. I love to park next to the few men
90. Who drive little cars
91. I talk to myself
92. John caught me doing so last week
93. I wanted to die
94. I don't usually get embarassed
95. I love camping
96. I get to go with the YW this summer
97. I am bringing a cooler of goodies
98. I might share, I might not
99. I probably know the real words to 2 songs, maybe
100. I want to be Paula Deen when I grow up. With the accent please.

Drug Warning

# of headaches in the past 24 hrs: 2
# of Excedrin taken in the last 4 hrs:2
# of hours since I first got into bed: 3
# of times I have tried to fall asleep: 3
# of hours before 19 5 &6 yr olds will be talking to me: 7
# of minutes between John getting in bed and falling asleep: 4
AAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHH!!

What Should I Keep in My Flask?

If I was the drinking kind, I would be somewhere with lots of liquor right now. I have had the longest possible day/week of my teaching career.
Does anyone think that a kindergartener should behave in such a way that should necesitate 3 days of in-school suspension? You wouldn't think so would you? Well, this was that week.
I was seriously trying to research the consequences of breaking a contract mid-year. I know that a main theme of my life this year has been 'complain about the job' and I'm sorry about that, but there has got to be a better way!
Rachel is an inspiration to me! Who knows, maybe Monday will be the day. Probably not, but you never know what to expect from this little bunch.
I wish there was some funny anecdote to share, but alas, I have none. So, I think that if I had a little flask in my closet, it would make me feel better. Seeing that I don't drink alcohol, what should I put in there? If only they sold egg nog year round. Katie, maybe you could come up with a recipe of melted down, liguid Girl Scout cookies. I am sure Williams and Sonoma has a gadget.
Well, dear friends, I am counting down the days til Spring Break. Lots of love.

Only 14 More Days Til Spring???

Sometimes when I am stressed, I take a drive out in the country-side and pretend that I own my farm and I am going home to feed the sheep. While I was out, I saw this...
Granted, this was taken out by where the snow drifts and gets plowed and then re-plowed, but still folks. Really? Glad I know what a real stop sign looks like or I might have been tricked.
















And then there was this. I gained a glimmer of hope to see that the water wasn't frozen solid. This stuff may melt eventually after all.

Liz had mentioned that she wanted some snowy pictures. Here you go! :)

Grateful for the Little Things

I am often amused by the things people are grateful for. I really don't have much room to talk, because I have often prayed for things that may seem trivial to some. One night in February I said a little prayer that we would have a snow day in the morning. I fully understood that this was probably not something prayer worthy, considering all of the needs that I and others have, however Heavenly Father loves me and I woke up the next day to the glorious sound of school cancellations. One good thing about the frozen tundra.
Okay, so on to my real story. Sitting in church today a woman stood up and started sharing. I would say 'bearing her testimony' except she wasn't doing that. She was just sharing. Well, she was mentioning some things she was grateful for and suddenly the 'blah, blah, blah' turned into "I'm just so happy because I have these really cute shoes with every color in the rainbow and I'm so glad it is warm enough to wear them." I'm pretty sure that I heard the bishop sigh.
Things I am grateful for:
1) Girl Scout Cookies (I got mine at church today. All 8 boxes of them.)
2) Days when certain students happen to be unable to come to school (Hoping that tomorrow is one of those days)
3) Shopping. Even buying groceries puts me in a better mood.
4)Ponytails. My hair is almost long enough for one now. John keeps asking me when I'm getting my hair cut. What part of 'easy hairstyle' does he not get?
5)March 29th 3pm Nauvoo Temple. I guess one serious thing needs to go on the list.
6)Spring Break with the girls. If you haven't heard I am California bound in 1 month!! Start the planning now. Clear your schedules and get ready. I am counting on a trip to that restaurant with the coconut sweet potato things. Rachel, get on that. Stat!
7)Cheesy moment: All my wonderful friends. Love you guys!

Ponderings

I recognize that my blog has typically not included any Liz-like types of thoughtful, insightful posts and frankly this doesn't promise either of these things, but it is something I've been thinking about lately and wanted to send it out to you girls to see what you have to say. I'm really looking for some guidance here, so any advice is completely solicited.
So, my issue right now is that I currently feel like the major areas of my life are sort of up in the air/out of my control and I feel overwhelmed by that. I have certain things that I want to be moving towards and there really is nothing I can do about it.
Thinking about Liz's post a few days ago about feeling like you have to have accomplishments, I am frustrated because I have nothing I can really do to move myself in the direction of my dreams (currently). I know that we have all probably felt like this at one time or another, so I guess this is my time.
My problem really doesn't lie with this, but with the fact that for some reason I am allowing these feelings of frustration to overwhelm me to the point that I make no progress with the smaller areas of my life that I do have control over.
I love making lists and do so regularly, but then I find my way to the couch and watch Project Runway or any cooking show for the 100th time this week. Even when I saw the same episode yesterday.
What I want to know is how to move past the big things and focus on the small things. How do I set aside the large goals and focus on the daily do-able ones.
As I am typing this, I am realizing that this is probably much like the frustration that some feel over not being married. I never really experienced that frustration, so maybe this is my chance to figure out the answer to this question. Maybe for those of you at home with children, you have this same question. Is this a universal thing of large goals being out of reach for a time or forever, to force us or allow us to master the smaller more important things. I only say more important because so often the small things really define who we are when they are added up.
Okay, enough of that, more silly posts later. I have a good one coming thanks to a recent package from Rachel! I know you'll check back now!