Hats off to Mother's

It has been quite the busy week this week. I must say I am tired. My sister Camille and her husband have been in Europe this past week and a half visiting Scottland, England and France. Between me, my mom and my sister Allison we've been watching their 3 kids, Nathan (7), Austin (5) and Megan (1 1/2) while they are gone. I'm so glad they are able to go on this once in a lifetime experience! I can't wait to hear all their stories. I spent a couple of days up at their house then brought them down to my house for a couple days before sending them off to Allison's. We kept plenty busy going swimming, riding bikes, playing at the park, and getting ice cream at Macey's. I've come to realize that my house is....a) not toddler proof b) has no toys for little kids c)has no baby supplies (high chair, bibs, sippycups etc). We made do and were just fine. But in the midst of all of this, we found out that Stephen's grandma died and in less than 24 hrs he hopped on a plane to Michigan for the next 5 days. Which left the last day and a half with just me and the kiddos. I wish I could be there with him, but I start school on Monday. I've done a lot of baby sitting with my many nieces and nephews over the years but this was quite and adventure going from no kids to 3 overnight! So I would have to say, hats off to all you mothers!

These are a few of our Favorite Things

Since I can't think of anything to write about this week, I saw this on somebody else's blog and thought that I'd share a few of our family's favorite things. Enjoy!
Stephen's Favorites:
Color: Red
Movie: The last one he's seen
Food: ChineseDessert: Cheesecake
Season: Spring, Summer & Fall
T.V. Show: The Office
Place to visit: Home in Michigan or Iguazu Falls
Book:Too many to choose
Hobbie: Flying
Scripture: D&C 46:13-14
Holiday: Christmas
Thing to Do: Play piano, computer & read

Emily's Favorites:
Color: Green
Movie: I am a sucker for any chick flick...you name it and I've probably seen it!
Food: Chinese (it's all delicious)
Dessert: Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
Season: Spring - I love all of the beautiful flowers
T.V. Show: The Office
Place to visit: Paris & Hawaii
Book: I have lots, but "A Little Princess & "Diary of a Worm" (both children's books)
Hobbie: Digital Scrapbooking/Blogging & Teaching
Scripture: Helaman 5:12
Holiday: Christmas
Thing to Do: Spend time with my family

What a Mess!!!

This past week has been kind of crazy around our house and we're slowly getting it put back together. Stephen's been quite adventurous in trying to figure out how to rewire some electrical outlets and cables so we could hook up our new t.v. I would have to admit I didn't think he could really do it and was nervous when he started punching 3 or 4 holes into the wall. (Thank goodness the holes were in our pantry where if he messed up, it wouldn't matter too much.) But with a few trips to Lowe's and few hours later, I was pretty impressed at his skills. While I was helping him run some wire, I felt some drops of water on my shoulder. At first, I was quite puzzled and couldn't figure out what it was. Then we realized it was coming from our ceiling and we had some sort of leak! Being new home owners we started to panic a little. We couldn't figure out what or where it was from other than being directly underneath our water heater. We rushed to get a bucket and turned off the water main, since it was too late to call someone. An hour later, about 3 feet further into the room it started leaking again. At this point it was almost midnight and we were really tired and nervous as to what would happen during the night. The leaks were getting closer and closer to our piano. We were grateful to wake up to no more leaking in the morning and had someone come look at it. They ended up ripping a hole in our ceiling and ruining the wall that I had just painted a few weeks ago. I'm just glad our house is still under warranty from the builder this first year. Here's a few pictures of just how crazy it's been!

My 10 Year Reunion

I can't believe I'm old enough to say this, but I went to my 10 year High School Reunion this weekend. It was such a weird feeling. I did get to see some good friends that I hadn't in a very long time. But in some ways I felt like I was stepping back into high school.....I can't believe how fast time has flown. What have I done the last 10 years? This was a common question that was asked during the entire evening. My life...well, I've gone to school at USU for 5 of those years, gotten my degree in Special Ed, taught school for the other 5 years. During that time I've traveled, spent many summers doing EFY, met many amazing people, gotten married to a wonderful guy, bought a house, ummm yep. I think that about covers it. Somehow it doesn't sound all that exciting. But, I've sure enjoyed the journey. We'll see what the next ten years brings!

Swimming Pool to Cement

One of our big projects this summer is to put in a backyard. Although we don't have a very big one...this is still a big job and we are learning lots along the way. Thanks to the knowledge and skills of my dad, we were able to extend our patio and pour some cement this past week. We've learned so much about how it all works and spent many hours digging, raking tons of rocks, screeding, and putting in the forms all to get ready for the cement. A few days prior to pouring we needed to water the ground to keep it moist. Well one day Stephen surprised me and got off work early. He decided to take me to lunch and a movie. As we were sitting in the middle of the movie, I realized I had forgotten to turn the water off in the backyard. We quickly rushed home afterwards and found a swimming pool had literally formed. We had about 4 inches of standing water. We couldn't believe our eyes and quickly tried to dig some ditches out each side to drain it. We had a good laugh and we're glad that we weren't pouring for a couple of days so it could dry out a little. I would have to admit I was really excited to finally get some cement in. (Ten years ago I think it was pretty weird to get excited over something like that. It's interesting how our priorities change) My Dad and Brother-in-Law Mike came down and helped us. It was a hot morning and we...well the guys worked really hard. We are continuing to water it and it's looking great...So long to our one time swimming pool and onto the next project of sprinklers! Here's a few pictures. Enjoy!

We're working quickly before the cement drys!

Here's Stephen getting the cement from the mixer!

YEA! We did it!

Dad's Car

After showing Stephen the changes I made on our blog and the last post, he wanted me to add a few pictures. We went up to my parents house the night before the 4th July so I wouldn't have to wake up any eariler than needed form my race. We ended up helping them get the old car ready for the race we washed it and polished it inside and out. Then my dad taught Stephen how to drive it. It's kind of tricky because it has a double clutch. (I figured I'd stay with my automatic car) But Stephen was up for an adventure. My dad shocked us all when he got the 1931 Model A car about 3 or 4 years ago. But he really enjoys taking his grandkids for rides in it around the neighborhood and hearing the sound of the old fashioned horn.

Here's Stephen in the driver's seat...watch out!

Happy 4th of July!

I just wanted to post a few pictures from our highlights from the holiday weekend. We were able to go up to my parents and celebrate with them. About 2 weeks ago I convinced my sister Camille to run a 5k with me. So we got up bright and early that morning to run the Kaysville 5k. It was so great! I'm so proud of her for doing it. It was her first one and she did awesome! I always enjoy running a good short 5k each summer. It gives me something to look forward to. However, I was pretty tired the rest of the day. I must be getting old. We did make it to the Kaysville parade where my dad drove his Model A car with the grand kids. (This is becoming a fun tradition each year) Stephen rode with them this year and helped hand out candy. They had a blast and it was great to watch for them. Then we did the usual 4th of July BBQ and homemade ice cream at my sister Melinda's house. The night wouldn't have been complete with out a fireworks show. At Melinda's house we not only saw one but 3 different shows from around the valley. The 4th of July is always fun...especially since 2 years ago that day was the first time Stephen met my family and he held my hand for the first time. It's kind-of our unofficial "anniversary"! What great memories!

Weekend at the Cabin

We did a family get-a-way up at my parents cabin this weekend. As always we love spending time together as a family. Since my brother Ryan and his wife Karen and their family are moving to New Jersey this week, it was our last little hurrah before they hop on the plane. It's always so relaxing and beautiful up there. The snow has finally melted, all the spring flowers are in bloom and the deer are plentiful. We always have a great time riding 4 wheelers. watching movies, eating yummy treats, staying up late laughing (especially after all the little kids have gone to bed.) On Saturday, we pulled the canoe out and took it onto a spring run-off pond. It was so much fun. I especially like taking the little kids for a ride in the canoe. We saw lots of salamanders in the pond...if only we had a net to catch them. We even made it the entire afternoon without tiping the boat! What great memories! I'll miss Ryan and Karen and their adorible 4 kids so much, but I know that have a great adventure ahead of them.

Strawberries, Strawberries, Strawberries

We've only lived in Pleasant Grove for four months and already were able to celebrate our first of many "Strawberry Days" earlier this month. It was quite the small town festival. My sister Camille and her family came down and spent the weekend. We woke up early and went to the morning parade where we saw my darling niece who was on a float for Little Miss Lindon. It's always fun to know someone in a parade. We cheered loud for her! Then we went swimming in our pool to cool off on the hot Saturday. Afterwards we headed over to the Strawberry Days Rodeo. I am always amazed at why people think that riding an animal that will buck you off and almost kill you is a sport and that it's fun. I'm not quite sure but it sure is entertaining. My favorite would have to be the mutton bustin - where 1-3 year olds ride these lambs and hang on for dear life. It's actually quite hilarious to watch.

Stephen and I are enjoying some famous Strawberries and Cream. We couldn't get enough of these at Strawberry Days.

Here's my cute niece Jenna(the one on the right in pink) on the Little Miss Lindon Float. Which my sister and the other mom's spent HOURS making.

Christmas in June?!?

I just have to share my new favorite addition to our home. We are so excited to get a baby grand piano! Stephen and I have been fighting to take turns playing it ever since it arrived. ;o) The first night we had it we spent about 3 hours just taking turns playing it and singing together. It was so much fun. I've been saving for a very long time for this and now that we're in a more permanent place we went looking. I now have learned the rule 'don't look unless your intending to really buy'! We found a piano store that is going out of business and just couldn't pass it up. I would have to admit I'm quite rusty and have lost a lot. I'm excited that I'll be able to practice and polish my piano playing skills.

Road Trip

Stephen and I decided to take a last minute road trip down to Arches National Park this weekend. We couldn't wait to go camping this summer. So we through together our things and hopped in the car. We got there late that night and tried to find a campsite in the dark. After looking at about 7 campsites we finally found a place to pitch our tent. Then the next morning we got up early and headed into the park. We did a few hikes that day, but I would have to say that my favorite part was the hike to Delicate Arch. It is so massive as it sits on the edge of a cliff. We then hit the road again and headed back home. It was a great little get-a-way especially for being spontaneous and the weather was wonderful. I love the beautiful red rocks down in Southern Utah!

It's Officially Summer

You know what that means... SUMMER VACATION IS HERE! Yea! For a teacher that's the best thing anyone could say. I am sooooo ready for summer! This school year has been a long one and if you couldn't tell already, I'm very excited. I'm so ready for the warm weather and relaxing days ahead. (especially now that our pool is open!) This summer is going to be full of lots of fun things...Camping, playing at the cabin, hiking, having Uncle Don & Aunt Deana visit from Ohio in July, having Mom & Dad Holden staying with us in August putting in our back yard, painting our house...the list could go on, and on. As excited as I am that summer is finally here. It was also a sad day. I had to say goodbye to a lot of good friends & co-workers at Brookside today. I can't believe I've been at that school for 5 years. That's a long time in one place. I have really grown to love the little town of Springville and my school. So many memories. It's going to be hard starting over at a new school. I'm also going to miss my "kids" as hard as it's been. They have a soft spot in my heart. I snapped a few pictures today...here's a few I thought I'd share!

Girls Get-A-Way

A few weeks ago the Dent girls decided to take a little get-a-way. It was very much needed for all of us. We decided to get a hotel up in Salt Lake City and spent three days pampering ourselves. Each day was filled with shopping, going to the spa and eating delicious food. We had the best time laughing and playing with each other. The first night we decided to go all out and had 3 1/2 hour dinner at The Melting Pot. I had never been there before and it was truly heaven. It's a great fondue restaurant down town Salt Lake where you eat your entire meal dipped in fondue.That was just the beginning of this relaxing get-a-way. We spent the next 3 days shopping at the South Town Mall and Tai Pan Trading, getting facials and massages at Sanctuary Day Spa, pedicures, hot tubbing, laughing and staying up late talking. We literally lived at the mall and became regulars at a few stores where the employees remembered us. (It's pretty hard not to miss 7 women laughing and helping each other in the dressing rooms) It was so fun to help each other pick out clothes and try on the same things. One night we lost track of time and got locked into the mall. It was pretty funny. We had to go out the loading docks and cross a bunch of gravel and grass to get to our cars. I now know the meaning of 'Shop 'til You Drop' We also enjoyed some yummy food at the Cheesecake Factory and Paradise Bakery! What more could a bunch of girls want. I don't think I've had so much pampering in my entire life! What fun! I loved spending time with my mom and sisters. I'm so grateful for such wonderful sisters and the friendship we all have with each other. What a great memory that I'll treasure!

i fly

We had a great holiday weekend. We went up to my parents house and spent time with my brother Matt and his wife Annie and their 2 adorable kids while they're here visiting from Texas. On Friday night, we went to "Fat Cats" up in Odgen. We played a bunch of arcade games with the little kids and rode in the hover bumper cars. But I would have to say the most exciting part of the night was when we had the chance to do iFly - Utah. With much peer pressure, Matt and Annie, my sister Camille and her husband Mike and Stephen and I all decided to take the "jump." I had never done anything like this before. It is one of 14 facilities in the world with a wind tunnel that simulates skydiving and feeling completely weightless. I was very scared and nervous at first, but then ended up loving every minute of it. It was incredible! I didn't think I'd ever say this but after this experience, I could probably go skydiving someday!

Happy Happy Birthday Stephen!

Well, Stephen finally hit the big 28 today! It was cold and rainy, but that didn't stop us from celebrating. Birthdays aren't a big deal to Stephen, but I love them no matter who's birthday it is. It's a great reason party! We had my brother Matt, Annie and their two kids who are visiting from Texas over for dinner and some delicious ice cream cake. Then we went to see the new Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull movie. We had a great time!
Happy Birthday Stephen!

Belated Mother's Day Surprise

I just have to say I have the sweetest husband in the world! Stephen ended up making a quick last minute trip out to Michigan to see his Grandma and was gone over mother's day. He was able to be home with his mom, which is a good thing. But I did miss him and was sad that I couldn't go. Well, he put this little movie together and surprised me with it yesterday. It was so sweet. I just had to share. It was 2 years ago this month we started dating! Wow time sure does fly! I love you sweetheart!

New Job and a Reason to Celebrate

I've been weighing a big decision as of late... here's the scoop! I've been interviewing up in Alpine School District for teaching jobs. Since we moved farther north the 30 minute commute to school each morning and afternoon is long and getting expensive with gas prices lately. This has been a long and drawn out process the past 3 months. I was supposed to have a decision made by April 15th but without making this a long and boring story. Let's just say, I am horrible at making decisions and Alpine district was being very difficult. But in the end on Thursday, I decided to accept the new job in Alpine District. YEA!!! I'll be working at an elementary school about 4 miles from my house in American Fork. I'll be doing pull out resource, so it will be a little different than what I'm doing now, but a lot less work, prep time and stress. They won't give me all of my years of teaching and I've come to accept this is just apart of being in the education field. Stephen however has a much different opinion about this. He tells me that when he becomes president of the United States he will put teachers salaries at the top of his agenda!:) One down side is I have to pack up my classroom...again. The 4th time in 5 years. I'm also very sad to leave so many good friends teachers, students and parents. I have really loved working in Springville. Another down side is I'm leaving behind 119 sick days...that I've earned the past 5 years. Well, make that 118 days. After all that stress in making a decision, I decided to call in sick and take Friday off. So my mom came down and we spent the day together. We went to a good friend Sasha's graduation at BYU then went to lunch with my sister Allison. Later that evening Stephen and I went up to Salt Lake to see Ryan and Karen's new little baby girl Laurie! She's so adorable. But most of all I just had a relaxing day! It was great!

Where is Spring?

This coming week we're heading into May, but still Spring seems like it will never come! Just last Thursday we had more snowy weather! Is it still March? I want it to warm up...and stay warm! Despite the colder weather, Stephen, I and our friend Jarom went hiking up Rock Canyon on Saturday. I was so excited to finally spend some time in the outdoors, even though I had to wear my jacket most of the time. There was no green grass or leaves on any of the trees and we even ran into some mountain snow. It felt so good to be up in the mountains. I wish I had pictures to share, but my camera is currently in another location. :) We had some beautiful views though! We passed a lot of rock climbers and even went exploring in some small caves. I love the Utah mountains! Especially because you can hop into your car and be there in about 10 minutes! We've now decided this is a good Saturday tradition. Anyone up for going next week?

Being Tagged

Well Amy, I did not forget about you... It's just taken me a while to respond to this.
What were you doing 10 years ago? I was a senior at dear old Davis High and recovering from knee surgery about this time of year
5 things on my to-do list today
1. go to the gym
2. get oil changed in car
3. clean bathrooms
4. go to the bank
5. do ESL homework -yuk!
5 snacks I enjoy
1. chips and homemade salsa
2. homemade fruit smoothies
3. chocolate milk
4. Reese peanut butter cup ice cream :)
5. veggies and spinach dip
3 bad habits
1. I fall asleep anytime I sit down to watch movie or t.v. no mater the time of day or where I'm sitting. (huh Kasey-even a hard kitchen chair can put me to sleep)
2. Stephen says I worry way too much about the little things.
3. I love to clean... it's kind of sad. Watch out if I'm in a cleaning mode
If I won a million dollars, I would...
First I would, pay off student loans, car etc. I would donate some to a good cause (cancer research or something) After that I would be a loving wife and buy Stephen an airplane so we could travel and see the world!
5 places I have lived
1. Pleasant Grove, UT
2. Orem, UT
3. Provo, UT
4. Logan, UT
5. Fruit Heights, UT
5 jobs that I have had
1. Special Ed teacher @ Brookside Elementary
2. Private reading & math tutor
3. EFY Coordinator, Building Counselor & Counselor
4. Part-time K-1 teacher @ Cache Valley Learning Center
5. Deseret Book
5 things you don't know about me
1. I'm an organization freak! One time when Stephen was out of town, I organized his clothes in the closet and drawers. He just laughs at me!
2. I make lists for everything! I even write things on my list that I've already done just so I can cross them off. I makes me feel sooo good.
3. As of late, Stephen and I have become addicted to The Office. The first time I saw it I thought it was really stupid. I have now repented of that fact.
4. The only bone I've broken was my collar bone when I was 9 years old.
5. If I could live in my pajamas all day long, I would!

Free Car Wash?

We had a busy Saturday this weekend, but managed to find time to laugh. I had gotten a free car wash from work a few weeks ago, but with all the crazy weather we hadn't used it. Our car was looking pretty sad and dirty. So we decided to use the 'deluxe car wash' because we were heading down to Springville for a wedding. After a long day we head into the automatic car wash. The water starts to spray, which shortly after we realized that the seal around the windows on Stephen's car was not quite what it used to be. We quickly scrounged to find some rags and napkins. As we were laughing and talking we noticed that the car wash had stopped. Since we couldn't see out our car because of the soap...we figured that this 'deluxe' wash was just giving it time to soak. While trying not to get dripped on by the soap, we're wondering why it was soaking for so long. We concluded that it was a top of the line 'deluxe' car wash. We'd never seen one that stopped and let it soak. After a while, when the soap had finally cleared the winshield, we saw that the bars had stopped right in front of us and all the lights had turned off. We realized something was not right, however we didn't dare get out for we're afraid the water would start up again. So continuing to let it 'soak' we had to back out of the car wash and go around the block to find another car wash where we could at least spray the soap off. Stephen was a little annoyed, but I couldn't stop laughing. What an ending to a crazy day!