the life of a girl named nicole tatjana

Another post about...

2012-02-15T20:55:00.001-08:00

how much I love my job.

I wish that I could post all the amazing pictures I took today of one of my students. We went on a field trip and he was being ridiculously hilarious on the bus today. He was getting all thug like and then being really lovey.

It made me smile. Not just an I-am-laughing-so-I-smile type smile, but an I-am-full-of-pure-joy type smile. And that's how I have been feeling about work A LOT lately.

Granted, the last three days were so jam packed full that I was having anxiety attacks last weekend. But once I get to school and see their smiling faces (for the most part) that stress fades.

They have all been so happy lately and there is nothing I enjoy more than seeing that in their eyes.

On a side note, I am heading to San Diego as we speak. Melanie is driving me and her mom through St. George right now! I know. You are thinking only in St. George at 9 pm? That's a late night. Well, don't worry. We are staying at the one and only Virgin River tonight. A place I have only ventured in the safety of my Burley men...should be an adventure.

Can't wait to see this beautifulness again...

flying

2012-02-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

I am terribly afraid of heights/falling (I can't even handle a glass elevator), but when my friend Jeff asked if I'd like to go flying with him and his pilot roommate...I had to say yes. And, for the most part (all except for when we experienced a few seconds of zero gravity) I am so glad I did. The whole free falling thing had me screaming like a mad woman - a few who have witnessed me on blast off rides know the screams I am talking about.

It was stunningly beautiful. We started in Spanish Fork, flew up and around Temple Square, and then back down to Spanish. We were in the air for 1.3 hours - just enough time for my ears to ache from the headphones. I can't believe I did it. It almost seems like a dream...

baby boy

2012-01-30T23:08:00.000-08:00

Alyse is the very first friend I remember having in my life. Lucky for me, she is still in my life! I could go on and on about all of our memories and adventures. Our families did everything together. Then that day came when the Thorks moved to San Diego...but the minute Alyse and I could drive, she was coming down to see me and I was always going up to visit her. My friends became her friends and her friends became my friends.

I really enjoyed going through all of my pictures to find these. We have so many pictures of us making the same faces. She is such a huge part of my life! Even now, I am finding more and more pictures I could add to this collage.

In May of 2008, Alyse married Chad. We didn't think that I was going to make it to their wedding - to read that story, visit here. Chad is perfect for her and has become one of my good friends too - exactly how a girl hopes her best friends husband will be.

Loved this day.

Then, a few years later and more currently, she told me she was pregnant. It was right before Kelsey's wedding and I remember the first time I saw her after she called with the exciting news. We were waiting for Kelsey and Scott to come out of the temple. I got teary eyed seeing her, knowing that my best friend was going to have a baby. That was more than 6 months ago...

And this morning (at 2:00 am to be exact) I get the following text: "It's baby time!!! You're almost an aunt." Texts don't normally wake me up...but this one did! And I could hardly sleep after that. When I saw his picture this morning, I couldn't help but cry. He is perfect. So, guess who went to visit after work?! That's right...me, Aunt Tati.

I am obsessed with him. Have I told you how perfect he is?

So congratulations to the Bennetts! I cannot wait to watch this little guy grow up.

I love you guys so very much.

Happy Birthday to my Mom

2012-01-19T06:22:00.000-08:00

Earlier this school year I was meeting with my literacy cohort (maybe it was during new teacher training last year, I can't remember), but we always start with someone from the district reading us a short story that we can read to our kids. Mars Needs Moms was one of the books that I can't forget. I am not sure how I had never read it before, but it is such a sweet book. Recently it has become a movie, one that I watched just a few Sundays ago. Both the book and movie got me a little teary eyed. I am so grateful for my mom.

This post is mostly about how wonderful my mom is and...

TO CELEBRATE HER BIRTHDAY!!

As I was thinking about what I wanted to write in this post, I was walking to change my laundry. Guess what? As I was walking into the laundry room, mom was walking out with my clean clothes draped over her arm. Then tonight, she made me dinner. Every morning she will make me a smoothie. (We are doing a little healthy eating together. 6 meals a day is a little hard for me to prep and she is so good to help me!) It is amazing all the little things she does for me and my siblings that just went unnoticed when I was a kid. Moving back home has really opened my eyes to all the little things that I took for granted.

My mom is my best friend. She always has been.

She supports me in everything that I do. She has never doubted the things that I can accomplish. She has pushed me to always give it my all. She listens to all of my crazy stories and she very obviously will do anything to help me and keep me from pain.

We always have so much fun together. I love when she laughs at her own jokes. She is very funny. So sweet. Kind. Selfless. Just wonderful.

Once we were playing charades, well we play a lot, but one time in particular...she was really funny.

Did I mention that my mom is beautiful?

Here she is (on the right) with Michelle and Lyman. Such a cute girl.

Wish you could see all of this picture. Her hair goes all the way down her back. I could probably write a whole post on how amazing my mom's hair is. People always comment on it and I remember all of my friends growing up thought my mom's hair was the prettiest. We all wanted long, curly hair...

Mom and Dad at Kelsey's wedding. She is still beautiful!

I love spending time with her. Growing up, I loved when she would ask me to come with her to the grocery store. Once I left for BYU, I would call her every time I went shopping just because I loved that time with my mom.

We are real cool.

I love my mom. I don't know how I got so lucky. I don't have her curly, beautiful, thick hair, but I like to think I got her humor, her smarts, her dance moves, and her big heart. I look up to her, not even just that, I aspire to be like her.

Room 201

2012-01-03T23:03:00.001-08:00

I won't lie, going back to school after a break makes me a little nervous. I have a flood of emotions the day or two before. Anxious. Excited. Nervous. Overwhelmed. Our behaviors and memories just aren't the best after 17 days of no school! And we were getting a new student that I knew nothing about.

But guess what!

My class is the best. They were perfect today, and I am not even exaggerating. Everyone went where they were supposed to. They all did what I asked. Everyone participated. Everyone worked hard. They were so much fun. I could not be more proud of them! I sure missed their sweet faces all break long.

And my new student? Well, he is just the most polite, friendly, social boy I have ever met. He has a great little sense of humor and follows my directions as fast as lighting. He is a wonderful addition to my classroom and I cannot wait to get to know him better.

I could gush and gush about my kiddos forever. Gosh. I am so lucky to be their teacher. Now, I just hope this perfect day can be repeated over and over again (which I am sure it can be, right?).

Also. I went to a jazz game tonight with some of my most favorite people in the whole wide world. I loved every minute of it.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

Here is to 2012! Yaaaaaaa!! It's going to be a good year. I can just feel it. Can you?

Because I am so nostalgic and a lover of photos, I have been going through all of my 2011 pictures, over and over and over again. I have lots of memories from 2011. Some of them hard and heartbreaking, but those have definitely been good experiences that have helped me grow. Most of them are wonderful and make me feel so accomplished, because I did so much over this last year!

So just some tops of 2011:

My top song(s):

Domino by Jessie J. I only heard this one in September, but it flew to the top of my most played list on itunes. Makes me dance in my car every time. Not kidding.
Next2You by Chris Brown with Justin Bieber. Yes. Love them both, and combined, this song came in a close second. Love.
Angel by Cody Simpson followed in third. Cody Simpson might be my fun discovery of 2011. He is young and fun and great to dance to. Angel is where I get most of my great lines, like, most of the ones mention at this post. "You're the jam, baby, I'm the toast. It's so sweet when we're together." Don't worry, he has plenty of good one liners.

Top food:

Chicken. Not just any type of chicken, but chicken strips. I ate a whole lot of chicken this year. I would crave protein and chicken is just my favorite. I have no idea why I craved it so much. The sad truth is though, that I have really cut back on my chicken intake the last little bit...I miss it

Top movies: This is a hard one, because I love movies...

Rio - best one to watch with my students. They know all of the words and the soundtrack is the greatest for our dance parties.
Thor - Cami and I saw this in St. George. He be fine = super fun to watch on the big screen.
Hugo - just came out around Thanksgiving and I wish people enjoyed it like I had. We went with a very large group to see it and most weren't so impressed. I LOVED it. A lot. Original plot. Good characters. Beautiful cinematography. I really enjoyed it.

Top book:

The Help by Kathryn Stockett. I really don't read as much as I would like (it's one of my new year's resolutions), but this one was sooooo good. You love the characters. You laugh with them, cry with them, and feel their fear. Absolutely recommend it.

Top TV show:

Friday Night Lights. No doubt about it, I loved this one. I got way hooked on this one this summer and finished all four seasons in a ridiculously short amount of time.

Now to the fun stuff. I did a lot this year, especially when it came to traveling. Constant road trips here and there. Some favorites were:

LA for the NBA All-Star game to visit Aubrey in February
Vegas for the MWC Tournament in March
A cruise through the Mexican Riviera with Cami in April
Lake Powell TWICE this summer
Three visits to San Diego throughout the summer
Following the football team to Texas in September
Traveling to New York, Connecticut, and Boston in October to see Aubrey
Disneyland and San Marcos right before Christmas with Cami

Now, that is not bad!

I also started my second year at my school and earlier this year, I watched 5 of my 6th graders move on to middle school. And this school year has been fantastic.

I hiked Timp.

I was all up in the action of Jimmer's final season at BYU.

I taught my first summer school class.

Kelsey got married!

I moved home...looking for a place though, so if you hear anything, let me know. I really can't decide if I want to go back to Provo (it would have to be south Provo) or stay here in Draper, so anything helps.

2011 was good to me.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T22:16:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for so many reasons.

first, I just want to thanks my parents. Dad gave us a Christmas thought tonight that really brought the spirit into the holiday. We have gone through a lot as a family over the last few years and it has taught us so much. It is amazing to see how we have grown. Dad said the closing prayer after his thought - I am so blessed to have such a wonderful priesthood leader in my life. And my mom. She gives everything for us and doesn't receive half the recognition she deserves. I wish you could all feel the Christmasy of our home because she does such an amazing job bringing the season to life.

Now, to the meaning of Christmas. On the last day of school, right before our Christmas break, on of my students said, "Christmas is about family, friends, and Jesus's birthday." Coming from a kid, this is pretty profound and he isn't just a typical 6th grader, he is one who has special needs.

I am so grateful for my Savior. Here are some amazing videos that the church has recently made about Christ's birth. You can also read the stories as they are written in the New Testament. Either way, take the time to study out the wonderful reason we celebrate this time of year.

I have such a strong testimony in my Savior, Jesus Christ. Ever since I was a girl, I always felt a close relationship with him. I have no doubt in my mind that he lives. I know that he suffered through the atonement so that we could return to live with him and our Heavenly Father again. He made it possible for us to not only repent and be freed from sin, but he also gave us life after death. He suffered, not only feeling the pains of our sins, but all pains. Alma 7:11-13 talks of all that he went through for me and you. He is the only person who truly understands all that we feel, whether it be heartbreak, loneliness, or just having a bum day. I rely on him so much and I am so grateful for the love that I feel from him and the way I have learned to love through him. I love my Savior. I know he lives and I know that he loves me and you. I know that he is "my kind, wise, heavenly friend" like it says in the hymn I Know That My Redeemer Lives. I cannot wait for the day when I will see him again. I cannot wait for that reunion.

What is Christmas with no snow?

2011-12-23T17:30:00.000-08:00

No white Christmas with no snow... And that is exactly what we've got in Utah.

I am watching White Christmas. My third time for today. AND I still can't get enough of it!

Last weekend, my default best friend and I took an adventure trip to San Diego, Disneyland, and Vegas.

Nick (that lucky man) caught a ride down with us. We surprised him by getting him to Irvine in just over 8 hours! The kid thought we'd be driving for 12 hours since he was with girls...ha! We sure proved him wrong.

We were driving down the 5 and the beach looked amazing. We stopped in Oceanside to take pictures. It was close to 4, so not quite sunset, but the colors, rays of sunlight, and big dark clouds, made for a beautiful day on the pier.

I told you. Isn't it stunning.

When we got back to my car, we were reminded of the ginormous tumbleweed that Cami had driven over as we were driving in the middle of nowhere.

My poor baby had tumbleweed all up in his grill!

Of course, we had to get dinner at my favorite KILLER PIZZA FROM MARS.

sooooo good! Love me some Cluck Rogers!

Jackie was our host. I am just the luckiest girl to have such a wonderful friend in my life. Jackie just moved into her new apartment and it is looking so cute! Sadly, we didn't take any pictures together - something we used to do nonstop. But we did make a quick stop so that we could buy our favorite game...

Love Sequence. Jackie kicked our trash all three rounds.

The next day, Cami and I kept it pretty laid back. We went to the Palomar ward and got to watch their Christmas program. Then we visited with Jackie's family. They are so sweet, loud, hilarious, and honest. After lunch, we took Sunday naps and then made another stop at Killer Pizza just to visit my high school friends and watch the Chargers win!

love them.

And of course we had to get my favorite Mr. Taco...

sopes sopes sopes!

Monday was our designated Disneyland day...those pictures are coming soon!

another Thork Christmas card.

2011-12-15T15:19:00.000-08:00

Check it!

tis the season

2011-12-14T22:42:00.000-08:00

So, if you don't know already, Utah hasn't really gotten much snow for this time of year. It doesn't even feel like Christmas and it is just around the corner. School also gets out a lot earlier this year than it did last year and I am definitely scrambling to get everything in my class ready for a TWO WEEK Christmas break!

It started to hit me this weekend, so...

I remembered how I have been listening to Christmas music since November 1st when JB's Christmas album came out.

I remembered how I have visited Temple Square approximately three times already.

Then I...

made a gingerbread house/castle

and I...

decorated my classroom with snowflakes.

I also...

made lots and lots of toffee,

followed by...

a few batches of oreo rice krispies (or santa's coal as Brady so cleverly named it!).

While watching White Christmas on repeat.

Now, if those things don't just scream Christmas, I don't know what else can!

P.S. I am going home to San Diego for a few days on Saturday! yayyyyy

sisters and brothers

2011-11-23T23:19:00.000-08:00

Words cannot even start to express the love I have for my siblings. I am so very grateful that I have been blessed with such wonderful, loving sisters and an absolutely adorable, sweet, and cool brother. Oh my goodness! I can't forget Scott! That lucky boy became my brother-in-law this summer and he is the perfect match.

All of them are examples to me and I could go on forever talking about what each of them has taught me/ continues to teach me. They are constantly loving me - more than I deserve. My favorite though, is when they come visit my classroom. Thinking about their amazing hearts working with my students really makes me cry...There is this light that shines from them and I am so proud to call them my brothers and sisters.

We are the masters of spontaneous dance parties and we rule on road trips. Together we have created memories in Honduras, Egypt, Argentina, Chile, and everywhere between San Diego, Shaver Lake, Salt Lake and Yellowstone. They can make me laugh like no one else can. . We play charades like pros. We have hidden numerous items in mom's hair during our games of "boolah boolah". All of us had parts with dad in the Thorkelson Circus. We know how to watch scary movies and then scare Porter later. And I love it most when we pull out old family videos. We could watch those for hours. They really make me smile. I wish I could tell all of the stories I thought of while looking for good pictures (which took forever AND was soooo fun btw)

I remember how hard it was to say goodbye to them every time I would leave for school. It would break my heart and I would always cry as I drove away. Now, though, I think they wish they could miss me again! But, I love living with them and watching them grow up. Hannah was only 8 when I left for BYU...and now, five years later, I am back at home, seeing them everyday. I love getting to spend all of this time with them. I have been able to take each of them on dinner dates since I have moved home. And even though she is married, Kelsey and I now work at the same school so I see her more than ever before. Scott will come visit the school at least once a week and they are at the house at least every Wednesday for Modern Family. It's family time all of the time!

To the world's greatest sisters and brothers,

I look up to you guys more than you know. I am so proud of who you guys are becoming, for the goodness that I see in each of your hearts. I admire how strong each of you are and I hope you know that I love you with all of my heart. I would never want to dance with anyone else. I never want to play charades without you guys. I have loved being your older sister. I am grateful that I got so blessed to have you as my siblings. I have loved changing a few of your diapers, taking care of you on road trips, and lugging you around like my own kids (remember when that one lady thought I was Port and Hannah's mom and I was only 12?! haha I am even thankful for that).

Thank you for being patient with me and thanks for loving me no matter what.

Love forever,
Your big sister.

"pillow talk"

2011-11-23T00:21:00.000-08:00

The thing I miss the most about living with roommates is the late night pillow talk, where everything - all feelings, thoughts, dreams, fears, doubts, loves, etc - can and is expressed with no judgement, but just pure love and understanding. Yes, living at home gives me lots of listeners, but none of them are in the sameish life situation as me - like roommates tend to be.

Mel and I got to have some time to really talk tonight (something we haven't done purely because sporting event keep us so busy and they are not very conversation friendly) and I am so grateful for the chat we had. Of course we talked boys, work, future, basketball, boys, thanksgiving plans, etc...I got to be completely emotionally honest and have her understand a lot of what I am feeling.

As a teacher, I get called mom quite a bit. Some of my kids realize the mistake when they make it and either laugh or get real embarrassed and say sorry. Others don't even notice and keep calling me mommy. Today I was being called mommy in a search for sympathy. One of my students needed to have their hearing aides checked and the poor kid did not want to go. Tears were being wiped on my sweater and arms were wrapped around my neck as the hearing aides were being removed. "mommyyyy. moommmyyy" my little student whined into my neck. Don't worry, this was a harmless and routine check up, but my kids know that I can't stand to see them crying and that I really do just melt when they even pretend to be in pain. It was then that I realized how much I think I am ready to be a mom, to give my whole heart in a different way than I do to my students...

Being single is definitely not easy, especially when my kids remind me how much I am ready for a family, but Mel told me that I need to remember why I am grateful that I am where I am (specifically why I am single) right now. I should be grateful that I have a career and that I am actually experiencing the world of teaching. Grateful that I can go to San Diego, cruises, New York, or Texas because I feel like it! Grateful that I am experiencing being independent - even if that means paying bills and going to church, the gym, and the grocery store on my own. I am grateful that I have this time to make myself into the person I want to be. Grateful that I have made all of the friends that I have because that's what you do when you're single. Grateful for these trials, because someday, he will make all the years and pain of waiting completely worth it! haha So, I might be a little bit of a hopeless romantic.

I am thankful for all of the wonderful roommates I have had - all 14 of them have taught me a lot about myself and life in general. I have learned to live with a variety of personalities and love it! I am grateful for our memories, our chats, the adventures, and our dance parties.

things that make me happy

2011-11-21T22:20:00.000-08:00

All things I am grateful for make me happy, but these are just a few things (definitely not all things) that instantly make me smile.

anything yellow
the sun
water
the beach
temples, especially the San Diego temple
BYU sports
phone calls
old friends
new friends
my students
good/funny quotes
pictures
the gym
emails and letters from friends
when a song i love starts to play
chocolate covered cinnamon bears
rainbows and just the beauty of the world in general
thunder and lightning
i'm thinking of you texts
walking on campus
field trips
bowling with my students!
getting a high score of 96 while bowling!

A few other thoughts from today:

I went to my ward's FHE tonight. The first one I have been to in this new single's ward. Our activity: speed dating. Cheesy...yes, totally. BUT it was just what I needed. I haven't been social. I haven't talked with complete strangers. All because I don't have anyone to meet people with - No Aubrey, no roommates...I have met Kelly though and she has made all the difference for me in this new ward and together we braved speed dating and I got that social fix that I needed! Who knows if I will meet these boys again...but I have to admit, I might have put a yes next to each of their numbers because I just want to have friends AND I loved the boys who asked questions and maintained good eye contact. That made me happy.

I also got to talk to the Sam Preston on the phone tonight. He makes me happy. We talked about his mustache for a little bit. Mustache's make me think of Robi and that really made me happy.

So tonight, I am grateful for all of the little things that I love that make me happy!

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

2011-11-20T20:51:00.000-08:00

I am trying out the singles ward in Draper, all by myself - something I hate doing. But, I love that it doesn't matter where I am going to church or whether I am sitting surrounded by friends or all by myself, I can still fill the spirit. I am still being taught the same doctrines. Even when I went to church in Mexico and sung hymns and listened to lessons in Spanish, I was being spiritually fed. That's when you know it is true.

I am so grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is one of the most wonderful blessings in the whole world. I don't know where to begin or how to explain how much I love the gospel. It fills my heart with so much joy. If you want to learn more about what I believe, you can check out mormon.org.

I know it's true and I love it.

weekends

2011-11-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

I love my class. A lot. And I know I talk about how much I love them ALL of the time, but weekends are so necessary. Not only do I need my Saturday and Sunday away from school, but they need it too!

I am thankful for my weekends. Thankful that the bell rings on Friday afternoon and I don't have to go back to school for TWO days!

But, I am also thankful for Mondays, when I can see my sweet kids again.

just a little humor in my life

2011-11-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

Please do not over look my last post, because I really want to focus on what I am thankful for...

I know, two posts in one day! Lucky you.

Mostly this is just a little story to give you a tiny laugh.

So. I am single and I live at home. haha It isn't that bad. Plus, I keep hearing on the news that it is a real issue around the nation thanks to crazy expensive college tuition, so I must be ok (except, that isn't why I am living at home...). My family is wonderful and, for the most part, they are always looking out for me. Especially when it comes to looking for men to set me up with. Sydney is trying real hard with this one because once I move out, she gets her own room.

Well, this time, it wasn't Syd who found the next love of my life. It was my aunt Michelle.

Mom texted me at work asking me to call her when I had a sec. Of course, I called her a few minutes later. She excitedly told me that Michelle was at lunch and that her waiter was super cute, single, and a BYU graduate. Wonderful. Then she told me that Michelle had given him my name so that he could look me up on the one and only facebook haha (I swear this has happened to me before...). Mom is a little concerned about my facey profile. I have a bunch of baby pictures that dad has just tagged me in and my profile picture is "a lot more central park than Tati. Maybe you should change your pictures?" I laughed. I can't access facebook at work, and if there was another profile picture I wanted to use, I would have changed it already. PLUS, who says this boy is even going to look?

Then, a few hours later, Michelle calls. Oh, she made him sound amazing. About 6'2'' with a trillion nieces and nephews who absolutely love him! He is a huge BYU fan (super score for me!) and just a genuine guy. She thinks we would totally hit it off together!

Great, now I sort of want this guy to find me. But, if I never hear from him do I have to live self consciously, thinking that he looked at my pictures and thought ehhh she is alright? haha Do I change my pictures? Or have the excuse that he never contacted me because I didn't change anything?

So this is what dating has come to - how I have portrayed myself on the fb.

Luckily, most of this story telling and all my reactions are exaggerated (purely for humor of course). I am really happy with my life just the way it is - but, in the unlikely case that I hear from mysterious-good looking-BYU grad-waiter, I will for sure let you know :)

parents

2011-11-17T20:57:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I am thankful for parents. Yes, I am very grateful for my mom and dad (see 11/9/11) , but I want to recognize the parents of my students. These are superhero parents. They are overlooked and rarely get the recognition and thanks that they deserve.

We had our Thanksgiving feast at lunch today and invited parents to join us. It was just the school cafeteria cold turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie lunch - so nothing exciting or too appetizing - but we had a good amount of parents show! I loved every minute of it and was teary eyed more often than not. There was a feeling of unity in my classroom this afternoon. All stresses disappeared because my classroom was a place where no parent was going to be judged because of their child, a place where they understood each other. and a place that my class has filled with love. I got to see the precious moments when my students saw their mom, dad, or grandpa at the door. I got to see the bond that they had with one another. Everyone was smiling, parents were sharing stories, and students where introducing their friends. It was more than wonderful.

I know that having a child with special needs is not easy, but I also know that a family would not be blessed with such a child unless they were absolutely amazing and capable of loving/learning from a child with special needs. I say blessed because it really would be a blessing to know that you have been entrusted with one of the sweetest souls on the earth. I say it wouldn't be easy because I know it would be one of the hardest trials a family could go through...

So, I want to send my gratitude and love to all of those parents who care and love for a child with special needs, especially to the parents of those whose children have been in my class. I recognize everything you do for you student - whether it is making him a peanut butter and nutella sandwich because it is his favorite or making sure she looks absolutely beautiful everyday for school. I have seen the pain of not knowing where he or she is...and I have also seen and felt the joy of the reunion. I am amazed with the things you push to see your child accomplish. I see your faith and feel your love as you help them reach for their dreams. I have seen you sign them up to compete in special olympics, take dance classes, or play soccer with ball as big as them! I see you take family vacations, just like any regular family, like Disneyland or cruises. I love your courage and your desire to allow your child to experience everything a normal child would. Thank you for your example of selflessness and pure love.

my provo/byu friends

2011-11-16T21:47:00.000-08:00

So many people hate on Provo, but can I just say that I absolutely loved it!?! I lived in some amazing places down there and I am most grateful for the people that I met.

I always had the most wonderful roommates and we picked the greatest wards in Provo. My roommates are girls that I still talk to and many of them are my very closest friends. Goodness, I love them and I don't know what I would do without them!

Aubrey was in town last weekend - greatest time ever. First, I am so grateful for my best friend. Aubrey is wonderful and I could spend days with her and never get sick of it. Of course, her visit was super fast, and somehow we got like zero pictures, but less 48 hours is so much better than no hours. Because she was here, we got to have a dinner with all of our closest friends over our 4 years at BYU. It was a wonderful few hours. I took for granted all of the friends I made down there. Living half an hour away and with my parents has really stumped my social life.

Then basketball has started. Just another way that I have met more fan friends than I can count. We had a game last night and it was so fun to sit with them. Rosie just makes me so happy and Melanie always brings the spice. Preston even joined us, which he hasn't done for such a long time because of his cool athletic marketing internship. Our group has definitely shrunk between this season and last season, but my favorites are still around or nearby.

I have memories with these friends even outside of Provo. I have gone on a cruise with Cami, the teacher I now work with and one of my best friends from the special ed program. I have gone to basketball tournaments in Vegas with so many friends. I have been on road trips. I have risked my life on the stratosphere with these friends. Bowl games. Disneyland adventures. A study abroad in Mexico!

But, that does not mean I have not loved every memory I had IN Provo, or at least, nearby. Off roading with Robi. Dance parties - especially those at s7 and the ones we used to have at three layers of heaven. Oh and, of course, all of the ones Aubrey and I would put together. Thanksgiving feasts with a ward auction. Saturday hikes. A summer full of running. Spending time on campus. Pillow talk with roommates (something I miss so much - even the ones Mel liked to start when I was just about to fall asleep haha Love you Mel!). Ice cream parties because that roommate finally kissed the boy. First kiss. First boyfriend. Seeing your best friend on campus wearing your clothes :) Having access to there clothes. Going to the U to watch BYU win. Watching meteor showers up the canyon. Getting lost while hiking Stewart Falls. I better stop now or else it won't end...Sometimes I am grateful for my strong memory of past memories and the nostalgia that I have.

I also have had wonderful bishops, counselors, and professors. They have had a very strong influence on my life. I am very grateful for their love and guidance.

I wish I could post pictures of these memories, but then I would never sleep.

I really loved every minute of Provo, even though I left it still single. I am very thankful for the friends that I have made and especially grateful for those that have stuck around in my life.

my aides

2011-11-15T22:42:00.000-08:00

Today, I am grateful for the three wonderful women who work with me in my classroom. More than just grateful. I cannot explain the amount of gratitude I wish to share with these ladies.

I saw this this morning. - You should read it. It is sad, but an eye opener.

A 14 year old special needs student was bullied. Not by fellow students BUT by her teacher and teacher's aide. That makes me sick. It broke my heart. I know that teaching special education is not always easy, in fact, it is often very hard, but that is not an excuse! The love that you develop working with these kids outweighs the difficulties...and sadly, this is not the first time I have heard of a special ed teacher being abusive towards students. It makes me wish that I could watch over each of my students for the rest of their lives to ensure that something like this NEVER happens to them.

Aides are huge in the life skills setting. I have only worked with wonderful aides, but not all new teachers (I guess I am not so new considering this is my third year, but I still feel plenty new!) are quite as lucky as me!

I have three aides in my classroom this year who love my students as much as I do and it is obvious. I only kept one of my three aides from last year and I was worried about how the dynamics in my classroom would change with two new aides. Guess what?! They are all absolutely the most wonderful aides any teacher could ask for! More than anything, they have helped to create a positive environment in my classroom, one of learning and one that is full of love. They reinforce positive behavior. They support me. They are so clever! Each of them bring so much to my classroom! From knowing regular ed curriculum, to patience with specific students. From manning their individual stations to arts/crafts/decorating. From helping each student reach their goals to teaching them through example. Gosh. Without them, I would not be able to do anything. Without them, I would not be a successful teacher.

Ms. Tammy, Ms. Lisa, and Ms. DJ,

You guys have been an answer to my prayers since the first day I started teaching. I am amazed at the things you do, both in my classroom and at home with your families. I learn from each of you everyday. Your faith and love give me strength on days when I am overwhelmed by the not-so-fun parts of teaching. Your optimism keeps our class happy. Your humor brings a smile when I need it most. I am most thankful for your love though. It is so nice to know that, especially on days when I am not in the classroom, each of our students will feel loved at school. Thank you. Thank you over and over again.

With so much love,
Miss Thorkelson

swimming

2011-11-14T21:44:00.000-08:00

I have missed a few days - a weekend that I am very thankful for, for many reasons, and I will try to catch up.

But tonight I am thankful for swimming. I know this is a strange one, but it makes me happy! Water is definitely my element. So much so, that if I could pick any super power it would be to be able to breathe under water.

Some of you might be surprised to learn that once upon a time ago, I was a fairly decent swimmer!

I was born a water baby - always wanted to be in the water, never wanted to get out.

Dad taught me to swim at a pretty young age and I remember just wanting to race my best friend Alyse anytime that I could. We grew up at the pool with regular visits to the beach.

I knew that once I got to high school, I was going to start swimming competitively. When spring oh my freshman year came around and swim was getting ready to start, mom and dad decided to go on vacation and I was going to miss the first week of practice. Back then, I was shy and timid and decided just not to swim...I wish I had started then. But, it's ok, I started with the swim PE class the next year and swam varsity for the next three years. Long story short, coach forced me to learn to be pretty good at the butterfly (all I can remember is that I eventually got my 50 fly to under 30 seconds...), but my true love was backstroke. Goodness, those were the days of tan lines and great shoulders...

...and not so glamorous swim pictures

But let me tell you why I am thankful for it today. Porter and I went swimming together tonight. I LOVED it. I love the feeling of water all around me. I love how fast I feel and think I am moving. I love how each pull through the water makes my arm stronger. I love kicking until my legs burn. I love holding my breath until my lungs are ready to pop. I love sweating, but no one can tell because I am in water. I love the cold of water bottle water while I stand in at the wall (if that makes any sense at all!). I love flip turns! I love that the smell of chlorine still gives me butterflies.

I am grateful for my body that can swim. I am so thankful that my dad taught me how to swim. I am thankful for Alyse who helped me learn to be competitive. And I am grateful to Coach Baker. He saw potential in my butterfly and pushed me. He only made me swim breaststroke once (haha mostly because after that, he realized my breaststroke was slower than half of the JV team...). He gave me the responsibilities of team captain for two years. He helped my passion for teaching swim grow.

And now, I dream of teaching swim lessons/water therapy to students who have disabilities.

my students

2011-11-10T18:36:00.000-08:00

I know I talk about my class a lot. I cannot help it! I am so so so grateful to have them in my life and it has made me the luckiest/most blessed person in the world.

Over my three year teaching career I have had 36 students. Many teachers have this many kids in just one year, but with a life skills class, it is a whole different story. Each one of my students has taught me new and wonderful things that have helped me become a better person. Each day they make me happy. They make me laugh over and over again! They make me feel loved and I love them so much in return. I have come to find that I cannot just give my heart out to people, but to my students, they instantly hold my heart in their hands. They test my patience, but it makes me stronger. Not only do they strengthen me mentally, but they strengthen me physically - oh the smells, the fits, the messes we make. They show me glimpses of heaven. They have taught me pure love. They make me want to be the best person that I can be.

My classroom is my place of refuge. My first year of teaching was the year Robi died and the year that I had my first break up. I just knew that I had to be with my kids the very next day because of the love I felt. How many people can say that about their jobs? I have been sick one day this year and I was miserable because I didn't get to say good morning to each of them and see their smiles, hear their hi miss thorkelson, or laugh at their good morning grunts. When I am with them, the chaos of my world (or my current lack of a social life and friends in my new home) disappears and does not matter at all. Such a blessing!

The class I have this year is by far the best behaved class I have ever worked with (and that is not bashing on my previous classes because I love them just as much!). I wish everyone could see and acknowledge how awesome we are during assemblies! Sometimes, I can be a brilliant teacher. For example, at the beginning of the year, I had them create rules as a class for when we are at lunch, in assemblies, at recess, on field trips, in the library, in the halls, etc...and they are pretty good at following those! They are mostly quiet when I ask them to be. They sit in their seats (sometimes) the first time I ask. They clean up super fast (especially when I set a timer). They work hard during rotations. They are learning so much already! ahh I just love them. Our field trips are fabulous, fun, and full of great memories. I love it!

But, it isn't always easy. Today, I had to be mean. I am terrible at this and I so much hated doing it. All of my kids are lucky enough to go into regular education classrooms (bless the wonderful teachers who allow them to come in!) for science/social studies and specialty classes. I found out that they aren't on their best behavior in these classrooms and that is not acceptable, especially when they are almost always angels in my class. I made them sit. We discussed what is appropriate and what is not when we are in other classrooms. They helped me create rules for when they go into these classrooms. I was serious about this and they knew it. I asked them if the way they had been acting in the other classrooms was very nice to those teachers. I had a few of them sniffling (I am not sure why, because I can't really yell and my mean face is not so mean), but I think their poor, sweet hearts felt bad for the way they had treated their teachers. The sadness was thick and it was like they really, truly understood. Of course, this had me all broken hearted and I had to end with a class hug so that they knew that I still loved them.

I could not LOVE my job anymore. Teaching a life skills classroom is such a blessing in my life. Each of my students has made my heart one million times bigger. Who I am with them is the person I someday hope to be all of the time.

So not only to my students, but to every child/young adult with a disability that I have worked with as a high school student, a para educator, and a teacher - thank you for letting me be a part of your life. Thank you for teaching me what is important. Thank you for loving me! And letting me love you. You will never know the impact you have had on my life.

I love you with all of my heart,

Miss Thorkelson

Counting my blessings, one by one.

2011-11-09T07:55:00.001-08:00

I know everyone has started listing things they are thankful for this month and I am going to have to copy that because I have become overwhelmed, to the point of an achy heart, of things/people/memories that I am grateful for.

I want to start with my parents.

aren't they just the cutest!?

Dad has always said that he met mom on his mission. That's partially true. He served in Paraguay while my mom's family was living there. Mom was going to BYU at the time, but would visit during the holidays. Grandpa was in the mission presidency and dad would go to their house and knew mom's family. Grandpa found a picture of dad eating dinner with the family and dad has a picture from a conference and just two rows in front of him you can see my mom and aunt Michelle. But, they really met and fell in love at BYU (of course)!

They were just kids, my age even, when they had me.

notice the baby faces. also notice how they weren't sure how to do baby hair. mom was lost on the whole straight hair phenomenon that i was born with.

My whole life, they have been my closest friends. Yes, they laugh at me (but who can blame them, I am funny!). Sometimes they call me things like a Diva - this has become mom's new favorite name for me and I can't figure out where it came from but she thinks it is hilarious. Sometimes they even get mad at me...oops. Now that I am home, mom will sometimes make an extra sandwich for me (thank you thank you mom!). Sometimes dad will help me figure things out like insurance/benefits and new tires. Mom will even come in while I am cleaning my bathroom to make sure I am not mixing the different cleaners (that made me laugh). Both of them check in on me because I am still their little girl and I love that.

I went into the kitchen this morning and both of them were there. This is the greatest thing about living at home. I get to talk to both of them about everything and anything, in person. They are there to guide, support, counsel, comfort and strengthen me. They understand the things I am feeling and sometimes, I think they still know me better than I know myself. It would have been a really rough morning for me if I hadn't had them there to talk with me about the things that were worrying me. So thank you mom and dad for making time to be there this morning.

I also love how much they love each other. This morning my dad was doing the dishes. Mom came in a little surprised, but then just smiled. They make each other laugh. They make us laugh with them. They pray together. They serve together. They go to the temple together. They are a wonderful example of what I someday want. Last August, they celebrated their 24th anniversary. So sweet, I know.

yep. sometimes they still kiss in front of us - it used to be gross.

I think they have done, and are continuing to do, a wonderful job raising me and my siblings.

So, mom and dad, thank you. Thank you for being the best parents for me. Thank you for your examples, your patience, and your love. I love you guys so much.

With all of my heart,
Your kukiluki

best time of the year!

2011-11-07T21:19:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love November!!! Can you guess why?

No. It is not because I get to start layering on all of my cute winter clothes...

No. It is definitely not because the snow is starting to fall...

No. It's not just because of Thanksgiving, although I do love that too!

Yes! It is because my favorite sports overlap for just a very small, little minute.

That's right....Football isn't quite over and basketball is just starting up. BYU football has their last game on December 3rd. Football has three games left. BYU basketball played their blue and white game on October 26th and has since played their two exhibition games. Basketball has 7 games before and one on December 3rd. I love being busy with sports!

Football: Nothing beats walking to LaVell Edwards Stadium from south of campus. I did it for years, so out of pure love for tradition, I still park down there and walk with the crowds of fellow cougar fans to the stadium. I love getting to games early and I hate being there late. I love dodging people as I giddily walk through the stadium. I love the smell of cougar tails and delicious cinnamon roasted almonds. I love walking to the southeast corner and down through portal P, up the sidelines a little, to my seat. I have watched the game from about this spot for three years now. I tried watching it from the old folks side earlier this season - could not do it! Plus, I think we play better when the boys can hear me screaming. I love pictures with Cosmo. I love memories of pulling his tail! I love layering on the clothes so I can watch the game through snow and rain. I love when I can get a smile, a wave, or both from my favorite boys on the field. I love watching football and I love when we win. I love football because I have my same seat, every game. Such a luxury!

Basketball: I love basketball because I have to fight for my same seat, every game. My love for BYU basketball runs deep because of the all of the time I put into it! Days and nights spent in a freezing tent outside of the Marriott Center. Camping out for games started with Eric Glem, Brady Fish, and their crew. Aubrey saw their tent out one night, our sophomore year, five years ago!, and we had to get a tent up right behind them. Ever since, camping has given me anxiety attacks, that are only worth it once our spot in the front of the line has been secured and I find my seat down at the front. I love the way camping brings fans together. I have met some of my favorite people via Camp Cougar. I love dance parties outside tents the night before a game. I love the beep as they scan your sportspass and you walk into the Marriott. I hate the running as I try to still beat people from getting to my seat. I love relaxing, sitting on the bench, realizing I now have two hours until the game starts. I love trying to awkwardly lay across the bench to get a nap in. I LOVE when I hear "Cougar fans, it's time!" I love sing/yelling "oh oh oh oh oh" and jumping until our boys come out. I love every picture I get with Cosmo. I love that I saw all four years of Jimmer. I love watching basketball.

I got to experience these amazing sports in a way that many have not. I would, and still do it, over and over again. I do hope though, that camping settles down for basketball though and that being in line a few hours early will secure my spot - camping out is extremely hard to do with a real job.

Being at LaVell Edwards stadium and the Marriott Center is almost like being home for me.

And for these reasons, I wish November went on forever.

boston! to CT and back to NYC

2011-11-01T22:24:00.000-07:00

Boston was beautiful! The colors were stunning. There was something so classy and quaint about it. I loved being there.

We stayed in a hotel out in Tewskbury. Aubrey was a fantastic driver and we made it between the Tewks and Boston safely everyday.

Saturday morning was the big day at the single adult conference. We got there a little late, but made it for all of Sister Oaks' wonderful words. We also caught the end of Clayton Christensen's words. All I am going to say about that is that priesthood holders, please do everything you can to stay active and always be worthy of the priesthood. 70% of the single women in the church stay active, but only 30% of the men do. Odds are not in favor for us ladies.

But let me talk a little about Sister Oaks. She was amazing. Did you know she has a masters in Special Education?! Very neat. She was single until she was 50. She said that people would always ask her what it was like to be single in the church. The way she explained it made perfect sense! She compared it to being on the bench, waiting to play on the baseball team. Everyone else is going in, except for you. You have worked your whole life to play in the game and you know that you have so much to offer. People keep asking you why you aren't playing. They know you have the skills needed to help the team succeed. You don't know why you aren't out on the field, because you agree and you so badly want to play! The worst part isn't that you are being picked last, it's that you haven't been picked at all. She continued to talk about how women relate so much of their self worth to marriage. It's true. And the minute she connected it to sports, it all made sense! That's exactly what it feels like. Yes, I know I am only 23, but I know that feeling. Anyways, I loved everything she had to say.

We had great break out sessions and hopefully one day, I can explain the things we talked about and everything that I learned! It was a day of great spiritual growth. The sun was out and we spent some time exploring the Charles River.

After the break out sessions, we ate at Texas Roadhouse for dinner. It was my first time there and I ate way too much and loved it! Then it was finally time for the Harbor Cruise where we got to dance the night away. We had so much fun! I love those Harbor Cruises (I have done two in San Diego, one in Seattle, and now Boston!).

Sunday we left to for sacrament, only like 20 minutes away, but got there like an hour late. There was absolutely NO parking and we walked the wrong direction to start...well, we eventually made it. After church we explored Harvard

and then started the trek down to Connecticut, where everyone else caught a train while I finally got to see where Aubrey grew up and spend some quality time talking to her parents and even some late night talking with her mom. Sure love the Potters!

Monday was a blur of a day. I spent my time back in NYC just wandering. More time at 30 Rock and anthro. (Found out I had missed filming for 30 rock outside by like a day! oh how I would've loved that...) Then I met Aubrey and Mark for lunch. When it was time for me to go, I said sad goodbyes (although they weren't so sad since Aubrey will be here next weekend!) and then I met up with a random friend from San Marcos to make the subway/air train excursion back to the airport.

Overall, it was a very successful trip. One that I loved and hope to do over and over again!

Aubrey - you're the best friend a girl could have. Thank you for the time you made for me and thank you for being my best friend. I cannot wait to see you again in TEN days!

from new york to boston

2011-11-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

I know this is taking me a while, but I am on day three of my east coast trip.

Friday, we did one of my favorite things to do in New York. Aubrey and I took row boats out in Central Park. Last year, we did it with Mel and Lacey and we hardly got anywhere! It was hilarious. This year was just as fun, but we moved a whole lot faster and actually explored the lake.

After rowing for an hour, we ran to Crumbs for some cupcakes to bring on our road trip to BOSTON! That's right. By 1:30 on Friday, we were in the car and headed up to Boston. The road trip was so much fun with music and dancing! We made a pit stop in New Haven, CT for pizza and took a break for the cupcakes.

We also went shopping...of course...at some outlets along the way. There were some great deals. A few of the girls went to a concert as soon as we got into Boston and the rest of us were out to a dance party some kids from church were throwing. It had been a long time since I last danced with Aubrey. That was absolutely so much fun.

2011-10-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

I bought this beauty at the NBC store in New York for $5. It makes me happy.

my week on the east coast. continued.

2011-10-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

day 2: (see three posts down for day 1)

This day started with an early wake up call and a trip to the temple. It would have been perfect, but of course, I forgot my temple recommend on my dresser at home. Bummer. But that's ok. I spent an hour walking around while the girls did baptisms.

the beautiful manhattan temple

After that, Kaitlan made us breakfast and it was so delicious. Thank you very much! Then I pretty much had forever to explore whatever and wherever I could. All on my own. So I started in Central Park and can I just tell you how much I love that place? Because I totally love it. It is huge, beautiful, colorful, and peaceful. A good break from the city.

love this place.

Then of course it was back to Rockefeller because that is one place I can get to AND it makes me unbelievably super happy.

"i want to go to there." i always have! and i did. LOVE 30 rock

After having some good laughs walking through the NBC store, I went back to Anthropologie. That's right. I went back. haha This time I bought the things I asked to be put on hold.

i fell in love...but money kept us apart.

Aubrey met me at Anthro and we had so much fun in the fitting rooms. It's the best, buying clothes with your best friend.

Then I made the trek to Macy's. What girl doesn't love Miracle on 34th Street? Plus mom told me they had delicious macaroons in their cafe. I got there and they told me the bathroom was on the 6th floor and the cafe was in the basement. haha For real!? But they had some really cool, old, classic escalators.

i never found the macaroons though...

Kelley and I met at anthro (again...I know, but she was going in for a job interview) and walked back home. While walking, we grabbed pizza and ate lunch in Central Park. So fun! Then we hit up Magnolia's for some banana pudding.

to die for.

After a quick stop at home, we set off to meet everyone at the WTC Memorial. Of course our subway got stuck...I guess someone got sick a few trains in front of us? I don't know. But we sat there for like 20 minutes, got little mini naps in, and then decided we had to make a run for it. Don't worry. We made it on time. And it was really amazing.

it was so peaceful.

i was only 13, but i remember that day so well...

i loved the flag in the background

Next, it was off to Bubby's for some grub! We were so excited for their pancakes...until we found out they only had those between midnight and 11:00 or something. Bummer. But the food was delicious anyway and we had so much fun.

the girls

the boys

bubby's had a photobooth in the basement. favorite!

Everyone went home to sleep after this, but me, Aubrey, and Michael decided to go to the top of the rock because I wanted to so badly!

beautiful view! definitely worth it.

did you know she's my best friend?

because she's sick of my favorite picture that we took in this color room.

cheernastics!

Then, 41,032 steps since the day started, I was finally home to sleep - exhausted with nasty blisters as proof of all my walking. What a successful day!

oops. i forgot

2011-10-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

I totally meant to mention this last night and forgot...

I was reading through our basketball schedule and saw Cal State San Marcos (CSUSM). For those of you who don't know, I grew up in San Marcos, CA. San Marcos was just this little place when we moved there when I was 8. It has become a place known for CSUSM, Palomar College, University of St. Augustine (a new OT and PT grad school), the tons of restaurants on Old Restaurant Row, and our new shopping center (that isn't so new anymore), but has a Nordstrom Rack! Not many know this, but San Marcos has the most extensive trails in all of San Diego. When I worked for the city, my boss was over the trails and I think we had 20 something miles of trails. It's a beautiful place.

Tons of my friends from high school went to CSUSM. I have walked the campus. I know everything surrounding it. AND I NEVER knew they had a basketball team...After doing some research, I realize this is their first year with a basketball team. Good for them! Amazing that they have pretty well known basketball teams in their schedule! But, sorry they have to play BYU and SDSU their first season. But then again, I am so excited to play them! That's my home! Seriously, like my home, where my heart is, the place I love.

Something else to think about...

CSUSM is blue and white. Their mascot is a cougar.

ahhh! I am sooo excited!

I am totally completely loyal to BYU, but part of me hurts for CSUSM. It's their first year. They need support, especially when they are playing teams like BYU and SDSU. A little of me wants to wear my CSUSM shirt under my BYU shirt...but please don't tell anyone.

time out

2011-10-26T22:20:00.000-07:00

Ok. Real quick sports break before I go ahead talking more New York...

1. Riley Nelson is so much fun to watch. He is so passionate about the game and can get everyone on their feet. He takes risks, he runs, he throws...yep. He isn't perfect, but I trust him with the ball.

2. We only have two home football games left, four games total. That breaks my heart. Can it almost be over already?

3. We haven't lost since that dreaded Utah game...We are 6-2. I am happy with that.

4. Can we beat TCU!? I am going to say of course, but not without a fight. This is a chance for us to come out and show everyone what we can do!

So, football winding down can only mean one thing...

It's time for basketball to start! Not kidding. We had our Blue and White game today. Is it weird how much the Marriott Center feels like another home to me? Anyways, before the game, we got the normal pre game ritual. All of the sudden I hear, "Cougar fans. It's time." I jump and scream. Then I realize that I had been the only one to scream and that it just came out without thinking. A little embarrassing, but part of my was proud. Proud that I have been there since the first time they said those words. "Cougar fans. It's time." I am ready for basketball. Bring it on!

This brings all the emotions of BYU basketball flooding back!

yes. i am thrilled for this.

My week on the east coast.

2011-10-25T22:26:00.000-07:00

This might take a few posts, but here it goes!

Day 1:

I landed at JFK at approximately 5:45 a.m. Yes, in the morning! Talk about a full day ahead of me! Aubrey sent me full and detailed directions from the terminal to the AirTrain. From the AirTrain to the subway. From one subway to the next. Then from the subway to her house. This was the part of the trip I dreaded most. Getting lost in a huge city with all of my luggage. But, I did it and I made it to her house. That was when I met Kelley (her super cool roommate who just happened to have studied Special Ed too!) and got to make sure that Dookie (Aubrey's three year old goldfish) was still alive.

he is.

After making it to Aubrey's place, Kelley and I set of to meet Aubrey who was waiting in a line so we could get tickets to see How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. It was wet, cold, and we were in and out of rain. So lovely.

After we got tickets, we visit Anthropologie. The walk there got us real soaked and I told Kelley that there was no way I could go shopping, try anything on...I would just look and come back the next day. ha! Like that ever works.

should i get it mom?

Then after spending a few hours in Anthro, we met up with Aubrey for lunch. Kelley and I were craving grilled cheese and tomato soup. Lookie what we found!

they had tots too...at first I was suspicious about the whole idea, but they were soooo good!

After lunch, Kelley and I decided that we had better just go home to dry up and get in some much needed napping. Rather than take the subway, we walked through Central Park home (I am doing a pedometer contest at work, so the more walking the better!).

we walked by st. patrick's. so beautiful.

super wet. super cold. but central park is still beautiful.

After resting for about an hour and half, Aubrey showed up just in time to make pumpkin bars with cream cheese frosting (why i am including these details, i really don't know) before we had to run and meet THE Mark Skinner at the Shake Shack pre How to Succeed.

me and kelley

you can't really see anything in this picture. but mark took it. it is supposed to be me, aubrey, and kelley eating dinner at shake shack

Then we finally saw it. Loved it. Laughed so hard. There was a football scene that had me getting the chills because I just love football that much. It was a very good, very successful first day in the big apple.

harry potter (daniel radcliffe). he was sooo good!

Oh and I cannot forget. Last time I was in New York, I met Rustin. He met me and goes, "Tati, like in Usher's new song, Hot Tottie?! I'll meet you in the lobby?" We have been practically best friends ever since, minus that he now lives in Arizona and I was so sad that I didn't get to see him while I was in New York so....

we called him that night.

Alright. So that was Day 1 in NYC. More to come!

The big apple

2011-10-24T13:03:00.001-07:00

I have spent that last six days here, in New York. I leave in a few hours, but i figured I'd write a bit in my down time.

I am sitting outside of my favorite Anthropologie in Rockefeller Plaza. I have gone in this anthro 3 of the 6 days I've been here (don't worry, I am not buying things everytime). It's just something familiar for me in this bustling city. Also nearby is 30 Rockefeller Plaza (top of the rock an the NBC store). I spent a few hours in the NBC store laughing and remembering why my favorite shows are the funniest.

I have hardly used the subway at all since I have been here. I walk through Central Park a few times a day to get from Aubrey's house to downtown. I love central park. A lot. It's beautiful and peaceful. I loved exploring it.

Well. I hop on the subway and make way for the airport in an hour. I have loved NYC. Loved being with Aubrey. Loved going to Boston and Connecticut, but Utah, I have missed you. I can't wait to be back in my classroom, with my family, and by the mountains.

Pictures and more details from my trip are soon to come :)

Dear Robi,

2011-10-23T05:41:00.001-07:00

It was two years ago today. I texted Sam. He told me to pray for you and all I wanted to do was drive up and be with you at the hospital. I got there and you already had a ton of friends and family there to support you. When I went in to give your hand a squeeze and tell you how much I loved you, I got to meet your parents for the first time. Oh Robi. They are amazing and I know they still miss you so much. Your sister and I talk once in awhile. She is a shining star! I love visiting your family in Vegas. They are so good to us. Saying goodbye always leaves us teary eyed. You Sundell's have a very special spot in my heart.

I am in Boston right now at a singles conference. Last night, I went to a dance. John Southcott was there. It really caught me off guard! We had a quick I know you and catch up on life. Of course, it made me miss you, but it just proves how many lives you've connected.

I know you're just rocking it on the other side. Sometimes I see you around, feel you nearby, or hear your laugh. When I am feeling sad, I go through pictures and have flashbacks that have me laughing so hard I cry! Anytime I do anything daredevil-ish, I feel you cheering me on. I love you. I miss you. And I am so grateful for the influence you had, and continue to have, on my life.

Love love love,
Tati

I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

2011-10-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

At the gym today, I caught the Anderson Cooper show. It drew my attention when I saw a clip of the Robert Jeffress interview that Cooper did. All of the sudden there was a picture of the first vision and I was reading captions about Joseph Smith. I wish I could have heard it, but what I was reading, almost had me crying at the gym. They just covered the foundation of our beliefs and the spirit, like so many times before, let me know how true it all is.

There has been a lot of talk about the church recently and I am grateful for the way it has helped me to not only strengthen my testimony, but share it too.

I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, my Redeemer, my brother, and my closest friend. He knows everything I am feeling and I have found so much comfort in that. Because of him, I am able to return to my Heavenly Father - this thought overwhelms me with joy. He left the perfect example. Everyday, I strive to be more like Him. I am undoubtedly a Christian. This is my favorite hymn and it has strengthened my testimony more than any other hymn.
I have been sealed to my family for time and eternity. Families are forever and that is a wonderful blessing. I am so grateful for the priesthood power that makes that possible, because I could not imagine this life being the end. I love reading the Book of Mormon. It brings everything together. The words found in it are absolutely true and perfect. I am so grateful for revelation and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I know that President Monson is the living prophet. I love listening to His inspired words. He makes my heart burst with happiness. Heavenly Father loves us so much more than we can ever comprehend. He has given us so much, all so that we don't ever have to be alone and so that we can find our way back to Him.
The gospel has brought me so much happiness. It is true. There is no way something that wasn't true could bring me, or anyone else for that matter, this much joy. Life is not easy, but the truth found within the gospel helps to give one an eternal perspective, happiness, and the strength to endure.

I love it.

You can learn more here or shoot me an email.

pandora appreciation

2011-10-14T14:44:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I get sick of my music - like I have heard everything millions of times before and I am too cheap to buy new music. Thank heaven for Pandora!

My current favorite station is "Next to You", a song sung by my favorites Chris Brown and Justin Bieber. It plays all of my favorites and I am so happy with it! Sometimes it throws in some Backstreet Boys and *NSync goodness and that just always makes my day. Not even kidding, on my drive home from school today, it started playing O-Town. It's been a long time since I have heard them (like middle school I think). There is some Jesse McCartney, every version of every JB song, Chris Brown's greatests, and even some of Rio's soundtrack. This station introduces me to some absolutely wonderful new music. Just a few weeks ago I heard Cody Simpson. Shoot! I had to go out and buy his CD right away.

Now that I am talking about Cody Simpson, I have to tell you about some of my favorite lyrics because they make me so incredibly happy. I often start giggling as I listen to them!

"She's right behind me like the pocket on the back of my pants." - Cody Simpson, Crazy But True. Clever and absolutely had me cracking up the first time I heard it.

"You're like my favorite song on the radio, radio, radio, radio. I could listen to you all day. You're like a music video, video, vi vi video. I could look at you all day. You make me do my two-step all day. You keep me lookin' fly for you all day. So you should be my girlfriend all day. We are like a hit on my radio, radio." - Cody Simpson, All Day. So much goodness in this one. Seriously. Two-step all day. Look fly all day?! YES!

"Halo. Halo. I'm not saying hi. Baby there's a ring above your head." - Cody Simpson, Angel. Cute.

"You're the breeze, cruising down my coast. You're the jam, baby, I'm the toast. It's so sweet when we're together." - Cody Simpson, Angel. Definitely sweet.

There are so many other lyrics out there that just crack me up, mostly because I love them so much! Let me find you a few more.

"I won't ever ever let you down like a seesaw let you down. You know why? Cause we ain't in the playground no more baby." - Justin Bieber, Bigger.

"I used to tweet you, and text you, and call you, and hit you on Facebook all the time...We were on iChat all night long." - Justin Bieber, Baby (Acoustic Version)

"No teachers around to see us dancing close. I'm telling you, your parents will never know. Before the lights go up and the music turns off, now's the perfect time for me to taste your lipgloss." Justin Bieber - First Dance. This one sort of grosses me out, but hilarious. Oh first kisses. Oh prom. Ohhhh boys.

I've thought of others, but I am going to just love on J Biebs and Cody for now :)

The Livingstones.

2011-10-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

I met Drew Livingstone the very first week of my freshman year at BYU. We hung out for maybe a week or two and then he disappeared. A year later he was back in my life and became one of my best friends as I watched him prepare and leave for a mission. I never met Drew's parents before he left for Chile because they were serving as mission presidents in the Congo.

They came home not long after Drew left. (I know this is a little confusing...I hope I am making sense) Of course, Drew gave us each other's numbers and before I knew it, I was going to Livingstone family dinners and absolutely loving it. At that time, my family was still living in San Marcos and I would go to the Livingstone's as often as I could.

There is a reason I am talking about this amazing family. Don and Marsha invited me, Drew's friends, one of their missionaries, and some sisters they met this summer to their house for dinner on Sunday. There were about 15-20 people there. We all chit chatted until dessert, when Don asked us to go around and share our favorite part of conference. They ended with their testimonies and I was just overwhelmed with love and gratitude towards them.

They have been so wonderful and have given me so much. (Once they gave me left over tortillas, dressing, and marinade so that all I had to do was buy pork and stick it in the crock pot for dinner group.) They have the most wonderful kids, all of whom have been very kind and accepting of me. They have talked me through so much. Marsha has taken me to Magleby's with her BYU basketball tickets so that we could get chocolate cake. More than that they have been such an example to me. They love the gospel so much and the way they live shows it. They are leaving for another mission, this time in Paris! Lucky for me, they won't be leaving until we make it through football and basketball and, hopefully, a few more slices of chocolate cake!

I love you guys so much!

(Marsha, if you see this, we really need a picture together. I just realized I don't have one with you guys and we have to fix that before you leave!)

Miss you.

2011-09-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

It's Robi's birthday :)

I still think of him nearly everyday.

I think of how thankful I am to have had the chance to become so close with him. How blessed I have been because of the people he has put into my life. I learned a lot from Robi. How to wear footie pajamas. That I should call him for a tow, a tent, sleeping bag, etc. How to throw an amazing party. How to be friends with just about everyone and anyone. How a boy should treat a girl. How to have fun. That it doesn't matter what people think as long as I am loving what I do. How to try new things. That I am terrible at making pancakes (or I was, I am better now) because we just expected him to make them for us. How to pull off a pink robe and pink fluffy slippers. How wonderful life is. How to cuddle. How to love. How to laugh.

I remember running into him at Liberty Square one night. All of the sudden the only thing he had on was a speedo. (I am seriously laughing to the point of a stomach ache remembering this) I ran. Robi chased me. I ran really fast. haha I would give anything for that to happen again, to see him in his little speedo. :)

I also went on a "mini-date" with Robi. It was for a marriage prep class I was taking at BYU. We were to ask someone to spend some time with us and just ask them a few questions. I didn't know what I was doing, fresh from the dorms, and with no boyfriend experience so I was just hoping that some boy would stand out and I could ask him on my mini date. My roommates and I were throwing a party and passing out invitations to apartments. Robi answered his door and informed us that he wouldn't be going to the party because he liked to spend his weekends with pretty ladies on dates. I pounced on that opportunity and the next day we were having a mini-date.

The following is my Q&A with Robi:

Me: Should women initiate dates?

Robi: It's a wonderful idea for a girl to initiate the second date, to let her suitor know she is interested.

Me: What do you consider to be a good date?

Robi: You can take three different girls to the same place and the girl will make or break it. The girl will make a good date good.

Me: How do you choose a good dating partner?

Robi: Anyone who will say yes. (Then he chuckles) Anyone I can have a good chat with.

Me: Is there any significance in a third date?

Robi: Definitely. I have taken a crazy amount of girls on first dates, but only a save few have agreed on second .

Me: How can a girl show interest in a boy without appearing desperate?

Robi: A girl could never appear desperate to me! Constantly calling me is flattering.

Oh Robi. I wish I could be constantly calling you these days! Miss you. Love you. You've made me a better person.

Driving...

2011-09-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have two pet peeves when I am driving.

1. When drivers don't use their blinkers!

- Ok, Utah seems to have a serious problem with blinkers. It's like they never learned that you can actually be pulled over if you don't use it. Maybe it's the cops fault for not enforcing it? But really, I use my blinker all of the time. Even if I am somewhere between Vegas and Baker, middle of nowhere, middle of the night, I still use my blinker. If everyone used their blinker, then we would all be prepared for your next move. It's simple and there is a reason.

2. When drivers feel the need to go under the speed limit...by a LOT.

- This is so frustrating. If you go the speed limit, I have to respect that. But when the speed limit is 50 and you are going 40?! Or 35 and you are going 27? Seriously. Not allowed. It's bad when it is a one lane road and you are stuck, but it's the worst when there are two lanes and two cars going 8 below the speed limit, right next to each other, leaving you stuck...

That's all. I cannot stand bad drivers and you are the worst if you can't drive the speed limit and use your blinkers.

Thanks for listening.

A happy Monday

2011-09-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

I am SO addicted to Pinterest. It's bad. But today, I found a true gem.

For me, this represents my life!

Last week was hard and the weekend was even hardER. I made a choice that changed my life. I missed my Provo friends. And on top of it all the Cougars lost. It was rough and I was emotional.

Somehow I got lucky enough to be asked to be a guest teacher in Young Women's last Sunday. The lesson was on sacrifice and consecration. I tried to think of what I sacrificed in high school and for the most part, it was time and service. I told them that one sacrifice I made in high school became everything to me. The kids I met while doing Best Buddies changed my life. Because of the time I spent with them, I discovered who I could be. Of course, after explaining why I teach, I started talking about my classroom. Before I knew it, I was telling these young women that the best me is who I am in my classroom. It is SO true.

Today I couldn't stop smiling. My kids are so great. They make me love. They make me happy. They make me funny (or at least they laugh at me!). They make me patient. They make me work hard. They make me want to be the best that I can be.

One of my best friends, Robi, passed away during my internship. I wanted to be at work the next day more than anything. My first break up - I HAD to be at work the next day. All summer I just miss work, hence doing summer school this last summer. I miss my kids every minute I am not with them. I crave being in my classroom when life gets rough.

So (as if I haven't said it 12856395112 times before, I am saying it now for the 12856395113rd time.

What I LOVE is what I DO!

Sad day in cougartown.

2011-09-18T08:21:00.000-07:00

I am sitting on my best friend's driveway, waiting to get in our car and leave.

Tonight we played Utah (one of the greatest football rivalries) and we are losing worst than we have ever lost to them, EVER. Yes. That we are still playing and I am sitting in a driveway means that I left early. Me. Someone who would give her life to BYU football, left.

My dad just said, "I am disgusted Tati. That is all it is. Disgusted."

Melanie, my partner in crime who has been going to games since she was a kid, left early for the first time tonight too.

Worst part is, for some reason I never ever even thought we would lose tonight!

I got to Provo at 4:00ish. Oh how I love Provo pre game. I hung out with Alyse and dad BBQed for lunch. Dad and I went to the press conference and then found our seats, in good spirits and completely happy.

(Let me tell you how much I don't like sitting on the west stands. No one stands up. No one dances. We went to visit Rosie and Josh at our old seats at halftime. I had a sudden reburst of energy. I was dancing. And at the time, we had a chance of comeback, but I am getting ahead of myself.)

Things quickly changed. We start the game with the ball and they push us back and on the third down, the snap goes wrong, Heaps jumps for the ball and this all seems like a nightmare. He fumbles in in the end zone. ESPN says "1st quarter (13:58) Heaps, -8 yd run." What a way to start the game. They are up because of us and we are only 1 minute and 2 seconds into the game...

It just goes down hill from there and I honestly don't want to talk about it anymore.

I am listing to my dad and uncle talk. Dad said, "That first series set the tone for the entire game. I have never been this upset with BYU."

I am the most depressed I have ever been post BYU game.

Sent from my iPhone

**** It is now Sunday morning. I just wanted to give some updating thoughts, because even though I did say I didn't want to talk about it anymore, it is ALL I am thinking about.

No matter what though, I need everyone who knows me to understand that nothing can take me away from BYU. I will always support them. Blue will always be my favorite. I will always smile when I see my team run onto the field. I will always sing the fight song. I will always stand up when I sing my fight song. I will always come to every single home game and travel for a few away games in a season. I will always be proud to be a cougar...

but sometimes my pride gets hurt.

I could not sleep last night. All I could think about is what I will be hearing at church now that we live in Salt Lake County and the things my work buddies will be saying! Please no. Can't I just say:

Ute fans, you guys killed us. Dominated us. Tore us apart. Congratulations. Now, let's move on.

Melanie has been my favorite person to talk to. Boys, if you want a girl who really knows her football, she is single and a total babe.

Last night, after I told her I was writing a depressing football post for my blog she said, "I wouldn't even know what to say. It'd be too graphic for facebook I'm afraid. No joke!" I just love her. The two of us let BYU sports determine our moods. I love loving football, but sometimes life wouldn't be so hard if I could care a little less.

So this morning I texted her in my lack of sleep and fear of confronting Ute fans. The response I get from Mel is priceless. Here are some of my favorite parts:

"I have a headache too!!! Ugh. I am so glad I didn't stay. They scored two more times!!...Man, what a way to wake up! It's like a bad hangover!!!"

All exclamations and not the happy kind, but more a this-is-me-shouting-via-text exclamation.

Another friend, Andy, said, "If that game were a tree...I would cut it down." When I told that to Mel, she just told me she would have burned the tree and then burned it again.

Aubrey informed me that in New York, her and fellow Cougar alumni were throwing things at the TV.

To end I have a few things to say to Cougar Football.

Dear Cougars,

I always have and always will support you, but last night you let me down. I keep thinking of things that maybe I could have done differently that might have helped us (like dance, stand, or sit in my seats that you have all become so accustom to me being in), but times have changed and you have to accept it.

May I just remind you too, that I spent a good amount of money to watch you guys play in Texas last week. I am truly dedicated to our team. I thought losing by one point was rough, but seriously, being dominated by the Utes KILLED me.

I hate leaving games early, but you guys pushed us to it. There is nothing like being a helpless fan and watching your team be destroyed. I will be hearing about this game from every Ute fan I know for at least a year, until we can really show them that we can win. I know you guys are feeling it bad...so I hope that this week Bronco really lays it on you, makes you work like you've never worked before. Because if we lose ONE more game, who knows how long it will take me to recover.

Love,

Tati
(Your #1 fan who might be just a little too emotionally invested in BYU football.)

Texas bound

2011-09-08T21:27:00.001-07:00

Why I am soooo excited for this Texas trip:

- BYU football!!!
- Being able to rub a win in Phil's face. Maybe he will learn to be loyal to his Alma mater.
- AUBREY!! it's a reunion. Me, Mel and Aubrey. I hope Texas is ready for the 24 hours it gets from the trio!
- BBQ. I hear it's amazing. Any suggestions on places to go in Austin?
- I keep hearing about this blue bell ice cream...

I leave Saturday morning! Ahhh.

Sent from my iPhone

My family is better than your family

2011-09-04T15:35:00.000-07:00

So I moved home (for those of you have not heard this little bit of news) and home is no longer San Diego, but Draper, Utah.

I love my family.

- My dad made waffles, eggs, and bacon for dinner while the rest of us took naps.
- Mom showed me where her little stash of goodies were!
- Porter decided to show me and Syd his favorite song. Viva la Vida. Definitely his favorite song when it came out a while back. He said that it faded out from being his favorite and then he just heard it again and it hit him! haha He then serenaded me as I walked from room to room.
- He also just walked into my room. Sat on my bed and said, "Ah, why is your bed more comfortable than mine!" put his headphones on and is just laying here singing Bottoms Up by Keke? hahahaha this is really happening...
And that's just today. Friday night we watched football, got dinner, then frozen yogurt, and then watched more football.

It doesn't get much better.

2011-09-03T23:37:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love what comes with a new school year.

The weather starts to cool down so that I can pull all of my cute jackets out for evening wear. The leaves begin to change colors. It's a time to meet new people. BUT MOST OF ALL...it's FOOTBALL TIME!

BYU had their first game tonight at Ole Miss. Next week we play Texas and, yes, I am going! So exciting. Mel and I fly down and meet Aubrey there.

Basically, I love looking forward to Saturdays packed with football. I will miss my favorite front row seats and cougar fanatic buddies, but at least I am still going to games. I cannot stop looking at football pictures. Those are some wonderful memories.

2006 season. Freshman year.

2007

2008

2009

2010 Season

Happy Friday!

2011-08-26T08:10:00.000-07:00

I was walking through the halls this morning, trying to get things done before the bus gets here. My shoes have teeny tiny little heels that click as I walk. A student in the hall walks by me and says, "Sounds like you're dropping money!" Hahaha great, like I wasn't self conscious before. Love little kids.

Sent from my iPhone

drum roll...

2011-08-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

BEST FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL EVER!!!!

I want to be in bed in half an hour so I am going to make this quick!

My students are absolutely fantastic. All came in with smiles. All sat with quite mouths when asked. All walked in the most beautiful straight lines I have ever seen. ALL participated. Sooo many laughs shared in class today. I was one proud teacher.

And to top it off, my most wonderful and caring boyfriend sent me flowers. All in yellow - my favorite.

Back to school!!!

2011-08-23T06:59:00.001-07:00

My students come back to school today and I cannot even hide how excited I am to see their faces. I will really miss my kids who are in middle school this year though.

I love this.

Sent from my iPhone

Monday Morning Blues

2011-08-22T07:57:00.000-07:00

This morning has been a joke.

I wake up and everything is great...until I go downstairs and get my lunch ready/eat breakfast.

1. I made myself chicken last night for a chicken sandwich. I open the fridge to search for it, and no big deal, it is gone. Everyone else used it for their lunch. I guess that's what I get for moving home?

2. I decide to grab a cinnamon roll before making the chicken all over again. I pick it up and take a bit and the bottom of the roll is super hard. I figure that the cinnamon and sugar have hardened at the bottom? I don't know. I try biting through it and thing this is ridiculously hard. When I pull it out of my mouth, I see that the metal top from the pilsbury tube that the rolls were in, is stuck to the bottom of my roll. Wonderful.

3. Time to make myself a sandwich (and I am running just a bit behind schedule - I have to run to the store still before work!). I pull out two pieces of bread and sit them on the paper towel. When I open the two pieces to lay them out, I find that it is already a peanut butter sandwich!? For real?

4. Get to the store with time to be in and out just fine. But don't worry. I have a soda for our work potluck tonight and everyone in front of me has tons of stuff. The do-it-yourself lanes are closed and this lane is my only option. I sat there for 10 minutes. Cool.

5. Driving on Redwood. Construction in random little spots. There is a tractor trying to go up some slope covered in rocks. BANG. It definitely shot one out and it hit my car. My ears were buzzing the rest of the drive.

6. I forgot to look and see if the shooting rock did any damage to my car.

7. No one wanted to drive even close to the speed limit. 5 to 7 mph under was the average and for one stretch I was going 10 under. AND there wasn't even traffic!!

All I can do is laugh. I guess I have made it to work in one piece and, luckily, the kids start tomorrow. I hope getting to school tomorrow isn't quite such an ordeal.

Happy New Year!

2011-08-21T17:41:00.000-07:00

I know it is the middle of the year, but I have come to find that my years rotate more on when school starts and ends than when December becomes January.

The end of August brings me a time to think about teaching, how much I have missed my kids, and how I am going to make this year the best one yet! Things are new. The kids are excited. Teachers, although weighed down by paper work and setting up, have a little bounce in their step. And while I thoroughly LOVED my summer, I know my bounce is purely from the joy of getting to see my students again. So much this summer has reminded me of them. Goodness, I have truly missed them. During the school year, my heart is always overflowing from the little joys my students bring into my life and I cannot wait to have that back again.

School officially starts on Tuesday (feel free to send your prayers my way!) and I am grateful for the Monday buffer that I have to bring together some loose ends.

I haven't been the best in the blogging world this summer. A lot has happened and I hope that as the new year starts to settle, I can reflect on the joys of teaching summer school, hiking Timpanogos, Lake Powell with Mel and her family, Kelsey's open house in San Marcos, and so many more of my summer adventures.

I hope this new school year finds you as excited (and maybe just a little exhausted from the prep) as me.

Summer Craziness

2011-07-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

This is the first time I have opened my laptop for maybe a month. I guess that's what happens when you have been busy, traveling, and have an iphone.

Last weekend was Kelsey and Scott's open house down in San Marcos. That meant another California road trip for me and Aaron. I don't think I will ever get sick of making that drive with him. It also was a drive back and for that we brought Hannah and Joe. They slept - and I don't know how.

It was wonderful to be surrounded by family and friends to celebrate some more. It was especially great to see Sonia and Cerae. I know that I have mentioned them before, but I just absolutely adore these girls. They have taught me more about myself than anyone else ever could. They are the reason I am in Special Education. I have known them since my junior year of high school. We have kept in touch over the years and they have become some of my very closest friends. I also love the way my family loves them. They went out of their way on this busy night to spend time with these girls. Sydney particularly stood out. She is at that age where friends are more important than anyone else (and I know that we have all been there). About halfway into the open house I saw her leave her ginormous circle of friends, many of whom she hadn't seen for months, to come spend the rest of the night with me and the girls. She was so easy and fun with them. She took Cerae to the bathroom. She made sure they were laughing. It was the best way to spend the night.

With Joe in town for a few days we tried to have some fun. We went up the Alpine slide in Park City on Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday night we went to the Provo Beach Resort and did the rope course. Have I ever told you that I am terrified of heights?! The rope course was sort of a joke for me and my whole body was tired from holding onto everything as tight as I could!

My Sister's Wedding

2011-07-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

I am just a little behind on my blogging...that's an understatement. So much has happened!!! Most importantly, my sweet sister and best friend, Kelsey, married the love of her life.

They tied the knot last Saturday (and I am currently driving to California for her open house in San Marcos). She looked stunning and I have never seen her so happy. Plus she married one amazing man. Scott became a part of our family as soon as they started dating. He fits right in and I am pretty sure he loves being with us :)

It was a perfect day for a wedding. The sun was shining and there was even a rainbow to start the reception! Oh the park was set up so beautifully. Mom made beautiful bundt cakes for each table and Kelsey's sister in law made the most beautiful flower arrangements. There were lots of yummy treats thanks to aunts and cousins and Kelsey even got a donut cake from her work (that was really cute). And a sweet lady in my parent's ward made a beautiful wedding cake.

The reception was laid back and casual, perfect. Lots of friends from San Marcos came and that made it so much more meaningful. Cheryl and Michelle bought fireworks that they shot off after Kelsey and Scott cut their cake. Then it was all party from there. Dancing and sparklers.

Can I say again that is was a perfect day.

Fourth of July

2011-07-04T19:45:00.001-07:00

I was sitting in relief society yesterday. We were talking about patriotism, being in America, and such because of the holiday weekend. An elderly lady mentioned how much she learned to love our country in school, by daily saying the Pledge of Allegiance and singing the patriotic songs to America. She felt that this spirit of patriotism is not being taught, learned, or felt in schools now. I admit that I didn't really learn that spirit while I was in school, but it was something I felt every fourth of July, every baseball game I went to.

I began to think about my class. Both years that I have taught, my kids have recited the Pledge Allegiance every morning and every Monday last year we sang the Star Spangled Banner. Some of my kids don't even know their name, or can't answer little questions, but they know some, if not all, of the words. It's an amazing thing. A little reminder of the blessing it is, how lucky we are, and how we should not take it for granted.

Happy fourth!

Sent from my iPhone

A weekend adventure

2011-06-24T00:37:00.001-07:00

It's 12:24 a.m. I am sitting in the passenger seat of my car and headed to Southern California. Aaron and I decided to come down for the Gold Cup game (the USA vs. Mexico), but it might just turn into a weekend of Disneyland since the tickets are extremely expensive.

We listened to some of the Disneyland ride songs that Aaron has on his iPod. I got incredibly giddy. My heart was ready to explode with joy and I had an episode of extreme excitement. I am not some Disneyland fanatic, but I grew up going with my parents on a regular basis and just thinking about it brings back such happy, even magical memories.

The soccer game would be amazing too. I have never been to such a big game in my life. No matter what we do, this weekend is going to be pretty amazing.

Oh, and I have finished my first week of ESY (summer school) and can say that I love each of my students already. I am teaching a kindergarten autism unit which is so different from my upper elementary life skills class. I sure miss my kids, but this little summer class is definitely going to help me grow as a teacher.

Sent from my iPhone

My men

2011-06-21T16:03:00.000-07:00

As everyone knows, Father's day was on Sunday, and for most of you who don't know, my baby brother's birthday is today.

In honor of both of them, let me tell everyone a little story from Sunday...

Let me preface this story: Dad has been talking about these great Holesom longboards that a friend of his from high school was making. Of course Porter wanted one for his birthday, and I don't blame him, they look really neat! Apparently dad had tried buying one, but told Porter that they were on backorder for 6 months.

Now here is where the fun begins: We got back from church on Sunday and it is time for dad to open his Father's Day gifts. Everyone gives dad his cards and then there is a huge box for him to open. Inside it there is a Holesom board with hot pink wheels. According to mom, she was able to find a board for dad through some special contacts. Lucky dad. Porter did not think this was too fair.

After dinner, Porter was still being a grump. Sort of still trying to be happy for dad, but still really confused as how dad would accept that last Holesom board as a gift and leave him hanging. We were getting ready for dessert when we decided that while everyone was home, we should sing happy birthday to the Porter boy. As we are signing, a Holesome board magically appears.

Turns out dad is a big joker, but he never forgets to show us how much he loves us.

So to the wonderful men/boy in my life, I love you both. I couldn't ask for a better dad or brother. You two are the face of the Thorkelson family. Because of you guys, everyone loves us. Because of you two, no one ever stops laughing in our house. You guys are quite the pair, the dynamic duo, and my favorites. I love you.

There's no place like home.

2011-06-14T13:31:00.000-07:00

So I know my family has been living in Utah for almost a year now, but I will always call San Marcos home.

Porter and I drove down together yesterday. The boy really slept for at least half of the drive, but when we got off ob Deer Springs Road, he just could not stop smiling. There is something therapeutic about visiting your home. There is this overwhelming sense of joy. It is beautiful.

Yesterday I got to spend time with Jackie and Joe at the beach. Jackie and I then ate at my favorite Mr. Taco. Delicious. I spent some time with some family best friends, the McMasters. Today I have visited my lovely anthropologie. It's crazy how I don't mind going places on my own here. I feel a certain confidence in knowing this area better than any other place I have lived. After shopping I sat at moonlight beach, ate Mexican with Joe, and have made it to my favorite little beach in Carlsbad. I have seen dolphins in the water. Gosh, I love this.

Robi flashback

2011-06-09T14:19:00.001-07:00

Today I decided to go outside and sit on the grass by my door to read in the sun for a little.
I remember doing the same thing two summers ago, at my place just a block or two from where I am now. Oh how I love summers in Provo. As I was reading, I got a call from Robi. He wanted to hang out. I told him I would be outside waiting for him. While waiting, I kept reading and totally got lost in my book. Suddenly I hear the biggest, loudest motorcycle pull up next to me on the SIDEWALK and there is Robi with a mischievous smile on his face. He knew very well that I am terrified of guns and motorcycles and we often joked that those are the two reasons we could never get married.
Get ready! He told me. Hahaha yaaaaa right. After at least 15 minutes of arguing, that boy got me onto the bike. I am not kidding when I say it was the biggest motorcycle I have ever seen. I wish I remembered what kind it was, but I was too worried about my life to remember anything except being on that bike, squeezing Robi, and telling him my parents would never forgive him...
I miss my Robison. He is the only person to have ever gotten me onto a motorcycle. I won't ride another one. That was our thing.

a week of ups and downs

2011-06-07T12:23:00.000-07:00

So much happened last week. I have never been through so many ups and downs and, even now, I am still recovering.

Monday started last week with the sad news of a student passing away.

Tuesday was the first day of our last week of school.

Wednesday I presented my 6th grade students at their 6th grade graduation. I would like to say that I was strong and said marvelous things about them without crying, but I was not strong at all. I sobbed...I said great things about them but I am not sure many people caught any of my words through my flood of tears. I sure was not excpecting myself to be quite that emotional. Those kids have changed my life and it all hit me at that moment (not that it hasn't been apparent all year!).

Thursday was field day - all fun and games outside - until a student went missing and not just any student but my nonverbal student. He is my boy. I won't go into detail but that was probably the scariest thing I have ever gone through. Poor kid knew he was in trouble when he saw me. He pulled me in for a hug and gave me a big kiss on the cheek.

Friday was our last day of school and the kids were done by 10:15, so I only had a few kids at school that day. My great principal let the special ed team leave at 12:00 for Nate's funeral. What an amazing family. I was so impressed by their composure, love, and confidence. I loved seeing pictures of Nate as a chunky little baby. I loved that his casket was bright yellow with black trims, just like the buses he loved so much. I love seeing his "Time go home?" quote displayed on a tile placed above his casket. I loved seeing a few of my students and their families there, supporting one another, finding comfort together.

Saturday I got to come back to Eagle Mountain. One of my students was baptized and it was an absolutely wonderful baptism. The spirit was so strong and my sweet student was so obviously full of joy and it was definitely contagious. A few of my other students were there too. It was the best way to end my week and to know that I can still see my students even when school is out.

This week I really felt the fragility of life. The way it can change dramatically in an instance. I felt my Heavenly Father's love as I saw the healing power in the peace felt by Nate's family and again in the sacred baptism ordinance that my student participated in. I am so grateful for my job, for the sweet spirits that shine for me everyday. I don't know how I am going to survive all summer without them!

the world's most heart warming job is mine.

2011-06-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

I started this post a few weeks ago and decided it was time to finish it.

5/8/11
When people find out that I teach special ed, I always hear things like "oh you must be so amazing. Your heart is so good. You must be so patient." But I am not those things with everyone. My good heart and patience really just comes out with my students, they magnify what I am capable of. That is a blessing Heavenly Father has given me, one I am so grateful I discovered while picking my future career.

5/30/11
Last night I found out that Nate, a student in the other special education unit at my school passed away. My heart aches. The kids I work with tend to be a little more medically fragile, but this was not at all expected. I just want to cry but I am so glad that I can take comfort in knowing that he has a working physical and mental body now, that he is happy with our heavenly father. This particular student was always saying, "Time to go home?" As I was talking to Cami, his teacher about him, she told me that she can just hear him saying time to go home and that he really is home now.

I take comfort in reading 3 Nephi 17 :

7. Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.
9. And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him.
10. And they did all, both they who had been healed and they who were whole, bow down at his feet, and did worship him; and as many as could come for the multitude did kiss his feet, insomuch that they did bathe his feet with their tears.

As I read this, I can see Christ holding each of my sweet students and giving them their perfect bodies. I feel His overwhelming love for them. Then the next verses read...

11. And it came to pass that he commanded that their little children should be brought.
12. So they brought their little children and set them down upon the ground round about him, and Jesus stood in the midst; and themultitude gave way till they had all been brought unto him.
21.And when he had said these words, he ^awept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and ^bblessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

My sweet students get Christ's full attention twice. I know that He knows each of us individually and loves us all the same, but here He blesses first those with afflictions (the kids that I teach everyday at school), healing them each, and then He calls all the children and takes them up one at a time and blesses them. Maybe that's selfish of me or, I don't even know what I would call it, but according to me, they deserve it and I am so glad that I know that Christ is there to take care of each of my sweet students, including little Nate.

He wants us to become like little children and I work with the purest of pure hearts, children who in all actuality, are perfect.

I forget how wonderful my job is, getting caught up in the chaotic jumble of paper work and dates. I made sure that today I got to see each of my students smile and remember how much they have changed my life.

Nate is missed. I could not wait for him to be in my class next year. He changed lives. My students remember him as a good friend. I will always remember how he would try to get me to play tag with him on the playground. The way he'd run up and poke me, scrunch his face, laugh, and run away. One of my students told her mom that he [Nate] would push her on the swings in heaven. I couldn't imagine heaven any better than that.

Lake Powell!!!

2011-05-24T22:15:00.001-07:00

Family vacation! We are at lake Powell until Saturday. We leave dock tomorrow morning and I cannot wait. It is going to be great.

Getting old?

2011-05-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

I always thought that my body would continue to let me do what I've always done. I mean, I'm not even 23 yet! But it has recently given me a few reminders that I am no longer a carefree energetic youth.

1. I am ALWAYS tired. This might be in part due to a fairly stressful work load lately...But also because I can't stay up until 3 am, sleep until 8, and make it through the whole day just fine like I did my freshman year.

2. My stomach notices every little thing. Really. Elevators get me, even if I am just going up one floor. Dips in the road catch me off guard, even if I am driving and I see it coming. I never expect my stomach to be so sensitive! Bus rides are hands down the worst though! Remember when that used to be fun?

3. Swinging for more than five minutes makes my head hurt. This one makes me really sad. I love swinging next to my kids (see who can swing the highest) but recently I've had to hold back.

4. Aches & pains. Bumps & bruises. But if you talk to my mom, she would tell you that I've always been this way. I remember coming home from elementary school and telling her about a headache or a funny bump somewhere. Then she would just call me an old lady...

What a day!

2011-05-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

I have not had a day as good as today for a long time.

We started the day with a field trip to Salem Pond. This is a field trip that I have come to love. Most special ed units in Utah County go and it is just absolutely wonderful. The kids all get to fish and then we have lunch. It was supposed to rain today (and it did), but not while we were at Salem Pond! That was a blessing. Then I just kept hoping and praying that I would run into my cute kids from last year. Guess what!? I saw them and nearly cried. That class changed my life, especially one particular stud that I love with all of my heart. I ran up to my old class and started giving hugs, scared to look for my little stud because I didn't want to find out he wasn't there and be heartbroken...but then it was like the parting of the Red Sea as everyone moved to the side and that is when we saw each other. He is something else and I treasure the blessing that I can still be involved in his life, even if it is only once a year, for a few minutes, on a field trip. Then my class was behaving so well! With so many classes in such a small place, it is easy to get distracted and lost. Everyone stayed with their teacher. Everyone was smiling. And everyone was exhausted when we got back to school.

I left school a little early to make it to my cousin's wedding. She looked stunning. The reception hall was SO beautifully decorated by her mom. They had a sweet little ring ceremony - Sami and Mike are just so happy and in love, everyone could see and feel it. I am so proud of my baby cousin. She has done amazing things with her life and now she will be doing them with Mike. I love them so much. Aren't they so sweet?

At one point, I went to go give Samantita a hug and look what happened! My necklace got hooked onto her dress! haha We spent a good minute stuck together while onlookers just laughed.

Then the dancing started. What a blast! I love dancing with my sisters and we were definitely going wild on the dance floor. Mom was getting really into it too. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect night.

And to end the day, I filled up my tank and I just absolutely love the way my car feels after it's been filled.

She is 23!

2011-05-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday to my dearest, most wonderful, best friend Aubrey. I just realized that I have not yet done a birthday post for this very important person in my life...so here's your first birthday post Aubrey (but it's definitely not the first post dedicated/totally all about you. I just did a search. You are at least mentioned in at least 41 of my posts. Wow.)

I sure got lucky meeting her at BYU. Mom always told me that the friends you make in college are the ones you will keep forever. Aubrey proved this true because, for me, she is that friend.

I am so very grateful for Aubrey. There is no one like her. Seriously, no one. She gets me and I get her. We met freshman year at BYU - we lived on the same floor. I wish I could say it was an instant friendship and, don't get me wrong, we liked each other and we hung out here and there, but it wasn't until the end of the '07 basketball season that we entered each other's lives for forever. We were roommates our sophomore and junior years and then neighbors our senior year. We were only neighbors because she didn't sign the contract early enough. Our whole ward was asking if we had had a fight or broken up. We were always together.

Aubrey and I both got boyfriends around the same time and then went through the break up around the same time too. She was just a few weeks ahead of me in both of these and I am so grateful that she knew exactly how I was feeling because she had just been there. A little blessing.

Aubrey loves the students I work with. You would be amazed at how many people are uncomfortable around students with severe disabilities. The first time she came to visit the class that I aided in, I was worried. I didn't want her to get dirty or feel weird with some of the behaviors the kids had. She didn't notice any of that at all. She got right in there with the thick of them, the slobbery, the stinky, the messy and all. She sang with them. She loved them. She listened to my stories of all the stress, the fun times, and the love.

Aubrey has this amazing ability to entertain and make people laugh. She is hilarious. I wish she still had her blog. It was phenomenal. A good read that was so her. Then she can dance. Ohhh can she dance! I remember getting ready for dance parties while we were roommates. She always got ready to "Cyclone" by Baby Bash. Every time I hear it I can see her at the sink, curling her hair, singing, and dancing. She always told people she was half latin. They believed her...But when I told people that I had family from Argentina, no one would believe me. I never thought that was fair. We both loved aerobic dance too. We were a hoot to watch! Check this one and this one out for a good laugh.

Oh and did I mention that together we were the greatest BYU fans in the whole world. We would do anything for football and then practically give our lives for basketball (we would camp out in snow just for front row seats!). Doing those things alone just wouldn't have been any fun and in fact, I probably wouldn't have enjoyed my BYU life as much without her because I would never have done that alone. I remember the first time we put up a tent outside of that Marriott. Aubrey walked by and saw that there was a tent out. I don't even remember what game it was for, but it was a few days before gameday. She called me and sounded very urgent. "Tati! There is a tent at the Marriott! We have to get one up NOW!" That night we became the second tent and made friends with follow fans that we still do all things sports with.

Then in April of 2010, we graduated from BYU. We both cried that day. I think we were the only two sad to graduate. We lived our life to the fullest at BYU. We danced, we laughed, we cried, and we grew together. We knew that our lives were changing and that we only had 2 months left together.

June 18th. She left me for the world of New York where she is thriving and being influential in the lives of others. Lucky them. But lucky for me, I have seen her a few times. AND she is coming out here in a month! I cannot wait.

Aubrey, I couldn't have asked for a better friend. You are everything I could have asked for plus some. You are a light to so many and have been such an example to me. I am excited for the next stages in our lives and knowing that while we might be almost as far as we could be from each other, you are still my best friend. I wouldn't be who I am today without your influence. So happy birthday! Know that someone (a lot of someones) love you in Provo, and that I have the greatest birthday present for you - you just have to come out here to get it (and I am just not quite as good at sending things in the mail as you are!)

love love love you!

(These pictures are not in any order. It took me an hour just to pick these ones, we seriously have 1,000's of pictures together.)

She's my best friend.

2011-05-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

Happy mother's day!

My mom is absolutely and completely, totally wonderful. You don't find many ladies as kind, selfless, and loving as her. She is beautiful. She has the world's greatest hair. This might be a little biased, but I think she has raised five pretty amazing kids. She has the cutest snort in her laugh, which is starting to appear in my own laughing. She gives and gives and gives. She has good intentions behind every act. She ends every conversation with "I love you", and that is now something we all do with each other. She is the kind of mother that I would like to be.

I depend on our daily conversations to get me through my long days. Now, with my family living so close, I get to see her whenever I want. Before they moved to Utah we'd go months without seeing each other. I am not sure we can do that anymore. If we go a week without seeing each other, I always get a call from her telling me how much she misses me. I absolutely love that. If I don't call her before she goes to bed, I will get a text from her asking if I am alright or if I am mad at her because she never heard from me. Isn't she sweet?

We always have a blast together. I love when she offers to meet me after work for dinner. I love how I can tell her everything. She knows my heart, in fact, she knows me better than I know myself.

I love when she comes into my classroom. She is great with my students. When we go on field trips, she is constantly making sure that I know where all of my kids are (which I do, don't worry), but she is still my mom and no matter how big/grown up I get, she will always check that I am doing my job right. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Mom, I love you. Thank you for the countless hours you have served me (and all of the lucky people who have come to know you). Thank you for the example that you are always setting. Thank you for your patience with me, for talking things out with me when I don't know how (or refuse to) grow up. Thank you for knowing me, for being able to tell if I am happy, stressed, or frustrated just by hearing my voice. Thank you for loving me. Happy Mother's Day.

hug hug, kiss kiss, hug hug, big kiss, little hug, kiss kiss, little kiss.

So much...

2011-05-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

...has been going on! I seriously haven't had one day to slow down. Life is on fire right now and thankfully, school gets out in something like, oh, 19 days. But who's counting?!

Get this though. Last week I bought an iPhone. I am currently typing this blog on it while watching the Lakers lose for the third game in a row to the Mavs. It (the phone, not this sad game) has been a beautiful addition to my life. It makes everything so simple and convenient.

I am watching the game with my Burley boys. Mr. Sam Preston is leaving us for a grown up world in Salt Lake. I told him it is breaking my heart. These boys are my longest BYU guy friends (meaning we have been friends for FOUR years now!!) and they are always around to make me laugh and pick me up. Sure love them!

Also, yesterday was cinco de mayo and since we all know that I am 8 weeks Mexican...

And maybe, someday, I will get to posting more cruise adventures.

sun + ocean + MEXICO =

2011-04-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

The greatest spring break I could have asked for!

I don't even know where to begin.

On Saturday, April 16th, Cami and I drove down to San Diego for the start of one sweet spring break. It snowed the whole drive, almost all the way to Nevada! It was bad and I was so grateful to have a Utah native driving my car. We stopped in Cedar, or maybe it was Beaver, for breakfast. We got out and my car was just covered in an inch of ice! The poor thing.

We ended up in San Marcos around 4:30 where the sun was shining and everything was green. It looked beautiful. We met up with Joe for dinner and then picked Carly up and got dessert at Elephant Bar (Cami and I hadn't eaten sugar for a whole month in prep for the cruise so that was a special treat!). I really love my friends at home. It was so good to see them.

DAY ONE AT SEA

Sunday morning we woke up and drove to Long Beach where we waited in lines for a few hours in a huge white dome building right next to the Queen Mary. Phones weren't allowed. People were super fidgety. Patience was running thin and if everyone was as anxious as I was to get on that ship, I don't blame them! We eventually made it to our room, 6-222. I highly recommend balcony rooms. It was so nice to be able to go outside whenever we wanted and it gave us lots of nice sunlight. We quickly unpacked and explored the ship. It was huge! I also found that while standing on my balcony, it was no big deal to look down at the water, but when we were looking down from our floor to the lobby, I couldn't do it without getting all butterly-ey and queasy. Water makes everything better for me I guess.

That night we went to dinner and met the lovely ladies of table 547. Mother-daughter duo Stephanie and Lauren sat to our left. To our right we had T and Veyla. All of them were from the Sacramento area and so much fun! We never had a dull moment at dinner. Always good conversation and lots of laughing. We also had the greatest waiter ever, although it took him a day or two to warm up to us. The food was good, although I can't really think of any one dinner that particularly was amazing. I did eat a lot (I LOVED the soft serve ice cream/ frozen yogurt - especially when they had strawberry!!!) but this is the conclusion I have come to: Everyone feels like they look better, healthier, happier, etc...when they are tan so my tan balanced out my weight gain. Perfect.

We met up with T and Veyla at the Red Carpet (the club of the ship) after dinner and the four of us were the first ones to the dance floor. A trio of boys came out to dance with us and we got the party going for day one on the ship. We danced for a few hours and it was ridiculously fun and I am sure everyone thought we were crazy or drunk - surprisingly, we were neither, just being our fun selves! We stayed up way past our bedtime, but we slept well that night. Neither of us got seasick. And again, we woke up way too early for a spring break.

***I will post a day at a time. There is just too much to make it all happen at once. It also might be spread about with random thoughts I am having, because I am having a lot of those lately.***

Sound of San Marcos

2011-04-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Cami and I drove to San Diego before heading to Long Beach for the cruise. We spent the night in San Marcos...waking up to those old familiar sounds was wonderful. The following is a bit of what I wrote in my journal (and yes, a post all about the cruise and our adventures is in process, don't you worry) :

Cami and I leave on our cruise today. I am so excited - it is something I really need. Some time to clear my brain, relax, and then think some more.

We stayed in San Marcos last night. We met up with Carly and Joe and had so much fun. Mr. Taco for dinner and it was better than I remembered! Then we went to Elephant Bar for dessert. Cami and I were very exhausted...This put Cami in a hilarious mood! Oh she was hilarious. Carly is my San Marcos girl, my best friend, and a ray of sunshine in my life. Then there's Joe and I will always love that boy.

This morning Cami and I woke up at 7:15. What a way to start our first day of spring break, a time when we can actually sleep in! We don't leave for Long Beach until 11:30 so we watched a movie (Center Stage!) ha. After the movie we were going to take a nap, but I heard familiar San Marcos noises. I am sitting in the DeBruyn's backyard, enjoying the chirping of spring birds. There isn't just one chirp, but more like 7 - some singing, others squawking, all wonderful. The cockadoodledoo from the neighbor's roosters. An occasional bark in the distance. A croak from a nearby frog. The sound of a car as it rolls around the bend in Richland and down past the DeBruyn's. A plane humming as it flies by. Neighbor kids playing next door. Then the sun just adds so much happiness to all of these noises.

Oh San Marcos, how I have missed you!

my first cruise!

2011-04-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

Spring break was something that as a BYU student, I didn't get to enjoy.

But now that I teach - spring break is back!

For those of you who didn't know this, Cami and I are going on a cruise for this year's spring break! Mexican Riviera, here we come!

We get to visit beautiful Puerto Vallarta for a day - I spent a whole week there on my study abroad.

Oh and I cannot wait to come back with an awesome tan! (Notice tan line below. Sweet, right?!)

Well, I better get some sleep before it's time to leave.

Buffalos and Parents

2011-04-08T19:15:00.000-07:00

**** First I want to talk about buffalos. Last year I had the cutest cutest kids (Yes, my students this year are great, but they are older, not quite as cute, but a lot more fun. It's just a trade off, not saying one is better than the other). My old class was also a lot lower functioning than my class right now. We would go through the alphabet everyday and try to get my kids to come up with words that started with certain letter sounds. One day, it finally, sort of, got through to one.

Me: "A. 'a'a'a'a' - Apple. What else starts with A?"

no response

Me: "Alligator. Ant. How about B? 'b'b'b'b' - Blue. What else starts with B?"

Cute kid: "Buffalllooo"

YES! I had done it. He heard the letter sound. The best part was how he said buffalo though. The accent was on the 'U' and he would hold it out a little and then say the 'ffalo' part really fast. It melted my heart and I can still hear him say it. The reason I mention this is because one of my students now said buffalo yesterday and I had a sweet little flashback. I love those.

**** Now, I am going to talk about the wonderful and amazing parents that I get to work with. Teaching special ed is not easy and I can only imagine how hard it is to raise a child with a disability. Everyone dreams of their children and we always picture them being perfect, but sometimes those dreams are shattered and it takes time before you realize that this is what you wanted and needed all along.

I always talk about how wonderful my students are, but I want to recognize the parents of my students because they are inspirational.

I went to an awards ceremony on Wednesday put on by Utah CEC (Counsil for Exceptional Children). CEC is a professional organization/association that we were encouraged to join as students studying in Special Education and something that many of us still participate in. They recognized outstading students, teachers, professors, businesses, and parents in the Special Ed community of Utah. One of my professors at BYU received an award as well as the first teacher I worked under as an aide. I have been blessed to be surrounded by such amazing educators.

But the awards that stood out the most to me were those given to the parents. These parents that they recognized were outstanding and got me thinking a lot about my student's parents. All of my students are loved at school AND at home. I have parents calling me to tell me funny things that happen at home or inviting me to events.

The other day, I had a parent who felt bad for something that had happened that morning and was asking me how her boy was doing. Then she thanked me for everything she did and told me to tell him how much she loved him. My heart swelled as I caught a glimpse of her love for this sweet boy.

I know how hard it must be to raise and care for a child with a severe disability and for a long time, I never thought I could do it, that being their teacher was enough. But my heart has been changed as I have seen my students touch hearts. I have worked with their parents and siblings and seen how wonderful and big their hearts were becaue they were in a family with a sweet spirit who has taught them unconditional Christlike love, patience, and helped them see the big picture.

So you parents who have this wonderful children, I look up to you. I am constantly inspired by the things you do and they love you give your children. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with them.

Don't sweat the small stuff...

2011-04-07T14:54:00.000-07:00

...and it's all small stuff

I haven't read this book, but I think that it would definitely be a good for me. Last night I was talking to a very close friend of mine, searching for some advice. As we got into it, he said, "Tati, want to know my life motto? I have always seen this book on my dad's bookshelf. I have never read it and I don't know who wrote it but it is called, 'Don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff.'"

I am the ultimate stress ball and I wish that I was kidding. I worry a lot, but I like to think I have gotten better - actually, I KNOW that I have gotten better.

During my freshman year at BYU, I would call my mom, stressing about things weeks away or tests that I had already took. Mom would walk me through things, tell me I had to make a To Do list just for the day and never look ahead in my planner. She helped me accept scores that I could do nothing about and be determined to do better the next time.

I have since stopped worrying about things that I don't have control over. I prep for big meetings and deadlines one day at a time by putting it bit by bit on my To Do list (but for some reason I always feel like I am rushing to get it done in the end). My calendars are my best friends and I have four in my classroom alone.

Calendar #1 is full of the things my students should know (breaks, weekly themes, assemblies, field trips, etc...)
Calendar #2 is for me and my aides to write what we have going on (meetings, who will be out of town, etc...) and it has all of the same stuff from the student's calendar as well.
Calendar #3 is a planner for me - for my eyes only full of fun things like new teacher training, IEP meetings, and dance parties! It comes and goes wherever I do.
and Calendar #4 is my most recent purchase and has been velcroed to my desk. It is marked with everything possible (vacations, friend's weddings, gatherings with friends, themes at school, assemblies, meetings, etc....).

I loveeee calendars. I love To Do lists. I love post its (they surround my computer, around my desk, on my calendars). I love scheduling. I love to send out emails to my IEP team over and over again about dates. I love having events to look forward to.

I guess you can say that time is what I stress/sweat most about. I hate being late (I have always said I would rather be half an hour early than 5 minutes late). I hate bailing out on things I said I would go to. I hate being blindsided by an event/meeting I forgot about until the night before. Weird that time is such an issue from me since I have Latin blood (they are notorious for just coming and going. People come first. If they are on their way to a meeting and run into family or friends, the meeting has to wait. I wish I was more like that...) AND I am LDS (joke is that we have to say meetings and events start an hour before they really do so that everyone shows up at the time that the event actually starts).

Anyway, this post didn't go where I thought it would go as I started it. But, thank you Kendrick for giving me a new motto so that I can really enjoy what I have because I have so much to be grateful for without worrying about the little things.

My ninners.

2011-04-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

I cannot even believe it. My sweet Sydney Noemi is 17. My little sister is not so little anymore. It makes me want to cry - not a sad cry, but just crying because the sister that I remember holding when I was 6, the sister that I remember helping mom with, the sister who always was dancing, the sister who was hypnotizing boys with her blue eyes since she was a toddler, the sister who we called squeaky, the sister who I just love sooo much, is now all grown up.

Sydney,

I do love you so much. I love how strong you are and the confidence you carry yourself with. You are far more daring than Kelsey and I ever have been. You are not only successfull at everything you try, but you are amazing at everything you want to be! Your heart is huge and I love seeing you come and work with my students and then hear about all the wonderful things you are doing with the special ed class at your high school. I am so proud of you! I can still see you sitting on the stairs in our condo in Orange County. You just had a diaper on and that silly pacifier in your mouth. Your laugh is contagious. You absolutely shine and people are instantly drawn to you. I love dance parties with you. I love finding random pictures of you and Jordan on my phone. I love discovering videos of you and Kelsey with facial masks and weird languages. I love that you live close. I love spending time with you...

I love you baby sister. I am so proud of the things you do. I really would love to teach with you someday. You have an amazing heart and you will be great at whatever you decide you want to do. I LOVE YOU.

teaching love

2011-04-02T16:37:00.000-07:00

Lately work has been really busy...like REALLY busy and it is only going to get BUSIER until school gets out. Fun. I love being stressed out and I am sooo good at it!

But, can I just, again, tell you how much I love my job. These kids really "complete" me - I think that more than anything they fulfill my life, they give me purpose and they fill me with complete and absolute love. How many people can say that about their job?

Sure, I have to put a whole lot into work - I have 11 students, their parents, with sooo much paper work for each kid and that makes me really miss some good quality time with them. Behavior issues (attitude, problems with compliance, emotional to the max! etc...) and the occassional messy pants or "sour stomach". I have escape artists. Goof balls. Tired kids who would rather just sleep in class. Screaming. Stomping. I get a whole range of super amazing to really hard in any given day.

I think the hard things in my line of work make it all the more wonderful. I always get to see so much good in everyday and no matter how stinky my classroom is or how loud we are, there is a special feeling of love and joy in my class.

I love love love teaching special education.

sad. i am sad.

2011-03-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

soooo sad.

BYU lost last night in overtime. I wasn't even nervous about the game and then it started and we just struggled to keep up the entire game.

Well, BYU Basketball -

I have loved this season! I am sad it is over, but I would be sad no matter when it ended and we sure had a good run. I still think we should have won last night - there were some terrible calls and we were the better team, but sometimes I just felt that Florida wanted it more.

I gave so much to this season and I have loved it, but it has taken its toll on me...physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is amazing how much I put into making sure that I was sitting front row to watch you guys play and then figuring things out so that I could follow you to Vegas and it is amazing that I was able to successfully teach at the same time! I would do it for this season all over again, but here is my sad news...I think this was my last season of camping out. It was a wonderful four year run of sleeping in tents for the entire basketball season. When I started putting up a tent, it was only 2 or 3 nights before game, but look what we have started! Tents are up a week before and you easily get 100+ tents the night before. Insane!

Thank you for all the fun memories and silly pictures and fun adventures. Thank you for my basketball crushes: Burgess, Lloyd, Archie, Cummard, Keena Young!, Lamont(I still am getting over Lamont!) Oh and of course I have loved Jimmer. I have seen him play all four years and I almost feel more like a mother...proud to see that he has done so well and always think he just looks so adorable out there and worrying when he gets hurt or when I see him upset. Proud that we both bleed blue. Proud that he represents BYU so well.

But, most of all, I have to thank you, BYU basketball, for helping me unite with fellow fans that have become good friends. I love them. Melanie and I met through basketball. Yes, we were in the same ward, but I think basketball really brought us together! Rosie and Josh are the world's greatest, sweetest couple and I love spending time with them. Eric and Holly have gone through so much as a young married couple and they constantly amaze me. Brittany and Brady are so fun! I love dancing with Brittany and they are great to laugh with. Eric and Brady are the original boys that Aubrey and I made friends with when we put our tent up behind them. That camping experience was one of my favorite. Robby. Robby. Robby. He created our home at the Marriott. He organized everything and I feel like I owe my basketball exprience to him! Trent, he is a big deal, that's all I have to say :) Jeff - my favorite friend that I made this year. Of course there is Preston, but he had his marketing internship this season and that kept him on the court, doing cool things for most of the games - but he is why I have my sports pass and he is one of my favorites to watch basketball with.

So I love you BYU Basketball and I always will. It was hard accepting that I am done running down the stairs of the Marriott for front row seats or trying to figure out my schedule so that I can stay at our tent for a few hours here and there. I will miss being that crazy fanatic - but on we go to Cougar Club seats (weird that I can do that!).

Love forever and always,

A true blue fan

how sweet it is

2011-03-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

My BYU COUGARS have made it to the SWEET 16!! yeeeahhhh son! Watching them play tonight was amazing. SO AMAZING! They gave the game everything they had and I didn't have to stress about losing at all during the game. I love close games, but not when we play. I want us to always be up by at least 5 the whole game...then I can really enjoy it without stressing about losing. I wish I had been able to go to Denver and I wish even more that I had enough money to fly myself to New Orleans.

So remember that my boy are playing at 5:27 on Thursday. Make sure that you are watching and cheering us on!

And now, here is a Vegas MWC Tourney trip photo collage...

MARCH MADNESS

2011-03-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

So, tomorrow it STARTS!

I filled out my first ever bracket tonight and I sort of hate it. I already put so much into my own BYU, but now I feel fully invested in the teams that I have picked! Normally, I just don't fill one out...that way I don't have to be competitive and I can just enjoy watching basketball.

Either way, I love this time of year! I love basketball! And I am so excited to watch the Cougars play tomorrow!!!

(pictures from my Vegas weekend will be coming soon)

the joys of special ed

2011-03-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

I came across this amazing blog called Autism - Day by Day. She is a single mother raising two kids, one of which has autism. I don't remember how I found it, but she goes through so much and stays so positive, it is absolutely amazing to me! I am often in awe at the parents of my students, just as I am in awe of Donna.

She wrote a post yesterday that made me so happy. Read it. It is one of my favorite things that I see in my classroom. It is something I didn't see much at my high school growing up, but something I wish I can someday bring to my home. It is all over Utah. My kids are so cool at school! I loved seeing it last year and it is just as great this year.

I have the world's greatest job and I think I forget that from time to time. It is hard, don't get me wrong. I get stressed and worn and pulled and torn, but I teach kids who change the lives of everyone they meet. They have definitely changed mine. They even change hearts, soften them, make them grow bigger than we thought our hearts could get! It takes someone really special to have the power to change a person's heart. I love them.

MWC Tournament!

2011-03-09T23:30:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow I pick Aubrey up in Vegas for our FOURTH year of cheering on BYU in the MWC tournament! I cannot even believe it has been four years. I love it. I love love love it!

year ONE!

year TWO!

year THREE!

Pictures from this year will be coming shortly. I can't wait to see Aubrey again! Vegas is sure in for a treat when Mel, Aubrey, and I join forces!

Come on Cougars!!!

2011-03-09T23:18:00.000-08:00

Life get's crazy. I always think it will calm down eventually, but mom has always told me that the older I get, the crazier it gets. Why does she always have to be right and how is it possible that it can get any crazier!?!

Sometimes I just have to take a break and remember when life was a little bit simpler...

These pictures just made me happy. Sometimes I just like to look through my millions of photos...I could do it all day. Notice that most of my pictures involve the sun or beach? hmmm

another post about how I hate...

2011-03-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

DRIVING IN THE SNOW.

So, my favorite Natalie was flying into SLC tonight and of course I wanted to pick her up - it has been wwwaaaayyy too long since I last saw her face, and I really miss that face.

After school, I decided to just get an oil change, since it was needed and I am leaving for Vegas on Thursday. Cami picked me up from the dealership and we got dinner and had a wonderful chat. When my car was done, we went to Cami's to hang out before I picked up Nat...turns out the snow was so bad that Natalie was just going to go to her in-laws in Centerville. I ended up leaving Cami's a little after 9:00 and had a good 8ish inches of snow on my car! Gross. And the roads were terrible. It was a nasty drive until about point of the mountain and even then, I didn't like the roads until about Lindon area. My hands are still shaking from the drive. My least favorite part is when the big semi's come rolling on down in the fast lanes and then their huge wheels just gush slush onto your car and for a few seconds, you are blind. Or trying to stay in the tracks of the car in front of you, otherwise you feel like you're driving a car at Autopia, except that the bumping back and forth in the snow can lead to a serious accident! Gosh...did I say that I don't like driving in the snow?

but here is some super exciting good news.

Cami and I are going on a cruise down the Mexican Riviera during Spring Break!!! We have been talking about it and today I was just looking around and saw that I could get a pretty good deal with Carnival since I still have my CA license...There was just one balcony room left. Cami said we just need to go for it. AND boom! A spontaneous cruise search has turned into a 7-day spring break vacation!

Kelly Marie

2011-03-06T22:47:00.000-08:00

I don't normally do Happy Birthday posts for my friends, but I have been thinking about Kelly a lot recently.

Today is her birthday. She has been a huge part of my life. The Larsens moved to San Marcos and the fabulous TOV ward my freshman year of high school. We became best friends almost immediately. I remember the first thing we did together, me, Lauren, and Kelly...we watched Chasing Papi at the San Marcos theater (such a good movie by the way!) and it was a total blast.

I have more memories than I can count with Kelly. We spent countless nights at Killer Pizza From Mars. Many nights toilet-papering our favorite twins in San Marcos. One priceless night locked out of a car in Emerald Heights. A whole season of swim team... My first day spent in LA and the greatest concert of my life (Kelly, do you still have pictures from that day? My computer crashed like three times over the course of my time at BYU and I lost them at one point. Sad). One night making a music video to Say Something by Mariah Carey and meeting friends that have stayed close to me every since. A summer of lifeguarding. Death Cab for Cutie on the beach while drinking all of Kelsey's cranberry juice. Mae concert. One Easter spent together and getting eggs full of black jelly beans. Football my freshman year (so which color are we?). Getting lost hike back from Stewart falls. Learning Madonna dances. Getting into all sorts of trouble...so much fun!

She got married in March of '09 and is my first friend to be expecting a baby! The little boy is coming to us in April and I am so excited!

Well, Kelly, I want to get this to you before your birthday is over. I have been looking through picture after picture to find the right ones to put up. Happy birthday. I love you. I love you so much. I can't wait to be an aunt to your lucky boy and I am so grateful for you and the influence you have been in my life. I am glad that we have made it through the ups and downs of life together and I look forward to everything we have left to experience. I love you.

NBA All-Star Weekend

2011-02-28T19:02:00.000-08:00

I have this amazing best friend and her name is Aubrey. She works for the NBA and was in LA for the All-Star game last weekend, sooooo, naturally, we had to drive down to see her.

It was a pretty amazing weekend. We left Friday around 1:30. The agriculture check point in Yuma had to be the highlight of the drive. I wasn't feeling very well so my head was down and Kelsey was driving while Cami and Mel chilled in the back. For 4 years, I was never stopped driving through this point, but now with my Utah license....well, he had us roll down our window. He siad, "Was there a beauty contest somewhere?!" ha! I pulled my head up from sick head down position and just looked at this man and we all laughed. He asked us if we had fruits and the, I guess, normal check stuff. Then before he waved us through he said, "Now girls, while you are in California you will be required to wear sunglasses at all times or else the boys won't have any protection from those beautiful eyes." Thank you ag. check man for making our drive down awesome.

Oh and El Cajon pass (kels refuses to call it the el cajon (the the cajon) pass). It was terrible. Completely covered in a mist/fog. Visibility was next to nothing. My hands hurt from gripping the wheel. Everyone had their flashers on, which was extremely helpful. It was a long and slow drive down the pass. And then the rest of the 91 to the 55 to the 73 (or whatever we did to get to Newport) was just a puddle mess. It was just the greatest thing to drive in.

We stayed Friday night with my Grandparents in Newport Beach. They are wonderful and it was great to be with them for a bit. I am so blessed to have such amazing family. We left Kelsey there, my cousin was getting married the next day and Kelsey was a surprise guest, while Cami, Mel, and I headed for another adventurous drive.

Saturday morning we left Newport for LA around 10:30, thinking we would for sure be there before 12:45 (the time we had planned on meeting up with Aubrey). Boy, it was a close call! Mel's TomTom took us up and down and all around. We finally made it to the Staples Center/Convetion Center with just a few minutes to spare. I was so giddy to see Aubrey and it didn't really hit me until we ran into friends from our last ward and then someone said, "Look, here she comes!" I miss that girl so sooo much. We tried to say hello, while letting her stay professional and everything, but it was so hard not to just jump out and hug her. We got into the Jam Session and took pictures with all things Dwight Howard and the Laker cut outs.

Told you we loved Dwight Howard....

My favorite though, was watching the Special Olympics clinic. This clinic was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. I was so impressed with how the players handled themselves and how they were really just there for the kids. Shannon Brown had fans screaming at him from all around the audience and I was so happy to see him ignore them and just focus on the sweet people in front of him. Shannon Brown, for that, you earned 9304820532871 points in my book. Tim Duncan, Chocolate Thunder, Sam Perkins, Felipe Lopez, and a few WNBA stars were also at the clinic. I fell in love with Felipe Lopez too. He was a hoot to watch playing with the kids. He loved it and was putting all of his energy into it. I was totally distracted by his group the whole time. Felipe Lopez, you too have earned 92290812904734 points in my book. It was so fun to see the faces on these Special Olympic teams as NBA players came out to the court to work with them. One of the cute girls closer to me was the first to spy Tim Duncan and she could hardly keep it all in. I loved seeing these sweet people and seeing some of my own students in them.

After the clinic we finally got some Aubrey time and ate lunch. We hung around for a little bit longer after lunch but went back to the hotel and hoped to find a hot tub. Long story short - they didn't have one and that was a little bit of a let down. Instead Mel, Cami, and I layed on the bed in our swimsuits and sweats and watched the Dunk Contest. It was a little ridiculous how much we couldn't pull our eyes from the TV. Then when Aubrey made it home, ESPN was still on and we had to wait and watch the Jimmer portion...of course. Then we put on some movies and crashed pretty fast....And somehow, this is the only great picture we got with her. The other ones are all make-up less and falling asleep, cute huh. I thought I would spare the blogging world of my makeup-less, sleepy face.

Sunday was a beautiful day. We drove down to pick up Kelsey from grandma and grandpa's and we went off to Fashion Island. I love Fashion Island and I have so many memories there as a child. When we lived with grandma and grandpa in Newport Beach when Kels and I were just little girls, mom used to walk us there. We would always go to the little stepping pond with the huge koi and the popping water fountain (which is now sadly gone). I might have spent too much money at Urban and Anthropolgie (all great buys though) and Melanie got a super cute new hair cut while we were there.

Sunday was the most beautiful day. We had to say goodbye to Aubrey (but I get to see her the second week of March thank you to the MWC basketball tournament!). But as we were heading back to Utah, we decided to find a beach to visit. Somehow we ended up at the Santa Monica pier! It was amazing and wonderful and so much fun.

I had to get a picture on it...I just had to!

I learned this one from Blake Griffin during the dunk contest...

And of course, on the drive home we had to make a pit stop at Buffalo Bills to ride Desperado. Probably my favorite roller coaster!

happy birthday beans!

2011-02-24T06:34:00.000-08:00

My little Hannah Banana Beans turned 12 yesterday! The time has just flown as my baby sister has grown up to be a beautiful young lady. It's hard for me to believe that she can be 12. Check out my previous Hannah birthday posts. Her 10th birthday (these are some classic Hannah photos!). Her 11th birthday.

She was like my baby. I remember taking care of her, wanting to bring her with me everywhere. She is a fiery ball of fun with dance moves and model-like poses that just make you love her even more. I love when she answers my mom's phone. I love when she is the first one to see me when I sneak home. I loved it when she would call when they first moved to Utah...she'd pretend to be ok, but pretty soon she is crying and I am driving to get her and we would spend the weekend together. I miss that. She has, not surprisingly, made so many new friends and has even picked up snowboarding. She is always on the go.

Hannah has come into my class a few times and gone on field trips with us. My students love her and she does so good with them! I love seeing their interaction. Seeing my family love waht I love to do makes me feel so wonderful. There is one boy in my class who will occasionally ask how Hannah is doing and then say, "I am going to marry Hannah." How cute is that?

Well, Beans, you are my baby sister and will always be my little Hannah banana. I will forever remember your curly hair, the wawa always in your mouth, and the tiara never leaving your head. You are such an example to me. I love your style, your love, your heart, and your contagious happy smiling attitude. I love love love love loveeeeeeee you! YOU! YOU!

ohhhh February

2011-02-17T07:50:00.000-08:00

Work has made me feel a little like this since February has started.

And it is in no way because of my students. They are fabulous, sometimes a little defiant, but they keep me smiling. It is mostly all of the paper work and the busy stuff that keeps me from my cute kids. I just need a break SOOOO...

Los Angeles, here I come! Aubrey is going to be there for the NBA All-Star game and I am going down to try and get some time with my best friend. I cannot wait.

I also went to see the Justin Bieber movie last night :) I was dreaming to Bieber tunes...that was amazing.

Haunting in 889

2011-02-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

This has been a long time coming and happened probably over a month ago...but it is a good story.

My dear roommate Melanie...she loves, or did love, watching Ghost Hunters (my favorite) and loved even more, watching Ghost Adventures (which is totally not real and I am not a big fan of). We went through a period of time where this was on our tv pretty often. This left Melanie pretty spooked and on edge most nights.

One night, Mel and I were the only ones home. We were upstairs getting ready for bed. I had just blow dried my hair and had actually been in bed for a few minutes. We were just chatting when we heard a huge bang downstairs. We froze and a few seconds later we heard my blow dryer turn on...We both screamed a little but then I started thinking about what could have happened. My blow dryer is super old and half broken so I just thought that the bang could have been my dryer falling off the counter and turning on because the switch is super sensitive. Even after explaining this to Melanie, with the dryer making noise in the background, we were spooked. I decided to be brave, but told Mel that she had to come with me. I had to drag her with me and she was a full two arms length behind me. We opened our bathroom door. Froze. Got some courage. Walked to the stairs. The dryer was so abnormally loud. I started walking down the stairs and Mel wasn't moving which meant I wasn't going anywhere. I reached back for her, held her hand, and tried so fearlessly to walk down the stairs. We got the the bottom of the stairs and she hides in the corner furthest from the bathroom, right against the stairs, and won't move.

So, big, brave me, walks to look into the bathroom all alone AND THE BLOW DRYER IS STILL ON THE COUNTER! It did NOT fall off like I thought. I screamed. Then I ran back to her and we sprinted up the stairs (mind you, Mel is doing all of this, still recovering from her little torn ACL). What was the big bang? How did my dryer turn on? Once we get upstairs we realize we didn't fix anything and that my dryer is still going. So...we inched our way back down the stairs, I ran to the bathroom and hit the switch on the mad haunted appliance, and ran back to Melanie as we sprinted back up the stairs. Once back in bed and hiding under my covers, I tell Mel that I didn't just unplug it! It might turn back on again. As we are discussing what we might have to do next, we hear the basement door open and Jen walks up. We yell down to her, "Helllooo!?!" "Hey girls"- Jen. "JEN! Could you unplug the blow dryer?!" "uhhh...sure." She comes up the stairs, sort of laughing. We tell her the story and she says, "Oh! I was wondering why you wanted me to unplug a blowdryer - it's not like a straightener or anything..."

Since then, I have tried using my blow dryer. A few weeks ago it started smoking on me and I have permanently switched to using Melanie's until I buy a new one. In fact, the haunted one made it's way into the trash can on Saturday.

Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T03:13:00.000-08:00

Last Valentine's I wrote a post, recognizing it as a day of love - and it is! My class this year is great and we are have had a great day, sharing valentines, making treats, and valentine bowling.

But this Valentine's Day is different.

I might (meaning, I really do) have someone to spend it with!

*** He even sent me flowers!

We visited my family. Ate dinner. Bought me some new black flats! YES! Went back to hang out with the siblings for some chocolate covered strawberries (thank you Kelsey). Then talked for hours. Wonderful.

Quote of the day:

One of my students walkes in from breakfast and says, "Have you seen any hippies? They ..... (inappropriate for school information - so I asked him to stop saying that). Besides, they play the guitar and eat vegetables!"

tornado dreams

2011-02-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

I had the strangest dream on Sunday afternoon. I layed down for a good Sunday afternoon nap...in fact, Melanie and Kelsey were doing the same. We were all sprawled between the two couches and the oversized chair in the front room. I started drifting off into an uneasy sleep and before I knew it...

I was at school. The power was out because, get this, a TORNADO was coming! There was lightning, huge rolling thunder, and howling of crazy wind, and I was trying to keep track of my students by flashlight. They were running all over the classroom and all I knew was that we needed to evacuate in this total chaos. So, I finally get them in a line by the door and we are getting ready to go outside when I realize, I HAVE NO SHOES ON. I had been wearing my favorite dark blue Ann Taylor heels (which I have only have done once to school!) and I did not know where they were. I sent my aides out with the 12 kids and I was crawling around my desk in the dark until I found my shoes, but somehow, the heel on my right shoe had broken. I couldn't go out barefoot - the wind was blowing who knew what all around and I didn't need to step on anything. The search for something else to put on my feet began. Luckily, I found something to put on and ran outside, very concerned about my students. I get out there and the other life skills class is with us and we are playing on the playground under a very dark sky with thunder rolling, lighting thrashing, and wind blowing. I see Miss Butler, the other LS teacher, sitting on the bench just watching everyone play. I go sit next to her, lean over and ask, "So how long does this normally last?"

That's it.

One of my students was obsessed with tornadoes a little while back. My guess is that he's the reason I had this dream.

**Favorite Quote of the Day**

Girl 1 in my class: "Justin Bieber is from Utah."
Me: "hmmm No, he is from Canada." (yes, I really do know this...)
Girl 2: "Oh ya? Then does he speak Mexican!?"
Me: I just laugh.
Girl 1: "So does he speak Canadian?!"
Me: "They speak English in Canada..."

They were so set on proving me wrong. Too bad I know my JB facts!

what a week...

2011-02-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

I knew this week was going to be rough, but I never realized it would nearly kill me (well not really, but it sure feels like it)!

I woke up Monday morning completely overwhelmed. It was SEP's (parent teacher conferenc) week, plus I had an IEP (some serious paper work that I get to do for each student because I teach special ed...lucky me) and my group had a tent up at the Marriott for the game this Saturday and we needed to take shifts. I leave for work, running just a few minutes late, and my on ramp is backed up. Shoot. I was stuck in traffic for a good 15 minutes until we finally pass a nearly nothing bumper to bumper. Great, I am going to be late to work and I was so ready to get things done! When I get to school, my principal calls me down to the office...He wants to come and observe me teach twice and at least once during the week. ahhhh. School goes fine, a typical Monday, but then I stick around at school until 6 to rearrange my room (we got desks for my students instead of tables!) and get some cleaning/organizing done. Got home at 7:00, just in time for FHE, followed by meeting with some girls from church. Finally, around 10:00 I got to make myself dinner...Mac n cheese because I haven't had time to grocery shop....and no one in my apartment has milk. ahhh hahaha. I went to bed after that.

Tuesday was another day and I woke up 15 minutes late. I got ready as fast as I could and made it to work on time! I stayed at work again until 6 but, this time, picked up some dinner on my way home. Got home around 7:30, ate the food, went to the gym, and then stopped by our tent at the Marriott to keep Melanie company while she was on tent duty. Then sleep!

Wednesday. Groundhog Day! Wooo. First day of conferences. Success but another late night.

Thursday. I wake up 20 minutes early and get to work early to finish my IEP - I think I did a great job! Ready to take a bow. Oh and it's the 100th day of school...time to celebrate. Then my principal is in to watch me teach my class. I got my results back and I didn't do bad...not bad at all. Then conferences and an even longer night...Driving home, I get onto the freeway, start driving, just over the speed limit and I see lights flash behind me. My heart stops, or rather starts beating like crazy! Don't worry, he didn't pull me over, but he did it to several cars as they would get onto freeway. Just giving us all a warning that he is there. I made it home safely and here I am watching Groundhog Day with Melanie.

I am exhausted. It was the fastest week of my life, but my poor body is thrashed, exhausted, and extremely worn out. Well, I am going to go watch my movie. Goodnight! Oh and please don't mind my poor grammer or bad spelling...I am writing this exhausted, just like I said.

a baby girl!

2011-01-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

No no no...I am not having a baby, but Lindsay is! And I am so happy for her. I have waited for her to have a baby since the day they got married! I grew up with the Larsen family and I feel like they are actually my second family - more than any other family - So I declare myself, aunt Tati. :)

And little baby Maren will be wearing my first ever created flower onesies!