Christmas Round 3

Christmas round 3 was meeting 3 of Bob's children Laurel, Dee Dee, and Michael along with their spouses and children. We had a very nice dinner and got to know a lot of them much better. They are a ton of fun. Here are some pictures of all of the fun we had.

Christmas Round 2

We did round 2 of Christmas on the morning of the 27th. My mom and Dana were here and so of course we repeated our cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate breakfast and opened presents. They gave me an iPod iTouch along with all of the accessories. It is amazing! It is just like the iPhone but I can't call anyone... I can get online, use the map feature, and of course listen to music. (Can you tell I really like it?) Dana got a new camera, which she has wanted forever, and loves it. John got a Kohls gift card so he can get some new church type shoes, this gift was great because my mom wrapped it in a lia sophia box. It was great! Dana gave me some jewelry bought and made in Italy from her travels this summer and she got John an Italian tie, which he wore to church today and looked great! Needless to say John and I feel very blessed.

Round 3 happened last night with Bob's (my mom's fiance) family. That will get posted after round 4 which is Christmas dinner with everyone tonight.. Sheesh!

Christmas Fun Round 1

We had a ton of fun at the Reyes' house this year for Christmas... John and I decided that we weren't going to get each other anything since we were supposed to have gone to San Diego, but Santa did fill our stockings, and we also had some amazing gifts from the rest of the Reyes/Lee family. We also enjoyed our annual Christmas Eve dinner of Pasole and Tostadas (I didn't take any pictures of that sorry). Here are some pictures of Christmas morning and some of the HIT toys the kids got.

The Many, Many Blessings of the Last Two Weeks

I've tried to write this many times, so I hope that it can be perceived in the way I mean for it to. I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the many blessings we have been given just over the last two weeks. So, along with all of my prayers, I thought I would share these blessings publicly as well, so maybe someone who is having a rough time can know that things do always get better. Sometimes they get worse... much, much, much worse before they get better, but they always get better. Just a heads up... I put the background (what's been going on in our lives) in the previous post, if you want to read it. Also, this is going to be long, but as this has become my "journaling" bear with me. Also, if there's something I missed please make me aware of it, I would hate to have it not added to the list.


Onto the Blessings

• Finding an amazing Substitute teacher for my students (especially since she was able to stay on the entire next week too, while I was out of commission).
• None of my grandma's funeral services taking place where my dad's did (this was such a relief).
• Being able to avoid driving in the horrible weather.
• Being able to see family that I don't ever really get to see.



• Having generous family members that allowed us to stay with them so we didn't need 4 nights of hotel rooms.
• Our car making it all the way to ID and back without breaking down in the bitter cold.
• Our car not getting smashed by the not so smart BYU employees and their big truck.

They said..."We thought we'd run in and be out before anyone noticed!" and "I guess we did get a little close." People like that really make me hate Provo. I had to get in the car so that I didn't loose it. I did say "YA THINK!" before I slammed the door after they said it was a little close... oops (I'm still working on the not reacting thing I have a ways to go!)

• Being able to have BYU Creamery ice cream, my favorite.


• Not falling on all of the ice all over around Provo, and throughout ID.
• Only having to pay for 1/2 the boot fee for parking in Dana's apartment parking lot.
• Dana paying for dinner... twice!
• All of the girls that came out of their apartments to help when I fell down the stairs.
• The girls that gave me wash cloths, towels, called 911, and everything else they did to help out.
• My wonderful husband and sister who although were completely freaking out (they didn't tell me but I bet they were) made me feel taken care of and loved.
• Everyone staying relatively calm around me especially the lady at the front desk of the ER who tried to keep me calm while John went to park the car.
• The extremely nice nurse that so carefully cleaned all of the rock salt and other dirt out of all of my wounds.
• She also let me stay in bed and wheeled me to get the CT scan instead of making me get into the wheel chair again.
• She also got a nice warm blanket and covered me up because I was freezing.
• John for making phone calls to Mr. Peterson, Anita, my mom, Dana, and everyone else he called that I can't remember.
• Anita for telling John that she would take care of everything... which she did with flying colors!
• The doctor that came and explained that I "broke my face" with pictures and everything and helped lighten the mood.


• To doctor that gave me two pain pills since I was just "going to be sitting in the car and sleeping" for the rest of the day.
• The nurse that came and offered John a drink, and was bringing me another warm blanket, just when they came and told me I got to go home. He also wheeled me to the car, and was one of the nicest people I remember meeting that day.
• The people at Walgreen's that were working on the Sabbath so that I could get my pain medicine, and survive.
• Making it home without incident.
• John being so wonderful.
• Leah being my sub... what a lifesaver!
• My two fellow first grade teachers... I couldn't do what I do everyday without them.
• Rhonda for filling in for tutoring.
• The specialist being able to see me on Monday.
• There apparently not being anything major wrong that wouldn't heal on its own.
• Pain medicine
• The first graders for making me get well soon cards.
• Lindsay for helping me wash my hair since I couldn't get my face or hands wet.
• Lindsay for talking to me throughout my days home, being a good friend, helping me not go crazy, and keeping me in the loop :)
• Everyone who called, told John, sent a card, talked to me or prayed for me to get better soon... I did, and it is because of all of you!
• All my co-workers for being concerned about me, and picking up the slack.
• All the students being concerned about me, and actually happy to see me at school. They were all curious to know if I was ok and if I would be back at school. It's so nice to feel loved!
• The huge escrow balance check we recieved in the mail.
• The tutoring check... I always know it's coming but still, such a blessing.
• The refund from a doctor that I paid for because I didn't know how our insurance worked... (I'm still really confused about all of that)
• Seeing the specialist again on Friday where he told me he didn't want to see me again unless I was having problems.
• Seeing the eye doctor, and he too saying everything looked good.
• I don't need surgery!!!
• Everything should heal on its own.
• John being willing to do EVERYTHING whenever he's needed to.
• He's had to do more than any husband should ever have to without complaining. I'm so grateful for that!
• Having money to pay off the credit card and buy me the new glasses that I need.
• Finally making time to get Tuffy groomed and John's hair cut.
• Getting our San Diego trip refunded to go another time.
• Finding Dana a way to get to Las Vegas after Christmas.

These all may seem like little things, (and that's all I can remember... I'm sure there are so many more!) but they add up to one amazing 2 week span. The Lord truely knows us, and will only allow us to be tried as much as we can bear. He is there to lift us up when we're down, carry our physical, emotional, and spiritual pain for us when we just can't handle it any more. I love my Savior and am so grateful for all that He's done for me, especially the last two weeks. It's a time in my life when I'll look back and only see that one set of footprints, because he truely has been carrying me the entire time. I am especially grateful for my wonderful family and friends. You do so much for me and I am eternally thankful to have each of you in my life.

The Scene:

Here's the story if you don't already know what's been going on in my life...

Two weeks ago, I was wondering how the $83 in my checking account and almost nothing in my savings was going to last until pay day. We had so many things that needed purchasing (Christmas) and we were getting ready for our vacation to San Diego.

Then we had the sudden decline of my grandmother's health, her passing, and her funeral to attend in ID. And from what I understood, basically reliving my father's funeral because all of the funeral services were going to occur in the same places as my fathers. The funeral services were beautiful, well planned by my grandma before her passing, and very reminiscent of her. We ended up staying at a hotel one night because of weather concerns, but we able to attend the burial services as well.

Upon our return to Provo, we were able to spend time with family, and on our way out of town I had my lovely fall down the stairs, rushed to the ER, many tests and tears later I heard the Dr. say "Well, you broke your face." This whole thing invoked panic in both of us because we have no idea what our insurance is. School has had some personnel issues and we weren't/aren't sure what plan we've ended up on (Yes I know one phone call could answer this question... but remembering at appropriate times would be our issue there). That is our own fault... but either way, with all the CT scans they did, we're going to owe somebody A LOT of money before our deductible is reached...

Because of the trip down the stairs and my broken face and the medication I missed the entire last week before Christmas break (plus the two more days I missed for the funeral). I feel lost, my first graders were scared of me, worried something extremely horrible had happened, and even wondered if I was still their teacher. Not to mention it is the end of the semester so I have to do grades, grade Quarterly tests, gather Students of the Month, along with all of the other things I'm supposed to do at the end of the month.

Also because of this we cancelled our San Diego Trip, for now. This was extremely disappointing to both John and I we had everything arranged and set up, we also weren't sure if we would be able to get our money back that we had put into this trip so far. Also, this meant Dana was stranded in LA...

The Possible Holiday Card

So, you all may be getting a Holiday Greeting Card from us after all. Of course it will no longer be considered a Christmas card... but New Years, Inaugaration Day, Mr. Luther King Jr. Day (Human Rights Day if you're in AZ), Valentines Day... ok you get the picture. Anyway, I won a contest hosted by The Wife and Donkey. Their website is often filled with discussions and advice that remind me of John and I, or my parents, or married friends. It great to see them "discussing" their various points of view, and they usually bring a laugh along the way! But back to the contest I won (since I very rarely win much)...It is for $20 towards a purchase at Sugarhouse Ink. I'm having a hard time picking which design I like best... and since I will wait until I have new glasses, a new hair cut, and my face is all better I have loads of time to decide! So head on over to Sugarhouse Ink and let me know which card you'd like to see us on!

How it Happened

Ok, so you can tell I was on medication (I still am so pardon the randomness) when I wrote this and didn't tell the story. So here it goes...

We went to see Dana on our way out of Provo finally headed home from my grandma's funeral. Dana had some things for us to take to our house since she is spending Christmas with us, but is flying to LA to see our Aunt and Uncle first (we were going to be picking her up on the way home from our vacation in San Diego). Anyway, I had gotten the presents and wrapping paper and headed to the car where John was waiting (he didn't dare park because the night before when we did we got a boot... I hate parking in Provo!). Her apartment complex is dumb... you have to walk up stairs in order to go down more stairs to get to her apartment. I have said many times, "They're lucky someone hasn't gotten hurt on these stupid stairs." So I made it to the top of the stairs, I was wearing sweats since we were driving home and my shoe got caught on my pants. I was able to catch myself, but there was so much rock salt (but no ice) I continued slipping and there wasn't enough room on the landing for me to catch myself again, so no only did I fall however far it is from my face to the ground but add on or 5 more steps down. There was no one around so I just started screaming because I didn't know what was hurt or how bad, I just knew I hurt a lot. Just about every girl in Dana's appartment building came out from my screaming and Dana was right there and then yelling at John. People called 911 and we headed to the hospital.

Dana and John both feel extremely guilty because they weren't there, but I keep telling them that they couldn't have done anything execpt get themselves hurt anyway. So hopefully that made sense... I'm starting to get really sleepy again.

Thanks to everyone for the prayers, cards, well wishes, etc. I really appreciate knowing you all love and care about me. I appologize that there most likely won't be Christmas cards this year... no one wants this face on a Christmas card!

I Broke my Face

If you don't want to see the pictures from me in the hospital after they got me all cleaned up then don't keep reading... they're not very pretty, but they're not too horrible either.











Well the pictures probably say enough... they definately show which side of my face I planted into the cement stairs. If you look at the bottom two pictures (the ones the doctor drew) they show which two pieces of my face I broke. Ok so their really just fractured... but i don't know if that's better or worse. They are really concerened about my eye muscles getting caught in the fracture... so I will be at some doctors offices throughout the week. I am in a lot of pain, and the medicine makes me sleepy. But Tuffy knows something is wrong and so he hasn't gotten off my lap all morning. Thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. I really appreciate them. Hopefully, I'll make it back to school for something this week! I think the San Diego trip is out.

It's the part under my eye and then a piece on my nose.

Some People

So we were trying to get out of town so we could get to Provo before it was too late, but we needed dinner. I told John to go where ever he wanted, he was driving. So we went to In and Out, if you don't know what that is...Come visit me, and I'll introduce you. However... the line is usually long, but very well worth it (this is all of course if you like a good burger).

Tonight, I saw something I've never seen before. Maybe I was so annoyed because I was in a hurry... Or maybe it was because SOME people are just DUMB! But I wish I would have pulled out my camera to get a picture of the lady in the drive thru talking on her cell phone, getting out of her car to get her purse that's in the back seat, and talking to the people in the car behind her ALL AT THE SAME TIME. Meanwhile the 7 cars behind her are patiently waiting (good thing I wasn't driving!) I of course was grumbling about how people are so dumb that of course she didn't get out of the car during the 10 minutes of waiting in line, she waits until it is her turn to pay.

As a side note we made it to Provo without any other incidents.

For all of my fellow coworkers you'll appreciate that John just stepped on a piece of rubber here on my aunt's floor. Can we PLEASE do something about that!

There's my randomness for the day. Good Night!

My Most Amazing Wonderful Husband

Ok, so most of you that read this know John and by knowing him have the understanding of how absolutely amazing and wonderful he is. Today was a great example of that! He baked over 275 cookies for my primary activity because I am a space cadet. He hung up most of the outdoor Christmas lights, he brought me lunch at school because I forgot to take it with me, he comforted me as he told me my Grandma passed away this morning, he went grocery shopping, he took care of our internet issues, he paid bills, he cooked ribs all day, and that is just the stuff I know about! So this is just a little post to his greatness, and to make you all covet his ribs! I know after seeing these pictures you're going to want to eat them! They were so yummy and perfectly complimented by the garlic bread, mac and cheese, and green beans. I sure do love my husband. And often I wonder... How did I get so lucky?

What I would do if I won the HP Giveaway

So...there is this amazing giveaway going on out there on the blogosphere. HP has given 50 different blogs including one of my personal faves moosh in indy along with Stop, Drop, and Blog has been given $6,000 worth of new HP technology to give to ONE person! AHHH! Now do you see why I want to win? Now I honestly can't have 4 brand new computers all for myself(not to mention the other awesome gifts). After thinking a lot and missing a lot of the possible wins I've finally come up with my plan.
Right now I'm thinking the HP TOUCH would stay at my house since our current HP has been having some major issues lately.

One of the laptops (I'm thinking the small one for portability) John would need for taking back to school... YES he's going back to school in January, isn't that GREAT! I think this would help him take notes, write papers, and everything else a college student has to do.

Everything else would go to school. Yes, the dear place that I work with my amazing children who inspire me every day to be the best person I can be. Sure there are moments when I can't stand their arguing and tattling, but I wouldn't change it for the world. I still love 'em! Can't you see why? There BIG personalities just ooze out of this picture!

These children are simply amazing. They live through things on a daily basis that no adult (me included) would be able to cope with. If you were to ask a majority of them where they'd rather be, many would say at school(not all). They associate school with safety, warmth, food, and responsibilities they know they can handle.

One of their most favorite things to do is to go to the computer lab during specials. They get this privilege once every 6th day. They are directed to sites on the internet or to one of the two software programs on the computers. I have one computer in my classroom that is for 'teacher use only'. I have a ton of software with no computers to use it on, that my students could use on a daily basis to hit target skills that they need if we were to have these two computers in our classroom (as well as my current computer for as long as it would last). I know these 17 first graders in my class this year, 27 more students in the rest of first grade, as well as the 23 3rd grade students that I tutor would greatly benefit from these computers. No to mention all of the students to come in the future.

My fellow first grade teachers and I make scrapbooks each year for our students. This is always something our students look so forward to. It is an amazing gift to give each of these students at the end of a great year. The new wireless printer and photo pack would mean that we could print pictures ourselves instead of having to pay for them. Even if I just won that it would be such a blessing.

Those Kung Fu Panda DVDs would be given to my famlies I've adopted for sub for santa this year. The Blue Ray version would go to my brother (the only person I know with a blue ray disc player).

I'm thrilled that HP and all 50 blogs would give me this opportunity. Here's for hoping!

Thanksgiving Fun!

Thanksgiving this year was a great time spent with family. We had a ton of fun eating yummy food and I of course taking pictures. Here's a slide show of all of us having a good time. Johnny made sure to show all of us his Pokemon cards. It was pretty neat. Everybody helped (except me who kept taking pictures).

I got an e-mail from Olympus (my camera maker) about using the food setting to take pictures of Thanksgiving dinner. So I had some fun! Here's all of the food. It was very yummy! Thanks to everyone especially Kami who makes it all happen.

All the little things....

My thankful/grateful list is always different from the norm and what people are used to... but if you know me than you know that's me in a nut shell :) so why would this be any different right?

The last week and a half has made me so grateful that I have learned enough about myself to know when it's OK for me to react and when I need to put up my walls and go close myself in a room before I react. I don't think I've ever had so many issues and buttons pushed, throw in a couple very mean/rude people and no one can believe that I've been able to stay as outwardly (relatively) calm as I have THIS week. So that's a happy accomplishment for me. A year ago I probably wouldn't still have my job for the way I could have reacted plus I would have gotten kicked out of church!

It has also made me so grateful for my wonderful teaching companions. I don't know what I would do without Cindy and Anita. They are patient, kind, considerate, upbeat, a shoulder to cry on, friends to laugh with, and they are always building me up. We are never (that I can remember) condescending to one another, we finish each other's sentences, we have fun together, these two ladies would do anything for me, and I would do anything for them. I love them for helping me be the best I can be, having a positive attitude, and being my confidants when I need them to be. I couldn't have hand picked two better friends!

I am also grateful for girls nights out. These are really things that need to happen more often, we had such a great time! I'm so grateful for Wendy being my "mom for a day". We both really needed that. I'm grateful she thinks enough of me to even offer that. It was such fun to spend time with women I greatly enjoy doing "nothing of consequence".

I'm grateful for a couple amazing men that run the school. These two have no idea how much I have come to depend on them. I count on them coming in my classroom unannounced. I count on them pushing me to be the best teacher I can be. I LOVE teaching their kids (it honestly challenges me to do better (at least in my head)). I am constantly amazed at how much they do. I honestly feel like I wouldn't be the teacher I am today without their guidance, leadership, friendship, help, and support. We've had our rough times (especially them dealing with my stubborn personality) but I'm ever grateful for them not giving up on me and having seeming endless patience!

I am grateful for this particular bunch of first graders. They have come so far so fast. They are further ahead than any other group of children I have ever taught (and that only has a little to do with me). They are so willing to learn (even if sometimes they forget how to listen and follow directions and drive me crazy!) They are patient with me when I loose the math tests, they laugh at me when I'm frustrated and tongue tied reminding me to lighten up, they are so eager to learn more, and best of all they give the BEST hugs.

I am also grateful for one particular amazing lady that I know. She can do anything. We don't have to explain how we feel, even though we often do because we just "get" each other. We really are the same in so many ways. She's been my inspiration for keeping my cool and not killing (only figuratively I don't think I would ever actually cause anyone bodily harm) a great many of my co-workers this year. She's another one that has made my year so phenomenal. She's not only a great co-worker but my personal fashion designer, emotional advisor, and one of my dearest friends.

I'm also grateful for my blog... I know you may be thinking ...dumb...go ahead you don't have to agree. But honestly, without this thing I would have so many things bottled up inside me! I also wouldn't have a list of people whom I don't know personally, but LOVE them already through their blogs. It has opened up a new world to me. One where I don't feel lost on my own little island where no one could possibly know how I feel but where I feel a part of a group of people who share my feelings about life in general among a myriad of other topics.

Finally, I'm grateful for my family that I've "adopted" as my own. It is so nice to spend time with you knowing your not judging me on what I say or how I say it and that your not offended because you know me well enough to know that I would never do anything to hurt my friends and family! Thanks for sharing you, your house, your desserts, your kids, and most of all being there for me to share all the "juicy gossip" that we mostly make up for something to talk for hours about ;) You have no idea what a highlight you are in my day!


OK so I know I used the word finally up there, and my first graders will tell you that word means "the last thing" but please note that I am of course (and I say this on a daily basis) grateful for my husband, my family, my dear friends, the gospel, and the presence of God's tender mercies in my life. These people know me best, and love me anyway. I don't know where I would be if I didn't have each one of these things in my life.

Alright, Now I want to hear some of the "not so conventional" things you're grateful for!

THE MOVIE

***I am actually going to talk about the movie and specifics... if you don't want to know then don't keep reading***

Alright, so I think I've decided that I liked the movie. Yes that movie... the one that everyone is talking about and seeing. Last night a few of us got together and went to see Twilight. I don't know if you ever felt awkward (like I did) while reading the book because of the situations Bella gets herself into but I don't know that you could not feel that way during the movie. Honestly, there were moments when I was laughing because it was so awkward.

Jasper... WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THAT? He had the weirdest facial expressions which lead to more awkwardness... Because I was expecting him to help control the mood not make everything more wierd! I was not impressed with the way his character was portrayed.

Edward... Ok how close they got to this poor guys head on SO many occasions got to be very awkward... this could just be because the theater screen was HUGE but honestly, I like my space and felt very much "in the way" and "please back off a little" for a good portion of the movie.

Carlisle... What's up with him looking like he's 14? I know they all stay young... but I thought he'd look A LOT older than he did.

Kids... There were an extremely large number of children under 10 in our showing of the movie... some that I know and are in 2nd or 3rd grade. I think this played a large part in me feeling very awkward. This is not a movie for the under 13 (more like 16) crowd.

There were some things that were GREAT about the movie. There were even a few parts that I liked even better than in the book.

First, I was in excellent company. Thanks to Lindsay, Wendy, and Josie for coming! You guys definately made it well worth it! :)

Then was Alice. She was amazing, very true to character, and I LOVED her hair. Don't be surprised if I have a similar looking cut in the near future. (at least it will be easy to find a picture of!)

Next was Jacob. I was really worried about his character when I saw the person that was supposed to play him, but I thought he did a really good job for the whole 5 minutes he's in the movie.

Charlie also played his character extremely well. I loved when Edward came to take Bella to play baseball and he was cleaning his gun. It was great!

I also loved the choice of lines that they pulled right from the book. However, it did mean that John's theory won't happen. You still have to hear Bella's thought process through the whole thing. And let's be honest, for those of us not in high school (figuratively or in reality) she is really whiny!


So I'm sure I'll see it again, and now that I know what to expect maybe I'll find more reasons to like it(can you tell I'm still not sure what to think?)... and hopefully there won't be any 8 year olds in the room the next time around!

Lots of Cool Contests!

Check out Skip to My Lou for an AWESOME contest and great Christmas card ideas. I can't believe how gorgeous they are. While you're there sign up to win a free design! Also take a look around there are tons of great ideas on this site! (I wish I would have known about this before attempting my own "scratch art" and 4 coats of paint! Now we know how to make it work... dish soap... so clever!)



Also Tip Junkie is having the 12 Days of Junkie Giveaways. This is in promotion of her Mom-prenuer Shop-a-thon that my college roomie Nivette is participating in with her Lovedove Designs. Check them both out and get entered!

Calling All Ladies

Alright. Ladies it's offical. We are having a girls night out on Friday November 21. We will be headed to see Twilight. It will be the 7:00 (that's NV time) movie in Mesquite. I hope you all will join us, the more the merrier! I will try and get theater info so you can pre-buy your tickets. Hope to see you there!

Albertson's

Ok so this morning we were both up bright and early. We decided to just head to St. George this morning. I'm not going to list everything we bought because I'm lazy and it would take forever! Just know this...
We spent 111.48 and saved 140.58. This does not include our last $15 off our next purchase that we recieved on our final trip.

We did have to go to two different stores to get everything we wanted, but it was so worth it. I bought all the supplies we're going to need for our christmas gifts to our co-workers (not guys its not going to be anything grand...but it will be yummy!) and all the cookie dough we'll need in first grade and in our primary for christmas time. YAY! I feel like our pantry is stocked for a very long time and that We're only going to have to buy milk, yogurt, and eggs.

Our first shot at Grocerysmarts

Well, we've been very aware of grocerysmarts for a while now. A couple of months ago I met with Shantell from The Obsessive Shopper and she explained to me how it works. So this month having a substantial amount of coupons thanks to Bob saving them for us (THANKS SO MUCH BOB!) we decided to try it out. Smiths is having their "Mega Event" and sales on a lot of things that we normally eat. So here's what we got and what we spent. You may want to try it out! We're headed to Albertson's on Monday to try again!
3 boxes of Cereal (Cheerios and Lucky Charms)
3 boxes of Quaker Chewy Granola bars
1 pk of Betty Crocker Cookie Mix
1 Box of Betty Crocker Potatoes
1 Duncan Hines Cake Mix and 1 Frosting (gotta stock up on desserts for when its our turn! ;) We're starting to have quite a supply and variety to choose from... now the Frei's won't get bored with us, or at least our desserts! Our lives aren't nearly as exciting as the desserts.)
2 pk of C&H Sugar
1 Daisy Sour Cream
1 Breyers Ice Cream
1 Bag of Tyson Chicken Patties
1 Bag Totinos Pizza Rolls
2 boxes Pillsbury Toster Strudels and 1 box of Toster Scrambles
1 Jimmy Dean Breakfast Bowl
1 pk of Duracell D batteries
1 box of Orvill Movie Theater Popcorn
1 Land O Lakes Spreadable Butter (the big container)
Thats 23 items that at full price would have been $71.72
We saved $12.25 from manufactures coupons, $25.76 from our fresh values card so we spent a total of
$34.95 which means we saved $38.01.

It was actually really fun to figure out and do. If you want to start doing it for your family check out my blog roll and click on "The Obsessive Shopper". If you're not going to do it and get the Sunday paper, save and send me your coupons! :) Then I can save even more!

Bond Passes!

Question - Littlefield Unified School Dist. 9 Bond
Total
Number of Precincts
1
Precincts Reporting
1
Total Votes
557
BOND APPROVAL, YES
303 54.40%
BOND APPROVAL, NO
254 45.60%

http://resource.co.mohave.az.us/File/Elections/Results/results(13).htm

It's about time!

Lovedove Designs

My college roommate has started her own business. I'm not one to just support people because I know them and like them. But the things she makes are so adorable. I've actually ordered a couple of items from her for some of my friends that had twins.
These are the CUTEST baby items you've ever seen. They are great gifts for all of the expecting moms in your life (and if your anything like me the list of expecting moms you know grows daily)! Let me know which one are your favorite. Then I'll know what to get you when the time comes. Please check her out at http://lovedovedesigns.blogspot.com/.

Extreme Makeover Home Edition

So, this family is auditioning for extreme makeover home edition. They have been in contact with the producers of the show and one of them was in town to shoot a more "professional" version of the audition tape... (I'm now positive this is the one they show you on TV and I always wonder... how did they do that so well). Anyway, the story is she does a ton of things with scouts, training leaders, etc, etc. So for the audition tape they needed 100 scouts and leaders. John, being the faithful scout leader that he is rounded up his boys and headed over. (Unfortunately this all was happening on Tuesday when I have stuff after school for FOREVER, so I got to go too. Lucky me!) They asked everyone to be ready to go at 6:00 so of course we got there a little early... and nothing was going on... at all. Two of the boys and John and I hadn't eaten dinner so I sent John around the corner to McDonald's for some cheeseburgers. After he got back and we ate, I chatted with some friends about the family, since I didn't know them. I guess they have 4 children and the dad is a police officer. 2 of their children are in wheel chairs and they live in the house in the picture. I did notice a ramp up to the front door, but I can't imagine that inside it is big enough for 1 let alone 2 wheel chairs. The mom used to have to drive the two children 5 hours away 2 or 3 times a month so she's a stay at home mom. I genuinely think that this family deserves it. Hopefully ABC will make a good choice and pick this family for Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

As you can see we started out with daylight... but ended with the whole scene lit up by police cars. On the way home we saw that gas was $2.99 at Shell, and John just couldn't pass that up... The shell station is where Dairy Queen is and I wanted ice cream, so we treated the boys to ice cream as well. They were great... on the way home I was praised with comments like "You should always come to scouts" "you're so nice" "Thanks so much. This was so fun!" I was glad I could go and help out... and maybe even get these boys to like scouts a bit more.

As a side note... I left my Debit card at Dairy Queen and didn't even notice until Saturday... AHHH!!! At least they still had it, I'm such a space cadet lately!

More updates from first grade...

We've been having tons of fun in first grade this month. It seems like tons of fun=lots of work for me, but hey I love it so why not right?
First we had fire prevention week. We did all kinds of activities in class and also had the kids take things home to do with their families. The most exciting thing for the kids was getting to see the fire truck. They even got to go inside. They had a blast!

Next we had some nurses come in and teach the kids about germs and how to wash their hands correctly. One of the nurses was even the grandma of one of my students. We had a lot of fun and it is nice to hear the kids remind each other to "cover their mouths" and "wash their hands". It is great to not be the only one worried about germs any more.

Finally, we celebrated Red Ribbon Week last week. We did the Safety Kids Stay Safe from Drugs program and the kids LOVED it! My fellow first grade teacher and I really enjoyed it too. The songs are catchy and they teach a lot of good lessons. I'm still singing the songs. The picture here is of my class in front of our door that we decorated for the contest. The theme we picked was Our class "leaves" drugs alone. Each of the kids colored 5 or so leaves and Carolyn did the tree... she's amazing! Then I had the kids each write I will be rug free because... and we stuck those around the door. It was neat to see why they would choose to be drug free.

Of course today is Halloween, so Happy Halloween to all of you out there, and I'll make sure I take lots of pictures of the witches, ghosts, and goblins that come through my room.

My First Quincinera

Our secretary at school's oldest daughter just turned 15. In Hispanic catholic culture tradition is to have a coming out party called a Quincinera. They have been planning this for over a year. They had so many complications and it was the source of a lot of stress. I missed the church service because I was trying to help decorate. The decorations were missing so I wasn't able to help, and I missed the church service. When it was all said and done Anna was gorgeous, the mariachi band was amazing, the food was great, the band was definitely TOO loud, but it was a lot of fun. I even got out on the dance floor and danced with one of my first graders that was in attendance. It was very interesting to see the Hispanic culture in the area and what a party is to them. Unfortunately, my camera doesn't like taking pictures under florescent lights so I don't have any pictures of Anna in her gorgeous dress. But, here is a picture of the mariachi band and the back of the center pieces that were on the tables.

More Local High School Football

Well, local high school football is over our team did quite well. We finished the season 6-2 (I think) which isn't too bad. Our last game we won 40-12 which was great! Here are some pictures of our fun. Included is a picture of my AMAZING co-worker and her kids. She was nice enough to come up and support the team. We had a great time! I can't wait for next season when there is a field FULL of grass.

It's Up to Us

While trying to decide whom to vote for it is very apparent to me that whatever this country decides when we vote on November 4 will be said to have drastically change our way of life. Not necessarily because of whom or what we vote for, but because we are already headed down a path and we have defining decisions to make in the next 4 years. The choices of our society thus far, have led us to this point. Now is when we stand and have our voice heard. Now is when we change what our country is all about. Now is when we do whats best for us, our children, our families, and our friends. Now is when we come together for a common goal to have it accomplished. So when children in the future study history, it will be said that this election was a turning point in our society. I think we're finally ready for it. Not because of whom we elect, but because of our united goal to bring about change in America.

These are facts. We are in a down turning economy. We have a nation debt of 10 trillion dollars. We are fighting wars in at least two (depending on the day and whom you ask) foreign countries. We have members of our society fighting their own daily battles whether for their dinner, putting a roof over their heads, our country's freedom, making their life and their families lives better, or for their own lives while battling various diseases. We have moms and teachers struggling with a record number of children with autism, ADD, ADHD, and various other learning disabilities. We have schools trying to teach children with more children in any given class and less teachers because of "lack of funds". We have doctors and nurses in hospitals everywhere treating patients without insurance.


Isn't it time for a change. Isn't it time we stand up for something?


I personally haven't decided my vote on anything but my local school bond. I requested an early ballot, and that is the only thing I've filled in. Being so, I don't think you should vote for any particular person for any particular reason. I just think you need to know what you want to accomplish in your life, and decide which ballot items and candidates will help you accomplish it.

Otherwise, get involved! Go to your local school, city, and town, board meetings. Volunteer, go about doing good, make someones day better. The world changes for good, when good things are happening. My theory is, as a nation we've become obsessed with buying and having things, its why we're in debt. We can't take them with us. What we will have throughout eternity is our lives to look back on, and our families to love. Lets build them up, teach them to do good, treat them like we should, and all be better for it.

Let's make whomever is our next president look good, no matter who he is. Let us be the difference, not one man. Let's come together and make the best lemonade out of the lemons that we've been given!

It's up to us to decide our future, so make the best of it!

First Grade Field Trip

Well, it's always fun in First Grade when we read Miss Jill's Ice Cream Shop. It means that our field trip is close at hand. This year for the second time in my teaching career, we went to Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor. There is a factory near by, but unfortunately, they won't let us in there. We didn't go last year because they went out of business a week before our field trip, but they're back open, and we were ready! We talked all week about ice cream. We did writing assignments on what kind of ice cream they wanted to get, what new flavor they thought would be yummy, and now we're writing thank you notes. It's been a great learning experience for them, and really gotten them involved in wanting to know more. When we found out how much it was per student, it hadn't changed, but it still seemed like a bit much (here's me wishing I was back at the Creamery where the kids scoop is 90 cents!). After we got there and the kids started making their cones, and they guy started filling them, I remembered why. They get a TON of ice cream! You can see from their faces how excited they are, and also why no one was very hungry for lunch when the time came.

Afterward we went to one of the new parks in town. I thought for sure since it had gotten so cold recently that they would have the fountains/water shut off, but they didn't. So the 38 kids and 10 parents got a very short lecture as follows. If you get wet, you go to "Think Time" (our schools discipline policy) as soon as we're back at school. They all understood, and miraculously, NO ONE got wet! However, I did have a parent ask me "If I get wet can I still ride the bus home?" I was shocked, annoyed, and in awe. I guess my question is what kind of parent would ask a question like that? But my response was, "You'll have to talk to the bus driver about that, but I suggest you set a good example for the kids." I really was speechless for a minute though. Meeting the kids parents, and hearing things about them, sure do give you a lot of insight into why the kids are the way they are! I definatly learned that lesson well this year. Overall, we had a FANTASTIC time on our field trip.