One of Those Days

Yep. I said the cliche' "It was one of those days..." tonight. Okay, can someone tell me what exactly that means? I guess my definition sounds something like this:

• Running into the wall after a fire drill. Yep. Face first. Then, having the entire 6th grade laugh.
• Being on hold for 45 minutes at the AZ Department of Education-- and I didn't even get to talk to them because the phones shut off when they closed right at 5:00.
• Students not understanding how to divide fractions. I even taught them the good old "flip and switch" way. So, I graded the homework and it was a disaster. I mean, I GUESS it can be hard to flip the second fraction and then multiply straight across... but seriously? So glad I won't be there when they are doing harder things.
• Totally forgetting how to teach complementary and supplementary angles to my kids at Sylvan. I swear, they were looking at me like "Why is this crazy lady teaching us?"
• Inhaling 3 pieces of pizza for dinner. Yep 3. With extra red pepper flakes. Firey{is that a word?} burps tonight? Sorry babe.
• Just standing in the shower after a long day of work and feeling the hot water run until it became cold. I just needed to wash off all the stress. Too bad that doesn't really work.

So..... please don't judge me for going to bed at 9:12 p.m. tonight. I think I deserve it-- especially after my brain was a little rattled after hitting a brick wall- literally.

Why I Blog

{Hawaii 2010}

I have a love/hate relationships with a couple blogs out there in the online blogging world. I love the cute outfit ideas, but hate the perfect, thin, and gorgeous girls wearing the clothes. I love getting cute ideas for home decor, but hate the beautiful, lush, and perfect homes. I love laughing at ridiculous blog posts, but hate the braggy-brag-brag ladies who's days consists of perfect shopping trips, children, and girl night outs. Do we see a word trend here? Yes, perfect.

My wonderful friend Stephanie just posted the most wonderful post on her blog. Check it out. Not only did she share her wonderful Birthday weekend with us, she shared the reason why she began blogging. Her post really got me thinking and inspired me. I loved how she brought up the reason she blogged was for herself.

The good days.

The bad days.

The everyday simple pleasures in life.

I realized that I loved blogging for those reasons as well. I enjoy sharing our life, adventures, and even the hard times with those who read my blog. I like to think of it as my journal. I have never been one to write, because when I do, I start to doo-doo-doodle away. So, let's ask ourselves the question... Why do I blog?

I blog for me,

because my life isn't perfect.

Idaho Christmas 2010

This year, we were lucky enough to go to Idaho for Christmas! It was such a fun trip and we loved seeing all our friends and family. We started the trip off with a trip to the Bountiful temple to attend the sealing of Derek's cousin Alyshia's family. It was such a special experience to be there. The next night, both Katie & Whitney were home from Boise to celebrate the holiday with us. A BIG congrats to Miss Katie for graduating BSU with her Bachelors degree! Woo! Welcome to the club Katie! We went up to Rock Creek in Twin Falls to walk through a HUGE light exhibit & check out the famous Mongolian camel. As you can see, he's huge and Derek was a little scared!
When I say huge display, I mean huge! Thousands and thousands of lights, decorations, and fun holiday characters. We were surprised at how mild the weather was, and had a great time walking around with our family.
On Christmas Eve, it was my mother-in-law Trina's year to host the party at her new, beautiful, FINISHED home! After months and months of construction, the house was finished and ready to host a party. A lot of the McKenzie family was there (Derek's mom's side), and it was so much fun to see everyone again.

Christmas morning was such a fun, new experience with Derek. We loved every second of our first Christmas being married together. Derek couldn't help but dance, dance, DANCE after opening this lovely track suit he has been eyeing for a couple months. The dance was even MORE outrageous when he opened up his Wii which he loves!

I was so excited, and surprised to see this beauty under the tree with my name on it! I have been wanting a Cricut for a couple months now, and finally have one of my own! I can't wait to get crafting, and use it to decorate my classroom!

After jinxing the "warm weather", we got some snow and cool weather a couple days after Christmas. We spent an afternoon up in the Basin & cabin the family owns and went four-wheeling. Such a fun afternoon!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year and can't wait to hear how everyone's went. We are spending the last day of 2010 taking down Christmas decorations, studying, and ringing in the new year quietly at home.

Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la

My FIRST Night Alone (since being married)

It's 5:18 on a Friday night and I'm listening to my little brother & his friend "pwn" some "noobs". (x-box 360 lingo?)

I'm here in Carlsbad/Los Al/Seal Beach area for a very special occasion.K & M are getting married tomorrow. Post to come. But, even though it's Friday, my "Friday Derek" couldn't swing time off from a week of tests to come with me. I mean, I'm fine without him. But, it's just weird. It's my first night since being married really without him. I have to admit, I'm kinda excited to have a full queen sized bed to myself, but I think Derek usually lets me have it every night anyways. He is so sweet. It was weird making the drive by myself, because, if you have ever driven with me, you know I'm not a fan of it. Anyways, I'm not really crying, but I had a little fun with my Mom's awesome MacBook Pro. Yeah, she's spoiled....but she deserves it. So, to get away from this sappy, sad, whiny married girl post, I am super excited for the wedding tomorrow, seeing all the high school girlies, and eating at the most delicious Italian restraint in the world. Why is it the best? Only hot men are hired as waiters. Hey, I can still look can't I? Flirt for a free dessert? Well, now I'm going to go learn what "pwn" and "noobs" are.

Anyone care to join me?

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Friday Derek

Blogging world. I would like you to meet "Friday Derek".

"Friday Derek" comes home from school ready for a break! After a week of tests, countless hours studying, and the natural "wear & tear" from being a medical school student, we're BOTH ready for a fun night out.We usually go out for a yummy dinner and then see what adventures we come across. Last week, we ate at a local BBQ place featured multiple times on Food Network. Sounds like a normal husband/wife date? Wrong. This is why I not only love Derek, but "Friday Derek". We then preceded to go to Hobby Lobby to look at tree skirts. Yep, tree skirts. What kind of guy wants to spend a Friday night doing that? Yep. Mine. Then, we headed next door to Home Goods, where Derek bought me the most amazing pillow in the world. He was happy it wasn't another throw for our bed, but a regular, standard, bed pillow. He carried my pillow while I browsed each isle for the next 40 minutes. Have I mentioned how great he is? One night, "Friday Derek" took me shopping. He let me try on clothes, and then bought me some cute tops and a pair of shoes. He may not enjoy these date nights, but I know I do! So, I'm really excited that today is Friday and I get loving, fun, silly, sweet, Derek for the night.

Tonight's plan? Temple session, walking around the decorated grounds, and a yummy homemade chili & cornbread dinner.