Praying for the Huish Family

So I thought I'd pass this on... Stephen's Co-worker, Zac and his wife have a daughter, Sadie, who is battling a brain stem tumor. She is a quite the little gal and is declining fast. We have been following her blog the past year. Sadie has been through so much the past year and a half and they are an amazing family. They have been so strong through all of this and are an example of faith. I can't imagine going through a difficult trial like this. It's just a reminder to me to be thankful for the gospel and eternal families. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

sadiehuish.blogspot.com

UV 5K

I've run only a handful of races the last 4 years. Most of them 5k's, which I find to be "fun". I tried a 10K once, when I was dating Stephen, (the things you do when you're dating someone). That to me wasn't so "fun". Maybe it was the not being able to walk afterwards or the losing of a toenail...I'm not quite sure. So for now, I've decided to just stick to a good 5K. However this year I decided to make it a goal to run a 5K in 30 minutes. I didn't know if I could actually do it. I enjoy running, but I am sure not fast by any means.

Back in March I signed up to run the Rex Lee Run at BYU, but was deathly sick the day of the race and my sweet husband made me stay home so I could recover and not drop over dead. That about drove me nuts to think I couldn't run and finish something I started! My determined little mind wasn't going to give up. So the last few months I've been trying to run longer and faster to build up my endurance. Well it all paid off on Saturday! It was such a great feeling! Especially with Stephen as my little cheering section. He caught a great picture of me crossing the finish line! (Notice the time on the clock!) Thanks sweetheart for supporting your crazy wife!

Our Little Back Yard!

It's been about a year since we started working on our backyard. It's gone from a bunch of dirt, rocks and 4-5 foot tall weeds... to this!




We also have a tiny garden in our little back yard. It's been fun to plant a few beans, tomatoes, peppers and squash. I just hope that I can keep all these plants alive this summer and harvest some veggies.

I must say that I've really enjoyed working on it this spring. I'm learning so much about taking care of a yard and really love spending time outside working in the dirt. It so relaxing to me! Now that's it summer I love getting up early and working outside in the cool mornings! I guess I didn't realize how much I loved it, until this week. It's rained everyday the past 10 days and I haven't been able to be out there. I think I've found a new little hobbie!

Celebrating Air Force Week!

Since I have a husband who loves airplanes and flying. We didn't miss out on this opportunity. Utah was one of three states selected by the Air Force to hold the annual celebration this year. There were so many things they did this week for it, so we decided to join the fun!
On Monday we were able to go to a Bee's Baseball game. I always love a good baseball game! We met up with my sister Camille, her husband and kids (who were so cute and excited as they were all decked out in their little league baseball attire). They had some special ceremonies before the game started with parachuters landing on the field. Then really a close and loud fly over. But unfortunately it started to rain in the fourth inning and we decided to head home so we wouldn't be soaked. The game kept on going and sadly we missed Mike catch a foul ball with his bare hands.

Then on Saturday they did an all-day air show at Hill Air Force Base. This definitely was my favorite! I loved seeing all the different airplanes, even some that Stephen has flown me in. Again, we met up with my sister and her family. Both her husband Mike and Stephen have a passion for airplanes. It was great to see them have so much fun. They both are truly kids at heart around all those big toys.
Watching those airplanes was awesome. It was amazing to watch the tricks and stunts that the different airplanes would do. It totally defied all the physics to flying. It was incredible!


At the end of the day they had the Thunderbirds perform. I was amazed at how close the F-16's would fly together, as they did flips and stunts in the air. They were sure loud and amazingly fast. They would shoot straight up almost 3 miles in the air, then flip around so fast. Then to top it all off they would fly upside-down, coming from opposite directions, heading right straight towards for each other. Just to pull out at the last minute nearly missing each other. They performed quite the show. We knew going up there it would be crowded, and sure enough it was. They said their was about 290,000 people in attendance just on Saturday. We had such a great time!

Only 365 Days Until You're 30!!!

Stephen turned the big 2-9 last Friday! And yes that's right...he's joined the "Countdown Until You're Thirty Club!" He had his first day back on the job. (Yes it's true... we've had quite the week. I'll have to post this crazy story later) But we're so grateful that he still has his job...what a wonderful birthday present that was. I decided to surprise him and get him a BBQ grill. He had a fun time putting it together and firing it up.(I think I'll enjoy this gift too!) We grilled up some steaks and had a delicious birthday dinner! Stephen is such a wonderful husband. I'm so grateful for him in my life!
Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

My life as a Teacher

So as the school year comes to an end and I'm packing boxes to move schools...once again. I was thinking of all the kids I've been able to work with over the years. I've now been teaching for the last six years and have learned a lot from each little kid. When I first started teaching, someone told me to write down the funny and crazy experiences that you have in the classroom. So I did. And I've been adding to that book every year. Sometimes I'm better at it than others. But I decided to pull it out a while ago and look through it. After reading through the book I thought I should just put it all into a blog. So I've been working on slowly putting the different stories onto a blog. It's definitely been a work in progress and a bigger project then I thought. I'm still adding a few, but have most of the stories put on. It's brought back some great memories. However, because I'm putting info and stories about other's kids online, I've tried to keep all people involved anonymous. I have changed all of their names to keep their confidentially, because you never know who will be reading this.

If you wanted to look at some of the small snipits of my job go ahead and take a look!

www.myyellowcrayon.blogspot.com

I hope you enjoy this and can remember to laugh each day. I know I sure do!

Can It Be?

Just for the record...

3 1/2 weeks or
17 days

Until SUMMER BREAK!!!

Not that I'm counting... I love my little kiddos at school to death, but I am looking forward to doing a little of this



Okay so maybe I can't quite do the butterfly stroke, but I am planning on spend lots of time at our pool with a book and doing a lot of relaxing! If we can just survive the busiest weeks ever! Wish me good luck!

What a Wonderful Week!

It was my spring break this past week and boy was I ready for a break! We sure had a lot of fun and played hard. We were busy with something each and everyday. It was great to get my mind of the craziness of school and I had a small taste of soon to be summer. I apologize in advance this may be a long post.

Day 1: Wicked
Back in October we heard that Wicked was coming to Salt Lake and so we found an awesome deal and bought tickets. We have been so excited and finally got to go! So we got all dressed up and went up to the Capital Theater on Friday night. It was incredible. We met up with my mom, dad, my sister Camille and her son Nathan. We were all able to sit by each other and had an absolutely wonderful time. I love the music and have listened to it forever. It was awesome to finally be able to go and see the show. I loved how they put it all together and all the fun surpises at the end! This broadway definately is tops in my book along with Les Miserable. It was incredible!

Day 2: Lunch with A Friend
One of my good friends Rachel from Utah State and I met up with each other for lunch. It had been a long time since I'd seen her. We were good friends up at USU in the Special Ed program. What fun times we had back then. I'm so glad she lives close. I've been so blessed with such great friends over the years.

Day 3: Easter with the Holden Family
Since most of Stephen's family is living back east. We end up spending a lot of time with my family. He does have a sister at BYU and a few cousins out here too. So we decided to host Easter dinner at our house. They all were able to come over and spend the evening. It was a lot of fun and we always end up laughing lots. We had a great Easter!

Day 4: Happy Birthday Camille!
Because I was out for spring break, I decided to head up to my mom's for the day! It was my sister's birthday so the girls went to lunch! It was great to be with my mom and sisters for the afternoon. After a delicious lunch at Olive Garden we headed over to the mall and went shopping. We had a great time. I always love hanging out with my sisters.

Day 5: Dirt
The next project in our backyard was finally finished. We got a trailer full of topsoil and put it around in our yard. I'm excited to finally be able to start planting. If it would only start to warm up and stop raining so I can get out there.

Day 6-9: St. George Get-A-Way
We had a blast with our good friends Justin and Carissa the past four days. Both Carissa and I teach in the same district and so we decided to do a little road trip while we had a few days off. We packed up the car and headed down to St. George. We were hoping for a little warmer weather. However, the first day was chilly and rainy, but it worked out okay. We ended up spending the day in St. George seeing a lot of the church history sights and driving up beautiful Snow Canyon. By the end of the day the rain was clearing out and it was a lot nicer outside. The guys were anxious to use their golf clubs and we decided to go to the driving range where I about made a fool out of myself. Afterwhich the guys couldn't resist the nicer weather and decided to golf 9 holes. So Carissa and I headed for the outlets and went shopping.

The next day we got up early and headed into Zion's National Park. Steve talked us into hiking up Angels Landing. It was a beautiful hike, although I didn't like the part where the trial ends and you head up the side of the mountain with just a few chains to hold onto so you don't slide down a thousand or so feet to your death. The view however definately was worth the climb. We were all a little sore and stiff so we spent a few hours the hotel's swimming pool and hot tub. What a relaxing get-a-way. It was greatly needed before heading into the last month of school which is always crazy with testing, transitions and now packing and moving classrooms.

Change Isn't Easy

Last Monday morning when I woke up and got out of bed, I would have never guessed that my life at work would be completely turned upside down.
First of all on Monday morning in between my many IEP meetings, my principal pulled me aside and gently broke to me some news that the district special ed department would be meeting with me at 8:30 the next morning regarding my assignment next year. I was grateful for this warning from him, but the next 24 hours was a long and stressful one. Then as I sat in the meeting, I was told that I'd be moving schools and be in a different position. I really didn't have a choice in the matter. It was either take the position they offered or interview around and get the luck of the draw, if anything. I felt like a little chess piece and they were making their move. I had 24 hours to make my decision. So the next day, I ran over to this new school and met with the principal. We had a lengthy, but good discussion and he introduced me to a few teachers. I was impressed with him and think that it will be a great school to work at. I've been so blessed over the years to have worked with some amazing principals and that makes my job much easier.
After much debate,discussion and prayer, I decided to take the position. So next year I will be working at Rocky Mountain Elementary in Lindon as a small group LD teacher. I'm not excited to move classrooms one more time. The count being 5 times in 6 years. But I'm trying to look at the positive side of things. Although moving won't be fun, I am excited about the fact that I'll be working in the same school as my adorable nieces. That will be so fun to be in the same school as them. They've always asked if I could be their teacher....well I won't necessarily be THEIR teacher, but I will be close by.
So now that it's Friday, I must say that I'm so grateful for the weekend. I always look forward to general conference weekend. It's so nice to just sit back, relax and listen to the words of our Prophet and leaders. We have such inspired leaders and I can't wait to hear their words. It will be a great way to end this crazy week.

Going Green...

So last weekend, Stephen and I spent the morning doing this......

And this...
And a little of this...

Yep! You guessed it! We now have some grass in our little back yard and we are way excited about the fact. After many hours of raking tons and tons of rocks and trying to level and grade the dirt, it so nice to look out our back window and seen some green. We were glad we actually had a nice warm day to lay it in. It got up to almost 70 degrees that day. Although it would be hard to believe after all the snow we got this week. But we got up early and the two of us laid the sod in about 3 hours. I have to say those rolls of sod are heavy. So needless to say, we were sore for a few days...but it was definitely worth it. I'm excited to plant a small vegetable garden and some flowers this summer. Now the work really begins!

Mac vs PC

This has been a very debated topic among our household the past few weeks. When I changed jobs and started working for Alpine District, they are very "Mac Savey" Everything is mac in that district. They even issued me a personal MacBook Laptop. At first I hated using it and felt like I couldn't get around and do what I needed to. But after a little exploring and time I found some pretty cool stuff with my apple and really started loving using it. I've always been a PC person, but I'd have to say I'm finding my apple to be a lot better computer. So now that Stephen's been admitted and accepted to BYU's MBA they require that all the students have a laptop. So Stephen's been researching and comparing Macs. He's literally spent hours reading about both. (When it comes to buying something Stephen always does his research whether it's a big or small purchase.) We've even been to the Simply Mac store a few time talking to people and looking at stuff. It's looking like we're making the jump into macs!

Call Me Crazy!

So I don't know quite what to call it...insane, crazy, deranged, or mad? Whatever it was it sure exhausted me. At school, I was talked into volunteering to go on an overnight field trip with 85 sixth graders. We had a great time, but I felt like I've been recouping the entire weekend. Our school took the entire 6th grade up to a camp that the district owns called Clear Creek. It's a huge piece of property down by Scofield Reservoir with a bunch of cabins, ropes courses, and hiking trails. It kind of reminded me of my EFY days except I was dealing with 11-12 year olds and I'm not quite used to staying up to 2 am. I not as young as I used to be. Actually it was really a lot of fun. After the 2 hour cramped bus ride we finally got there and the fun began. We did a lot of fun activities teaching the kids about Native Americans. My favorite was our constellations activity. Our school has this really amazing star dome. It's basically and inflatable dome room where we all crawled into and the stars where projected onto the ceiling. We looked at all the different constellations, how to locate them and all the stories from the Greek Mythology about them. Then we went outside and looked at the real stars in the sky! It was way cool and I learned so much.

Are You Guilty?

Let's be honest if you're an avid blogger, or even if your not, you most likely have done this. Yup...I'm talking about blog stocking. I can definitely say that I'm guilty! Why is it so intriguing to read about other people? And sometimes even people you don't know....I'm not quite sure. But I can easily spend hours just reading blogs and catching up. Although I don't always have the time, I find it very addicting. Does anyone else have this problem?

Anyways...I must say I now consider blogging to be one of my relaxing hobbies. It's been a great way to journal, write down thoughts and things that we've done. I used to be so awful at journaling, but ever since I started a blog, it's become much easier

So I must share one thing I found as I was blog stocking... I came across this quote that really made me think. I just had to laugh at how true this statement is.

"Blogging- Never before have so many people with so little to say, say so much to so few people"

It's Official...

Stephen's decided to go back to school for a MBA! This is a decision we've been contemplating for almost a year now. It's been stressful the past few months as he's been applying to different programs and looking at different career paths. He'll be attending BYU's daytime program starting Fall 2009. So that means, he'll finish up with his job at Principal this summer and dive into the life of a student full time. I thought I was long past the days of college, with papers, projects, and late night studying...but I guess not. I'll live vicariously through Stephen. We feel good about this decision, but it's definitely a scary jump to make...especially with the economy the way it is right now. We are hoping that after two years of school it will be turning around and Stephen will be able to find a job. We're glad that we won't have to sell our house and may possibly have some of Stephen's siblings come live with us to help us with the mortgage payment. I guess we'll have to see! We'll be living as poor students the next few years!

HaPpY BiRtHdAy To mE!!!

Even though it's been over a week, I'm finally getting around to blogging this! I turned 29 a week ago! I can't believe how fast time flies and that I'm only a year a way from being 30! Yikes! Stephen always seems to rub in the fact that he's 3 months younger than me. Thirty seems like such a scary thought. I guess I have a year to get used to it :) This past year was a great one! Bought a house, changed jobs, and traveled lots to sum it up in a sentence! I couldn't have asked for more. Stephen spoiled me and made sure I had a relaxing day. It was great! We slept in and he even did some cleaning around the house for our Saturday chores. We went running together and then he surprised me and told me he was taking me shopping for my present. We hopped in the car and ended up at a furniture store. He told me I could pick out a coffee table that I've been wanting for some time. He was very patient with his indecisive wife. We found one only after trying five different places. Then he took me to one of my favorites for dinner...The Olive Garden! Yum! I'm so grateful for all the wonderful family and friends in my life and those who I've met along the way. I am truly blessed!

Ready....Set.....Go!

I saw this on my friends blog and I wanted to do the same.
The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me!
Made with tons of love just for you! It might be a fun sewing project, a sweet letter to you from me, or some yummy goodies, you might be surprised what you get! Give it a try!

The catch?

You must re -post this on your blog and offer the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a lovely little treat for themselves! Have Fun!

Ready........Set............Go!

Have a great day! :)

Weekend Get-A-Way

So Stephen and I decided to have a low-key Valentine's Day this year. We decided that chocolates were way to over-rated in a heart-shaped boxes...a bag of dove chocolates will do me just fine. I'm usually a sucker for flowers, but they are definitely over-priced this time of year and eventually die. Stuffed animals...I don't really see the point of these to begin with. What do you do with them afterwards? I told Stephen I just wanted to spend time with him.
So we decided to get away and go to my parents cabin for a few days. We had a great time! It was just the two of us and a lot of snow in the quite of the mountains. When we got there it was so cold being about 10 degrees with 5 feet of snow. We tried to warm up by the fire and drink hot chocolate. That helped a little, but didn't quite do the job. So we piled about 5 blankets on us and cuddled up to a movie. We were going to go sledding or snowshoeing, but I kind-of forgot to pack our
winter boots. Ooops! We had everything else, but didn't want to brave the cold when we just had warmed up. So we found the game Monopoly and decided to give it a shot. I think this one beats the record as the longest Monopoly game I've ever played. It lasted about three hours. And with both of us being just a little competitive, it made for an interesting and fun three hours. Stephen took charge and made me the most delicious dinner. Hibachi steak! Although he cooked for me quite a bit while we're dating, he hasn't done much cooking since we've been married. I had to take some pictures to document this. He was pretty proud of how it all turned out and so was I! After a little dancing in the kitchen, we popped in another movie before we went to bed. What a fun day! Even though we don't have kids that take our attention, life is busy. It was still nice to get away and spend time with each other. Happy Valentine's Day!



Lots of snow to shovel!



What a beautiful view of Mt. Timpanogos!

Reasons to Love...

I've always loved the month of February and thought I'd share the highlight. I think I've narrowed it down to the top 10. Enjoy!


1. Valentine's Day: I've always loved this holiday! Growing up my mom would make a special dinner and decorate with fancy red table clothes and candles. She would leave a little valentine on our plate.

2. Celebrating My Birthday: I've always been about celebrating your birthday! Ever since I was little we would wake up to crape paper hanging from our door. But I think I learned really how to celebrate from some previous roommies. We would do crazy things on our birthdays. Lots of fun memories. Like blowing up over 200 balloons, kidnapping people, and going around to 25 guys on my 25th b-day.


3. Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies: It's great to work in a school. There always seems to be at least one little girl who comes around my classroom after school looking for orders. Some teachers are annoyed, but not me!

4. Surprisingly warmer days: It's nice to see the black snow melt away and although we have occasional storms. I know that spring is just around the corner and that makes me SMILE!

5. Making heart-shaped sugar cookies: Okay I must confess...the really fun part is to decorate and eat them. I indulge in these probably to much during this month. I'll have to hit the gym harder in March.

6.Date Night: I always look forward to this every week. But this year with Valentine's Day over the weekend, I'm extra excited!

7. Handing out Valentine's: This must be the teacher part of me. I love how excited all the kids get around all the holidays. Valentine's is one that tops them all, especially with the 4th, 5th and 6th graders. The girls seem to be at the I like boys, but don't want to show it stage. The boys try to be really cool with all of their valentines. This year, I have Sponge Bob Valentines to hand out this year. I'm just as bad as the kids :)

8. Chocolate: Need I say more?


9.You can still get some good skiing in: As excited I am about spring, I do love skiing. Stephen and I were able to go a while back. Here's Stephen trying to attempt to learning how to Snowboard.

10.Love: I love being in love and I'm a total romantic and love being romanticized.

Seriously

(If you click on the picture, it'll make it bigger so you can read it.)

This is so indicative of today's troubles. Mind you, this comic was written over 15 years ago. I'm still amazed at how the economy has so quickly turned upside down. I just have to say with how crazy it is, I am so grateful that Stephen and I have a job. I realized how blessed we are, when at our last testimony meeting in church, it seemed like one after another person mentioned the effects of the economy in their testimony. Either by loosing their job or not making sales and having to live off of their food storage. It makes me more motivated to beef up our food storage. So needless to say...that Calvin is one smart dude! I hope you get a laugh. Enjoy!

2 Years and Counting!

Stephen and I celebrated our 2-year anniversary this past week. It's crazy to think that it's already been that long. It's amazing how fast time flies. I was grateful that he was in town (with him traveling every other week this month for work.) We were able to spend a nice relaxing night together and enjoy some dinner at the Cheesecake Factory! I think we found a new favorite restaurant! I saw this on my sister-in-laws blog and learned some new and interesting things about my brother. So I thought it would be fun to do one about Stephen. Enjoy!

*What is your husband's name? Stephen Wayne Holden
*How long have you been married? 2 Years
*How long did you date? Well, we knew each other a year before we started dating, but Stephen thought I was too tall for him, so he didn't give me the time of day. Then we went on a camping/hiking trip with a bunch of friends for Memorial day. After that we dated for 5 months before we got engaged.
*Who is taller? I am... but only by one inch.
*Who can sing the best? Definitely Stephen! He actually has a really good singing voice and sang with a few different BYU Choirs back in the day.
*Who pays the bills? Neither of us...we both check in on the Automatic Bill Payer and our bank account online. Thank goodness for technology!
*Who does the laundry? Me!
*Who mows the lawn? We don't have a lawn quite yet... it's more of a hue of green weeds in the backyard. We both spent a few time pulling them last summer.
*Who cooks dinner? I do, but sometimes I slack off when I get home late and am very tired.
*Who is the first to admit when they're wrong? We both take our turn.
*Who kissed who first? He kissed me first.
*Who wears the pants? He wears the pants, I just tell him which ones to wear. :)
*He's sitting in front of the TV, what is on the screen? Anything on the Discovery channel, his top favorites are Myth Busters and Man vs Wild. He'll also watch House, The Office, Everybody loves Raymond and King of Queens.
*You're out to eat, what kind of dressing does he get on his salad? Most of the time if he gets a salad it's a cobb salad with blue cheese dressing.
*What's one food he doesn't like? The only food he doesn't like is Peas! I have to admit I'm the picky eater in the family.
*What kind of drink does he order? Stephen's a fan of all the specialty drinks & smoothies, his favorite soda is Sprite
*Where did he go to high school? Dow High
*What size shoe does he wear? 10
*If he was to collect anything, what would it be? Airplanes...that's just a little out of our price range.
*What is his favorite type of sandwich? He loves any sandwich as long as it comes with all of the fixings.
*What is his favorite cereal? Stephen's not much of a breakfast person. He'll occasionally eat a little Marshmallow Maties and Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
*What is his favorite sports team? He's a big BYU fan, although he does cheer for Michigan.
*Who is his best friend? hopefully me!
*How many places has he lived in? 3-Michigan, Argentina, Utah
*You bake him a cake for his birthday; what would it be? Definitely Cheesecake!
*What could he spend hours doing? flying(in an airplane or on flight simulator) playing games on the computer and reading.

I am so grateful for Stephen and his example to me. He helps me become a better person. He is great friend that I can cry and laugh with. He is a great listener, especially when I've had a hard day at work. He's not perfect, but he's perfect for me!