Christmas Lights

These pictures are all pretty similar, but I just love them.  They were taken at a park in Centerville.  Enjoy.

Holly Jolly Family Pictures

Christmas is over...and that's sad.  But, I'll always have these spectacular family pictures to cherish and reminisce about this Christmas season.  We eventually used the first picture below as our holiday card, but there were many favorites.  What it boils down to is the fact that my family is the most attractive bunch out there.  Enjoy!

We hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the best for the new year.  

Happy Holidays everyone!

Ten Things Tuesday 12/13/11

So, I'm reinstating Ten Things Tuesday...for today; or for forever...whatever. It's my blog so I can do stuff like that. 

1.  Being out of school is the best thing ever.  Ever, EVER.  Knowing that I will be done with school forever in less than five months is making me oh so happy.  Masters degree...psh.  Not for me! 

2.  I FINALLY received my student teaching placement this morning.  Obviously, I'm not going to announce to the digital world where I'll be, but I will say that I will be teaching 2nd and 4th grade.  I'm pretty happy about that. 

3.  A few months ago, I discussed my distaste for fresh tomatoes.  I have to take that back.  I don't know what my deal is, but I've seriously had a taste bud makeover.  For the past few weeks, I have put fresh tomatoes on almost anything...sandwiches, salads, crackers, tacos, etc.  So weird, but I love them. 

4.  We keep a few snacks in the office where I work.  I walked in the break room today and saw reduced fat Oreos.  (Can they do that?!)  I was suspicious, but I decided to give them a try.  I was disappointed at first, but of course, I managed to eat four of them.  Oreos always seem to do that to me.  At least they were reduced fat right?  RIGHT?

5.  There's less than two weeks left before Christmas, and I still have six gifts to finish/purchase.  Hmmm...better get going on that!

6.  I've only been done with school for less than a week and I've already screwed up my sleeping cycle.  I am a night person.  I love to stay up really late...and sleep in really late.  Things are going to have to change around here pretty quick if I'm going to survive student teaching. 

7.  Its birthday palooza in my family this week and I've been searching online for some yummy cake recipes to celebrate.  I've decided to make pumpkin cake with caramel-cream cheese frosting and raspberry-white chocolate cream cake.  Don't those sound delicious?!  Here, I'll add some pictures for good measure. 

8.  We've decided to spend New Years in Mesquite and I'm pretty excited about it.  One last hurrah before my last semester!

9.  Dave has three finals to take tomorrow.  What a bummer...  : (

10.  My sister Megan is turning 18 this week and it's seriously weirding me out.  Megan?  18?  What!?  I'm starting to feel so old.  I'm still cool though...right Megs? 

Lights at Temple Sqaure

Dave surprised me this weekend and took me to see the lights at Temple Square.  I love the lights, expecially since this is where Dave proposed to me.  Enjoy the photos below. 

 As you all know by now, Dave's favorite pastime is looking as ridiculous as he can in photos.

Good job Dave.  You couldn't possibly look any more evil.  :)

School is out...Halleluiah!

My fall semester ended at 8:20 this morning, and it was seriously the best feeling ever!  Now I have about three weeks to relax and gear up for student teaching.  I STILL don't know where and what grades I'll be teaching (which is driving me insane)...Espeically since some of my friends from class have received their placements.  I'm not really surprised that I don't have them yet, but I'm still mad about it.  Why give me a deadline of when you're going to have my placement for me if you don't stick to that deadline!?  I wish the faculty would have just told us we'd know at the end of December.  But, I'm going to try my best to forget about that right now becuase school is out and there is relaxing that needs to be done! 

In other news, how about that wind storm eh?  I know this is SO last week, but I've been busy so cut me some slack.  :)  Dave and I didn't sleep at all Wednesday night because of it.  It was SO loud.  We woke up to quite a mess the next morning.     

These two trees are right outside our apartment complex.  The tree above was literally three feet away from hitting the building.  We were so lucky that our building didn't sustain much damage.  We lost quite a bit of shingles, but that was obviously minimal. 

I have to tell you a funny story, even though it's kind of embarrassing.  So, we woke up that morning, and look outside to see these 200 year old trees laying on the ground and the first thing I say is "Oh NO!  My fall wreath was blown off the door!"  Hahaha.  Shows where my priorities are!  In all seriousness though, we're very sad to see these trees go, but are very grateful that our home was safe throughout the storm.  And for those of you who were wondering...yes, I found my wreath.  I was shocked that I was able to find it!  

Since school is out, I'm planning on trying to keep this updateed as much as I can throughout the break, so I won't be doing Ten Things Tuesdays anymore.  As for when school gets going again in January, I'll be lucky if I get on here once a month...there's always wishing.       

Ten Things Tuesday 11/29/11

1.  Thanksgiving was so wonderful.  The holiday weekend was much needed and greatly appreciated.  I spent every single day of the holiday weekend with my family, and it was awesome. 

2.  The weekend was awesome because I basically stayed up and slept in as late as I wanted, which was wonderful.  But, that sure made for a doozy of a morning yesterday.  I still feel like a walking zombie.  SO tired. 

3.  A week from now, I will officially be done with fall semester!  AHHHH!!  I'm getting so excited. 

4.  I'm expecting to find out what school and grades I'll have for student teaching this week and the anticipation is killing me!

5.  AND, there are less than 5 months left before graduation.  (I'm not counting down days or anything....)

6.  I'm more excited about graduation than I am Christmas. 

7.  I made fruit cake for the first time ever this weekend.  I hate the stuff, but my Grandmother loves it, so I made it for her birthday.  Happy Birthday Grandma! 

8.  This makes me sound like the biggest Scrooge, but I really kind of hope that it doesn't snow until Christmas Eve.  This no snow business has been so nice.  Alas, it's supposed to snow on Friday, so I'm not keeping my hopes up.

9.  Dave's birthday is coming up, and I think it's so funny how he never wants to make a fuss about himself on his birthday.  Who doesn't love birthdays!?  He doesn't even want anything...the little poo. 

10.  My Christmas tree is up and IT.  IS.  GORGEOUS.  I'm sorry, but my tree looks better than yours, and that's a fact.

Ten Things Tuesday: Thanksgiving Edition

Ten Things that I am Grateful for:

1. Dave. Obviously. My husband is truly the one that keeps me sane, especially during those busy weeks of homework and such. If I graduate this spring, it will be because Dave kept me from quitting.

2. My family. So cliché, I know. But, my families (mine and Dave’s) are awesome and do SO much for us. One of our favorite things to do is to go out to lunch or dinner with our families and just joke around with them. I'm so glad we live so close to them.

3. College. This one makes me laugh a little, because I really don't like college. I am grateful however that I've had the opportunity to go to school. It's always been a goal of mine to graduate from college, and I'm happy to say that the light is at the end of the tunnel! Spring 2012...here I come!

4. My job. I have the best job ever. Ever ever ever. Not only do I like my line of work, I have also been extremely blessed to have a job that allows me to finish my education. I'll be able to continue my job working from home, while finishing up my student teaching. This is HUGE for us, because without my job, we couldn't afford to pay for tuition. Oh tuition...I don't think I'll ever be grateful for you. :)

5. My car...and my heater. I do a lot of driving. A LOT. And my car is what makes it all possible. Plus, it has the best heater of any car I've ever driven, and if you know me, you know that a good heater is a must! The daily commutes from Ogden to Salt Lake (and sometimes back to Ogden. Wow, I'm a crazy person) the past few years have put quite a bit of miles on that thing, but it's still going! :)

6. My home. Not many people know this, but a few years ago, Dave and I almost bought a house. We had looked through many homes and had found one that we thought was perfect for us. We put in an offer, and it was accepted. We signed the papers, and then, it just didn't feel right. We were devastated as we withdrew from the contract. We were sad at the time that we didn't get into a home, but we knew it wasn't the right decision. Now, we're living in an awesome apartment that we both love. We still have the dream of owning a house some day, but we know it will happen when it's right for us. For now, we'll be fine with our cozy little apartment. I mean, it has a dishwasher and washer/dryer hook ups! You can't get better than that! ;)

7. My health. As I mentioned last week, life is just SO much easier when you feel good. Those few weeks of being sick were awful, and I'm so glad that I don't have to deal with that every day.

8. Where I live and grew up. The past few weeks have been kind of an eye opening experience for me. The school that I've been teaching at is in a very poor area. To be frank, I'd never live there, and feel bad for the children in my class that are being raised in this area. The trial’s that these children go through on a daily basis is astonishing. I'm so grateful for my parents and the upbringing they gave me.

9. My talents. I realize how self-absorbed this sounds, but I truly am grateful for all the talents I have. My skills make me feel happy, and I think they make others feel happy too.

10. God. I attribute all of my success to the love of God. I seem to get in these "ruts" quite often where I have this sense of "Why me? Why should I have to do this? Blah blah blah" (I'm an excellent whiner, just ask Dave). But then, all I have to do is look around and realize just how good I have it. (Which is pretty good btw). It's funny the way God works. I personally think God is somewhat of a jokester. I like to think that he's up there having a little chuckle at my expense when I'm having a bad day. You know, in a loving way of course. He knows what I mean. :)

Happy Thanksgiving friends. What are you grateful for?

Ten Things Tuesday 11/15/11

1.  It's amazing how much better life can be when you're not sick.  The past week has been ten times better due to the fact that I don't feel like throwing up every ten minutes.  Eww.  I don't know what I had, but I'm glad it's gone.  That's for sure. 

2.  Hot cocoa is positively the most amazing thing at this time of year.  I've had a cup (or two) of the stuff everyday for the past week.  Soooo yummy. 

3.  I've pretty much mentally "checked out" of the semester, which isn't a good thing.  I just can't help it though.  I'm in need of a break. 

4.  I've come to the sad conclusion that 6th grade is not the grade for me to teach.  My teaching experience this semester has not been the best, but at least I know that the older grades are not for me.  Hopefully student teaching will be better, because I'm all tuckered out. 

5.  Dave and I have been on this "eating healthier kick" for the past couple of weeks, and I have to say that I feel great.  BUT, there is no way in heck that I'm going to miss out on all aspects of my Grandmother's Thanksgiving dinner.  I seriously can't stop thinking about it.  Yum. 

6.  Kids these days are so incredibly disrespectful it's disgusting.  I know that sounds super ridiculous coming from me since I'm only 23, but seriously.  I'm not saying I was the perfect child, but my parents placed a HUGE emphasis on being respectful to others (especially adults)...no matter who they were, and I feel like I did. 

7.  Just to branch off the above comment:  Some of the comments from the sixth graders I've been teaching have left me speechless.  I know they're only 12, but the nerve they have outrages me.  Why do kids feel this sense of entitlement!?  I don't understand!

8.  My husband and I are the most sarcastic people ever, I assure you.  I think it's funny how well we go together because of it. 

9.  Example:  Every week day, and I mean every day, Dave walks in the door from his night class and I ask "How did school go?"  He then launches into this elaborate explanation "Oh my gosh Ash, it was awesome, just awesome.  Basically the most fun I've ever had ever!"  etc.  Then we have a really sarcastic conversation based on the ridiculous notion that school is the highlight of our lives right now.  It's so us, and I love it. 

10.  I know I come off as this incredibly bitter, negative, old hag sometimes, but I'm just incredibly sarcastic, and that's how I deal with stress.  :) AND, I'm pretty sure that was one of the worst run-on sentences ever, but I don't really care to re-write it.  So there you go.    

Ten Things Tuesday 11/8/11

1.  This week has reaffirmed to me why I dislike winter so much.  It's SOOOOO cold. 

2.  Also, the teacher that I'm working with keeps his classroom freezing.  FREEZING, I tell you!  I'm not exaggerating when I say that it was warmer outside today (at 10 am) than it was in his classroom!  AH! 

3.  Only 4 weeks left this semester (not counting finals week).  I'm getting SO excited!  Eeek!

4.  I should find out the grades and school that I'm student teaching at in about three weeks....double eeek!  :)

5.  I think it's so funny that people get so upset about radio stations playing Christmas music so early.  I'll admit, I feel it's too soon.  BUT, I'd be lying if I said that I hadn't been listening to it the past few days.  I love it, and it makes me happy, so sue me.  :)

6.  I absolutely refuse to put up Christmas decorations until AFTER Thanksgiving though.  Thanksgiving is a holiday too people...and a good one at that!  It's sad how commercialized Christmas has become. 

7.  There is a woman that I work with (sort of, not really...different company...anyway), that absolutely refuses to do her job, which directly affects me and my job performance.  Grrrr.  She's really starting to get under my skin. 

8.  I'm trying some new recipes this week.  Last night was spinach and cheese stuffed portobello mushrooms.  Tonight, we're going to try sweet potato soup.  I hope it turns out! 

9.  My students are infatuated with the fact that I am a Mormon.  I think it's so funny.  That was one of the first things they asked me.  "Mrs. Bland, are you a Mormon?"  Gotta be honest, I didn't see that one coming. 

10.  A few weeks ago, I made the decision that I was going to cut my hair over Christmas break.  Now I don't know if I should.  (And, by cut, I mean take like 10 inches off).  What do you think?

Ten Things Tuesday 11/1/11

1.  There are certain songs that are permanently imprinted on my brain to think of a certain situation or person when heard.  I'm not quite sure why this works, but as soon as I hear certain songs, I immediately think of someone.  The following songs will remind me of someone (not all the same person, of course):

• Yellowcard- Ocean Avenue
• Blink 182- All The Small Things
• William Fitzsimmons- Beautiful Girl
• Dashboard Confessional- Hands Down (Acoustic Version)
• Pretty much anything by Jack's Mannequin
• Snow Patrol- Light Up
• George Michael- Father Figure

Clearly, most all of these songs are from my junior high and high school years.  :)  Obviously, I'm not going to say who they remind me of because that would be weird.  But, I will say that anytime I hear anything by Jimmy Eat World, I think of my husband, and I love that.  :)

2.  Last week, as I was driving from school to work, I noticed three people were pulled over within a 1 mile distance.  Wowzers...it's definitely not the time to be speeding.  Geez!

3.  I started teaching 6th grade last week.  As I was asking one of my students to turn her homework in, she responded by saying "I'm not done with it, but I'll just copy so and so's."  My cooperating teacher overheard what she said and responded with "Why don't you ask Mrs. Bland what happens to people who cheat in college."  So I told her that if you cheat in college, you get kicked out of school and it can be really hard to come back.  She looked up at me and with the serious most terrified voice ever responded with "They don't give you a warning!?"  Haha, I had to restrain my laughter.  It was awesome. 

4.  My blow dryer died last week, so I ended up styling my hair in a wet, loose bun on top of my head.  I got more compliments on my hair that day than I have in the last year.  WHY?!  Why WHY WHY do I get compliments on the days that I put the least amount of effort into myself? 

5.  Beyond Glaze has the worst customer service of any food related establishment I have ever seen.  Ugh...the story is too long for the blog, but suffice to say that I was not impressed. 

6.  I can laugh about this now...sort of, but at the time, it was horrendously annoying.  So, last Tuesday was my second day teaching 6th grade.  I wake up feeling disgustingly sick, but know that I have to teach anyway.  So, I get ready, and start to drive myself to class...only to puke all over myself and the car on the way.  Lovely.  Obviously, I didn't make it to class on time.  Woof...what a morning that was. 

7.  My sister is awesome and helped me clean my puke covered car.  Now that's sisterly love right there.

8.  It's November.  What the what!?

9.  Dave and I celebrated Halloween in style last night by spending the night at Walmart buying groceries.  Then we got real crazy by eating a bowl of not one but TWO different flavors of sherbet!! We're real fun people, let me tell you. 

10.  I'm feeling better about life today than I was last Tuesday.  I'm still feeling a little blue, but I've decided that it's OK to have bad days (or weeks) sometimes.