A little about ME!

1. What time did you get up this morning? 9 AM

2. How do you like your steak cooked? Well done... I don't like the pink! Ewww

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Gran Torino... I think? It's been a long time!

4. What is your favorite TV show? I am addicted to tv... Big Brother... Court Shows, American Idol, So you think you can Dance... Bachelor! I could go on and on and on!

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? I like where I live now - Vancouver, but I hope to retire elsewhere someday.

6. What did you have for breakfast? I didn't... I rarely do.

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian . . .

8. What foods do you dislike? Seafood

9. Favorite Place to Eat? I don't have just one...

10. Favorite dressing? Honey Mustard

11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Saturn Ion... Hopefully soon a SUV!

12. What are your favorite clothes? Casual and Comfy

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Fiji

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? Half Empty... Hey I am being honest!

15.Where would you want to retire? Maybe Hawaii

16. Favorite time of day? Evenings

17. Where were you born? Tacoma, WA

18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Football

19. Who do you think will not tag you back? I'm not tagging anyone

20. Person you expect to tag you back first? N/A

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this? N/A

22. Are you satisfied with your life? Mostly, Yes. I wish I was a contracted teacher and not a substitute.

23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Both

24. Do you have any pets? Just one... We like to think of Simon Rex and our child!

25. If you only had one day to live, who would you spend it with? Alex...Mom...Katie and Papa

26. What did you want to be when you were little? Teacher and a Mom

27. What is your best childhood memory? Family Vacations

28. Are you a cat or dog person? Dog. I don't like cats.

29. Are you married? Yes

30. Always wear your seat belt? Always

31. Been in a car accident? Yes, a small one when I was not driving.

32. Any pet peeves? I don't have the time of day to list ALL of them....

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings? Peperoni and Sausage

34. Favorite Flower? I was a florist for 6 years.... I have many. Tulips being one.

35. Favorite ice cream? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Our First Wedding Anniversary: Las Vegas

Sunday, August 2, 2009:
We flew out of Portland at about 9am and got to Las Vegas non-stop at around 11am. From the second we set foot out of the airport it was HOT! We took a taxi to our hotel Mandalay Bay!

We had some time to kill between when we got to the hotel and 3pm when we could check in, so we went and had lunch at the hotel next door the Luxor.

After lunch we walked back to our hotel Mandalay Bay and went to check out the Shark Reef Aquarium. I have this crazy love for aquariums, so any city that I am in that has one I must go see it! It was a little on the pricey side for how small it was, but nevertheless very cool. Here are some pictures from there...




After the Shark Reef it was finally 3pm, so we went to get checked into our hotel room. This hotel was beautiful and the rooms were so fantastic! We even had a tv in the bathroom that I could watch from the HUGE bathtub! I was in heaven. :o)

By the time we got unpacked and settled it was time to shower, change and get ready for dinner and a late night show. We went to a restaurant called Planet Dallies inside the Planet Hollywood Hotel. We decided to take a taxi to and from our hotel to Planet Hollywood and then back after dinner and the show, but the cab driver ripped us off by taking us not down the strip, but on back road to get 2 miles north and our taxi bill was outrageous, so we knew we'd be walking back to our hotel that night! Alex's friend Sean worked at Planet Dallies and treated us to a very good dinner! If you are ever in Las Vegas I would recommend it they have a great menu and any food you could think of! Next we walked next door to the Paris Hotel to catch our show a hypnotist! It was a VERY funny show! Next, since we were already in the Paris Hotel we figured that was our chance to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. It was about an hour wait to go to the top...I thought it was worth it and Alex thinks it was a waste of time! The views are good from the top, but there are better, I will give him that.

By the time we were done at the Eiffel Tower it was after midnight, so we thought we'd make the walk back to our hotel. Little did I know that my decision of walking 2 miles in stilettos on the hot and hard pavement would ruin my ability to walk normally for the rest of the trip, due to the huge blisters!!! It was not a fun walk... and my mood was less than stellar when we finally made it back to our room. This is what happens when cabs hustle you in Las Vegas...


August 3, 2009:
Finally...Our true wedding anniversary! Our plan for this day was to RELAX and take it easy! Instead we got up early and took The Deuce (a double-decker bus that takes you up and down The Strip) we took it all the way to the Wynn. The hotel was beautiful and this was where I thought I would try my first shot as a slot machine! First one I tried was winning me a lot of money... ok well not a LOT, but hey I was playing penny slots and winning over $20 back! Little did I know from this machine on I would loose EVERYTHING I had and would not have any luck with ANY machine for the rest of the trip!

We kept making our way up The Strip from hotel to hotel and casino to casino. We definitely covered the most ground on this day. Later in the afternoon we went back to the hotel to get ready for our anniversary dinner. We learned it was just best to take The Deuce! We had dinner and then saw a few more sights. The city is AMAZING at night! Just beautiful!


August 4, 2009:
Today was our lazy day! We slept in and went to have lunch then spent the next few hours at Mandalay Beach! I do not think I came home with any more tan then I went to Las Vegas with, so I am pretty bummed about that! It was REALLY hot about 107 and that just makes me grumpy, so I was laying out for a little bit and then in the pool for a little bit! After a few hours we went back upstairs to get ready for dinner. We had planned to go to the Venetian on the night of our anniversary to ride the gondola ride only to find it closed because of the a slight wind! BOO! We after getting ready for dinner, Alex and I took The Deuce north to the Venetian Hotel! It was a beautiful ride and the temperature was just perfect!

After the ride we met Alex's friend Sean for dinner and then the three of us went to a comedy show that night! After the show Alex and I went to the Excalibur Hotel and Casino and Luxor to check out some late night stuff. We were invited to Mix Nightclub which is on the 64th floor of The Hotel at Mandalay Bay. It was a great view of The Strip. We just enjoyed heading up to the top for about 10 minutes to see the views!


August 5, 2009:
Our final day started with us checking out of the hotel and off to see a few sights! We had breakfast at The House of Blues restaurant which was in our hotel and then went to check out of last hotel and casino which was New York, New York.

Next, we took The Deuce south to the Las Vegas Outlet Malls. Mostly because I went into two coach stores in Las Vegas and could not find what I was looking for, so I went to try my luck at Coach Outlet! By the time we were done shopping and we were waiting in 107 degree weather is when it hit us that we were tired and ready to get HOME! We has a quick lunch and then went back to the hotel to kill some time before heading to the airport. Alex's aunt and uncle happen to also be in Las Vegas on vacation, so we chatted with them awhile and then headed to the airport and home sweet home. It was so late when we got home, we had to pick up Simon the nest morning! Boy did we miss that little boy!

I put all the pictures we have up on Facebook, so you can see them all there!!!

I miss my Sis...

Katie came to visit for a few days! On a sad note she had to leave today! :o( I miss her so much when she is gone... she'll be coming back soon to visit though! Besides that we leave for Las Vegas the day after tomorrow and I am SO SO SO excited! I need to pack tonight... blah!

Let's see....

I bought a new coffee table and new endtables... see below! We needed new ones!




Also... Alex gave me 12 white roses today! One rose for each month we've been married! Awwww... it's not quite our anniversary yet, but he wanted me to enjoy them before we leave on our trip!



That's about it! I will have TONS to share when we get back into town... Stay Tuned!

Farm Town on Facebook!

Okay... I know, I know. I play Farm Town on Facebook! So what?!? ;o)
It's fun! My farm is quite small and I am still learning the ropes! I just thought I'd share. I think I have all my FB Friends that are using the app as my neighbors, so if you are reading this and haven't added me or of I haven't added you DO IT! :o)

Bug Cupcakes

Ingredients:
Cake
Icing
Cupcake liners
5 Small bowls
5 tints of food coloring
Serrated knife
Small offset spatula
Gumdrops
Licorice strings
Pastry bags, couplers, and round tips

Prepare: 1 recipe One-Bowl Chocolate Cake in cupcake liners (or just a boxed cake mix); and 1 recipe Swiss Meringue Buttercream or Simple Sugar Icing. Divide frosting into 5 small bowls, and tint each bowlful a different color with food coloring.


1. Use a serrated knife to cut the domed tops evenly off of each cooled cupcake. Cut each top in half.

2. Use a small offset spatula to evenly spread 1 1/2 tablespoons colored frosting over each flat cupcake top. Then position halved cupcake tops on top of frosted cupcakes, pressing gently to adhere wings to soft frosting. To make bugs, attach tops with the domed side up and points meeting just inside edge of cupcake and extending off the opposite side. To create butterflies, attach pieces, cut side up, with rounded edges in center of cupcake (domed shape will create angled wings). Refrigerate until frosting is firm and wings are secure, about 30 minutes.

3. Prepare gumdrop and licorice heads: Snip licorice strings on a diagonal into 1 1/2-inch lengths. Use a toothpick to make 2 holes in the top of each gumdrop on opposite sides. Insert the pointed end of a licorice strip into each hole to create antennae. Using extra frosting as glue, attach gumdrop head to cupcake.

4. Decorate wings as desired with assorted colored frostings: Place frosting in pastry bags fitted with couplers and round tips, and pipe over surface of wings. Alternatively, gently spread frosting with a small offset spatula over the surface of the wings as desired. For lots of frosting, spread each wing with a base coat of frosting first and pipe out decorations in a different color. For just a touch of frosting, pipe simple decorations onto the bare black wings.

One Bowl Chocolate Cake:


* Unsalted butter, for pans
* 1 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for pans
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 3 cups sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking soda
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 3 large eggs
* 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
* 3/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter round or square cake pans, and line bottoms with parchment; butter parchment, and dust with cocoa.
2. Into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, sift cocoa, flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. With the mixer on low, stir in eggs, 1 1/2 cups warm water, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth, about 3 minutes.
3. Divide batter among prepared pans. Bake, rotating once, until tester inserted in center comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes for 8-inch layers, depending on amount of batter.
4. Let cakes cool in pans on a wire rack for 20 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely, right side up on rack.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream:

Ingredients:

(Makes about 6 cups)

* 1 pound (4 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
* 1 1/2 cups sugar
* 6 egg whites
* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Directions

1. Beat butter with electric mixer until fluffy and pale. Transfer to small bowl.
2. In double boiler over simmering water, whisk sugar and egg whites until warm and sugar is dissolved, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to clean bowl of electric mixer; beat on high with whisk attachment until fluffy and cooled, about 10 minutes.
3. Reduce mixer to medium-low; add butter a scant 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
4. Switch to paddle attachment; beat on lowest speed 3 to 5 minutes. Leave at room temperature if using same day. Or store airtight in refrigerator up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature; beat until smooth.

Viva Las Vegas!

14... yes, you read correctly FOURTEEN more days until Las Vegas! I am excited, can you tell? I think we pretty much have everything planned out, I'll share it with you!


Leaving August 2 at 9 am from Portland!
Arriving at our hotel- having lunch and then checking out the Shark Reef Aquarium at our hotel: Mandalay Bay.
Then Dinner and next we are going to see the Eiffel Tower and finish the night with a show at the Paris Hotel.


August 3 is our REAL anniversary!!! <3
We're planning on sleeping in.... breakfast and some time at the pool!
We would like to ride the Gondola Ride at night at the Venetian Hotel! Romantic I know! ;)

August 4 is our day to cruise THE STRIP!
We want to shop...watch the fountain show at the Bellagio, see NY NY and check our some popular casinos and landmarks.
We are hoping to catch a comedy show on the night also!


August 5 is out check out day... We don't leave town until evening, so I don't know what we are planning on doing this day. We'd like to keep it open!


Kind of a short trip, but I think it will be PLENTY of time. Alex is off from the 2-8, so we have time to "vacation and relax" back in Vancouver for a few days too! The weather is suppose to be on average 110 in Las Vegas.... Yikes! We are planning on being in air conditioned buildings and out of the heat as much as possible. We weren't sure if we'd be able to do this trip since I'm not working, but thankfully we can. We feel very blessed to experience somewhere new... and so different that anywhere we've gone before on our first year anniversary! :o)

Time for a little BAKING!

I haven't baked in a little while, so today I tried two brand new recipes and they turned out pretty good, so I thought I would share!



#1 Rhubarb Pie
(Not a favorite of mine, but Alex likes it. My parents grew the fresh rhubarb from their garden!)






INGREDIENTS:

* 4 cups chopped rhubarb
* 1 1/3 cups white sugar
* 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon butter
* 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie


DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
2. Combine sugar and flour. Sprinkle 1/4 of it over pastry in pie plate. Heap rhubarb over this mixture. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and flour. Dot with small pieces of butter. Cover with top crust.
3. Place pie on lowest rack in oven. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), and continue baking for 40 to 45 minutes. Serve warm or cold.



#2 Banana Bread






INGREDIENTS:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup butter
* 3/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 eggs, beaten
* 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas


DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.


The Banana Bread is REALLY yummy! Hope you enjoy!

...25 Random Things...

...25 RANDOM THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT ME...

1. I am a teacher, but I really don't support the whole "public school" idea since I was home schooled by my parents. I have yet to decide how I will handle this will my own children.

2. I met Theresa when I was just 4 years old... or maybe 5, but I still know her to this day! It's been over 20 years... amazing.

3. I DO NOT like to clean the bathrooms- it really grosses me out. Needless to say it's my husband's job :o)

4. I have been to 2 of the Hawaiian Islands with Alex and plan to go to all of them one day, as well as all 50 states ( I am over half way there!)

5. I have my nails and toe nails painted at all time, regardless.

6. I LOVE the movie THE NOTEBOOK and secretly wish my love life was intense as that even I know it's just a movie.

7. I am from Tacoma.... but now live in Vancouver. I never knew there was a Vancouver besides Canada before Alex told me he was from here on our first date!

8. I never tried a drop of alcohol until my 21st birthday...and got so sick from it that now I can't stand the smell or taste of it. I would choose ANYTHING to drink over alcohol, but get made fun of because I do not like to drink, so at times I do it anyway to avoid that.... I wish I was stronger.

9. Deep down I really just want to be a stay at home mom, but I am not sure if that will ever happen or not.

8. I am quiet if I am nervous....mad.......upset or really uncomfortable.

9. I am really afraid of snakes and spiders. Also, I do not swim in anything but pools because I am afraid of things that are in the water.

10. My bedroom was decorated in Winnie The Pooh and Disney until I was about 16 years old!

11. I have an addiction to E! and I watch it all the time.... oh and Judge Judy too!

12. I am pretty sure I have OCD. My house is one of the cleanest places you will ever see. It's my pride and joy!

13. My husband designed my engagement ring and had it made especially for me- nobody in this world as the exact same ring and I love that!

14. I was a florist for 6+ years and I miss the creativity at times and I still plan to do weddings on the side.

15. I have been a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant since I was 18 years old and it's a real passion of mine. I love it!

16. I had a CRAZY obsession with the Seattle Mariners for over 5 years; Bret Boone especially!

17. I love being home and doing NOTHING with my husband.... just doing nothing!

18. I miss my family in Tacoma and it's always amazing when I get to go visit it makes me realize how much I love them.

19. I am a hardcore Republican and my views are Conservative. Enough said.

20. Alex and I bought our first home when we were just 23 years old... that is a HUGE accomplishment! We live our lives debt free (well besides our mortgage) and are VERY proud of that!

21. I love.... and I mean love.... all kinds of music.

22. I am a very emotional person..... when I am happy or sad or whatever....I am just SUPER emotional.

23. I am always on time to places.... like usually REALLY early. I hate waiting for people.

24.I love theme parks.... I have been to most Six Flag Parks in the country and hope to go to all of them someday.

25. The people in my life that can annoy me or make me the maddest are those that I love the most. Hahaha like my dear husband! ;)

Happy 4th!

Alex's aunt and uncle were so kind that they invited Alex and I to join them at their yacht club for the 4th! We had no other plans and since the Fort Vancouver Firework show had been canceled we thought this would be something fun to do. So... first things first: Get Simon a sitter! DONE! So off to the yacht club we went!
This was the first time I has been on a "really" nice yacht, so I was excited about that! The day truly lived up to expectations...it was relaxing, full of great food and drinks, and awesome people. Everyone there was really very nice and welcoming. We got to go out of the little boat and have some fun...relaxed on the yacht, had a water fight with other boats and even played BINGO, which Alex won $25... not too shabby! ;) It was a long day, but a very memorable one. I mean could we have asked for better weather 90+ on the 4th of July!
Now I am sitting here all alone, as Alex has gone off to work for the night. It's days like this that I realize just how much I truly miss him when he works so much! Anyway, I thought I would share what a great day we had today!
Goodnight!

SOLD

Well, as you may or may not know, Alex has been wanting a new truck ever since I met him 3 1/2 years ago. In 2007, he ALMOST bought one, but then decided not to and we got engaged instead... awwww! Last month Alex FINALLY got a new truck (see blog below.) So as of today the Red Ranger has SOLD! We've had it listed on Craigslist for over a month and have met some very... well... interesting people, but no sale! Luckily, today we found a buyer! Hooray! So the Ranger is gone.... it's bitter sweet I suppose. I mean it's Alex's first and ONLY car he's ever had and for me it represents our first date...the truck he drove EVERY single weekend back and forth to Tacoma to come see me during our time apart. It was a good truck... lots of memories, but it was time to move on. We think the Ranger found a good home and even better we got full asking price! :o)

Farewell Rangaaaaaa.......

PET PEEVE!

One thing that has been driving me crazy is all of these “Expectant Mothers Parking” signs that have been popping up ALL OVER!

*First Point: Pregnant women actually NEED to walk. Exercise is GREAT for them! Also, if you are planning on going in and walking the entire mall can't you walk a FEW extra parking spaces?

*Second Point: Being pregnant is NOT a handicap! Period. You are pregnant not disabled and if for some reason you can't walk that distance because of a troubled pregnancy than just stay home. Think about your baby and don't push it!

Third Point: If stores REALLY want to help out women....drum roll here...... make special spots for women with toddlers and babies. Don't put these spots next to the entrance, put these next to cart depots so you can get your child in and out of the car and cart safely and return your cart without having to leave your child ALONE!

In all seriousness how pregnant do you have to be? 1 week? 3 months? 9 months?
Who watches to make sure only pregnant women park here? 90% of the time douchebag teen boys park there anyway.

Duh!

Rate My Space!

Okay, so I am totally a member of Rate My Space on HGTV and I am always open for suggestions on what to do to make my house better! Someone suggested that I "glaze" my rocks on the front of the house to make them look wet. I LOVE when they look wet, I mean c'mon I purposely hose them every time I water the plants and grass to go give them "that look!" So long story short I researched.... and researched some more.... and FINALLY found some stuff to do it! Yesterday I hauled my butt up to Home Depot and bought the stuff and I spent a few hours last night "glazing" and a little while today "re-glazing" and here is the finished product!!!!
I am still not sure if it really did anything....but whatever I tried! Here are some pictures!

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

It's Been Awhile: Here is Our Update!

Sorry guys it's been almost a week! This not having a job thing has actually been keeping me really busy! I made a complete list of EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING that I want to get done around the house. From little things like sewing up the comforter that somehow got a tear in it, to deciding that I want to paint the outside trim of the house! I want to get some stuff called "Wet Look" it put of the outside of our house where the rocks are to give it that always wet look! I may work on that today!
Beginning today Alex works another 7 day straight schedule (2-Midnight, of course!) Luckily, I am not working right now, so I can spend every morning with him until he leaves at 1:30'ish, but if I was working I have no idea what I'd do- I would seriously NEVER see him! We are hoping that his schedule will be changing once he reaches his 500 hours and he's done with the training of the grocery department. We are keeping our fingers crossed!
Let's see what else..... Alex ended up getting the 4th of July off! Whoo Hoo! We are TRYING to plan something fun, but have no idea what. Also, July 10-12th we are camping with my family and then our "secret" trip that Alex has no clue about. All I know is that he will LOVE IT and boy will he be surprised! :o) Hmmmm... like 36 days until Las Vegas! I am so excited! It's my first trip there and I cannot wait. Not too much else to report! That is kind of the low down for right now....
Thanks for checking in! It means the world to me!

....cookie disaster... enough said.

So I had GREAT aspirations of using some cookie stencils that I got as a house warming present, but....





They didn't turn out so good, but they sure taste GOOD! :o( (see Below!)





also I learned that if you have this kind of counter top....





Do NOT use it as a work station! There was FLOUR, DOUGH, and everything else stuck in the cracks and it took me forever to clean it all up! Whew....

I am going with simple Banana Bread tomorrow instead! :o)

Oh the Agony!

Just when I committed to electronic tasks and to do lists on my iPhone- save a tree right?- I find these lovely and free downloadable lists from Baca Creative! Oh the agony of not being able to use these! Can I cheat just this once?
Aren't they pretty? I love lists. The only thing better than a good list is crossing off a task once you've completed it. Call me crazy but the shear joy of looking down at my crumpled piece of paper with my cat scratch notes and a crossed out "completed task" makes me {swoon}.

It was so hard for me to commit to an electronic to do list. Honestly I hate it. Just not as much fun. Once you complete a task, it just gets deleted. Goes away into space. No fun crossed out, wrinkled page to look at with a feeling of accomplishment. Boo!

Imagine all the fun I'd have with these lovelies? Every addict has to fall off the wagon once right? I can rationalize anything and have officially convinced myself that this is okay. Off to download...

Lady Bug Cupcakes

Ingredients

Makes 24

* Yellow Buttermilk Cupcakes
* Swiss Meringue Buttercream
* Green, red, and black gel-paste food colors
* 7 ounces marzipan
* Cornstarch, for work surface

Directions

1. Tint buttercream green with gel-paste food color. Transfer to a pastry bag fitted with a small multi-opening tip (#233). Starting at the center and moving outward, pipe rows of grass on top of cupcakes: With tip on surface of cupcake, squeeze bag, then release while quickly pulling up to form 1/4-inch-long blades, making some slightly longer than others.
2. Form ladybugs: Divide marzipan in half. Working on a surface lightly dusted with cornstarch, tint one portion red and the other black with gel-paste food colors. Form a 1/2-inch ball of red marzipan for each ladybug body, and a 1/4-inch ball of black marzipan for each head. Flatten the red ball slightly into an oval shape, and press the head onto the body. Pinch off black marzipan to make tiny balls for the spots, and press onto the body. Repeat to make additional ladybugs with remaining marzipan. Place one or two ladybugs on top of each frosted cupcake, gently pressing them into the buttercream grass. Refrigerate 30 minutes to allow frosting to set. Cupcakes are best served the same day they are decorated; keep at room temperature.

Home Tip

Did you know that your mattress needs to be flipped four times a year to keep it at optimal performance? Especially true if you and your hubby are different heights and weights and I'm assuming most of us are.


Label a small piece of card stock with January & April (see picture one), laminate with self adhesive laminating sheets and pin to your mattress. Do the same on another piece of card stock labeled with July & October (see picture two). When the corresponding month arrives, flip your mattress so that the month is at the foot of the bed. Easy Peasy!







Martha would be upset with me that I am two weeks late in flipping my mattress!

It's really over... or is it?

Well summer is here and school is out! Oh.... waittttt maybe I am speaking too soon... I HOPE I am speaking to soon, but the reality is that I am probably done teaching until September 9th. Officially Vancouver School District is not out until the 17th and Evergreen on the 18th, but those are all half days I am pretty sure they won't be needing subs.
It's been a good year of teaching... maybe I great one. I have met some of the most inspirational teachers (I don't need to name them because if they are reading this they'll know who they are) and I have learned so much.
I went into this year of subbing being fairly opened minded, but at the same time fairly naive. I thought because landing a long term substitute position the year before in Tacoma after student teaching was so easy for me that it would be the same here in Vancouver. WRONG! The year started out S....L....O....W I don't think I worked a day until the end of September, but when I did I was on a role. I was lucky enough to establish a relationship early on with a certain school and I was there most of the year. The great thing about my job this year was that I worked when I wanted and I was home when I wanted. It was totally flexible.
April 2009 I was invited to interview for Vancouver SD and Evergreen SD for potential jobs for next year! I interviewed and felt GREAT about both of them and then BAM budget cuts.... teachers being laid off! Greattttttt! So what does this mean for me, you ask? Well it means most likely another year of being a substitute! Honestly.... that is not what I want at this stage of my life. Of course I want my own classroom and of course Alex wants to continue up the ladder as his job as well. I just have to remember to look at where we are with what we have! Even though we aren't where we want to be in our jobs we ARE getting there! I mean c'mon we bought a new car and a home and are debt free! (oh well that 30 year mortgage doesn't really count right??) lol....
What I am really trying to get at is that I think it's important to be happy with where you are in life. I desire things that friends of mine have... babies for instance... traveling the world for instance....super hot new cars... wink wink, but then again I here from people that they desire what I have... marriage....college degree.... a house. I think that the bottom line is that we are ALLLLLL going to get there and some people are going to do somethings before others, so we need to accept that, encourage our friends and loved ones, share in their excitement and accomplishments!
Sooo I think I may have gotten a little off topic, but these are the things that are going through my mind, so I thought I would share! Oh... so what am I doing this summer now that I am unemployed? Why THANK YOU for asking....! :o)
Being a WIFE and SIMON's MOMMY! Doing house work, baking, cooking, cleaning, year work...and whatever else I might find to do! Oh....scrap book my wedding after over 10 months!!! Oh yeah don't think that I have not applied for TONS of summer work... the jobs just are not there! Boo!
Anyway...so for now fingers are crossed that I will get that call that they want me this fall for a full-time job and if not another year in the crazy world of substitute teaching!!!

In the shopping cart... Seriously?!?

Okay so I REALLY have to vent....


Getttttt ready!


Why oh why do people feel the need to bring their dog to the grocery store? And much less put it in the shopping cart that I put MY food in??? I just find it SO disgusting!
I was at Fred Meyer today and I see this lady pushing around a shopping cart with her little straggly dog in the main basket. I mean this dog was dirty, greasy and honestly looked sick. Is it just not common sense that it belongs at home and NOT in a cart that I put my PRODUCE in? My goodness....Ewwwwwwwwwwwwww

Alex got a new TRUCK!

Finally.... The Red Ranger is out of our lives! (Welllllll.... almost it's still for sale!) :o)

Here is our new addition: a 2003 Chevy Silverado!