time with my mama

Guess who came to visit?

My sweet mom!!!

We had her for a whole fabulous week.

Sunday, was cold, but not as cold as it has been, so we thought it would be a good time for a little walk around a nearby lake.  It was pretty much freezing.  We did the whole loop though, and I loved every minute of it, just talking.

Monday, we took mom to see the temple.  Of course, we got hungry and it was just so convenient that our favorite burger place is only a few minutes away from the temple. It was as delicious as ever and mom approved.  (The place is called D-Spot. Seriously, to all my Minnesota friends, you need to try it.)

Tuesday, mom took us to see Frozen.  My students (and the whole world) have been raving about it since it came out and Ashton and I still hadn't seen it.  Plus, mom was also looking for a reason to see it again and we were a good excuse.  Of course, we loved it!

Wednesday, mom and I had a night out on the town.  We started by visiting Midtown Global Market.  I almost feel like I am traveling while I am there, like I am back in Mexico (depending on which part of the market you are walking through).  They even sell mate and tapas for empanadas!  After exploring the market, mom and I went to the Timberwolves Kings game.  Tickets were awesome, thanks to my best friend, and my mom now understands the obsession I had with camping out for good seats at BYU.  Being that close to the action is a whole new experience and once you have had it, it is hard to go back!  We had a blast and were able to cheer loud for Jimmer when he scored his only basket of the night.

Thursday, I took mom to the Mall of America.  How cool is it that I live less than half an hour from the biggest mall in our country?!  Mom took most of the pictures, but I did get a cute one of her.  Thursday night we ate in (yummy pizza) and played Farkle while watching basketball.

Friday, we went back to the movies and saw Jack Ryan.  That was followed by Shepherd's Pie and more games, Rummikub this time.

Saturday, was our last day with mom.  We had some serious snow fall Friday night, which was nice because it covered up the dirty snow that has been on the ground for far too long, but terrible because now we have so much snow!  Ashton worked all morning so mom and I went to Target.  But, before we could leave, I had to spend forever brushing a good 6 inches off of the car.  Target was fun, always my favorite, especially when I have gift cards from Christmas to use!  Following our Target trip, we met up with Ashton at home.  Mom began making a birthday cake for herself, for us, and Ashton took a nap (poor guy had to be to work at 4 am!).  While he was sleeping, mom and I went to see Minnehaha falls.  I had seen the falls over the summer, but heard that they were beautiful frozen.  Stunning.  For dinner, we took mom to Raising Cane's, yum!  And then came home to celebrate an early birthday.

This morning, I dropped her off at the airport.

I hate goodbyes, but I am so glad that I got to spend this week with my mom.  I am grateful that I was able to celebrate a birthday with her.  Grateful that I get to call her mom.  She is full of love, happiness, and beauty.  She gives up so much to make sure we are happy.  I know there was a lot she missed this week, just so she could be with me.  That makes my heart feels like it might burst.

** I also want to thank my dad for sending her to me this week - I know running the house without her is not an easy thing.

mall of america & mirror maze

On Thursday, we went to the Mall of America.  I have only been once before and it was Ashton's first time.  Casey was so excited about Nickelodeon Universe!  Coree had a paper for school to finish, so while she found a quiet place to work, we walked around the mall.  That place is huge!  My goal was to find some real snow boots and I found them! After lunch, we went through the Mirror Maze.  I had no idea it was there, but when Casey was doing his "research" of things to do in Minnesota, he found it.  We had so much fun, but our heads were spinning for a bit when we got out.

 Double Casey's

So many Ashton's.

After exploring the Mall of America, we took a drive through downtown Minneapolis.  We were going to stop and walk through some of the skyways, but the Mall had taken it out of us.  We were exhausted and decided to just look at the skyways from the car.  Ashton and Casey went and played some church basketball later that night while us ladies stayed in and watched Hocus Pocus. 

when family visits

I had fall break on Thursday and Friday and it just so happened that the Smiths in Utah did too!  Ashton and I had been talking of different things we could do over fall break and when he mentioned his family might come out, I almost cried.  I love living in Minnesota, but lately, I sure have been missing family.  Michele, Coree, and Casey decided to come and visit for the short break and it was just what I needed.  

They got here on Wednesday evening after two long days of driving.  On top of bringing themselves, they also brought some of my favorite things.  Our little apartment was full of happy hearts.

 Mate cocido and home dipped chocolate covered cinnamon bears. Yum.

Rummikub!

Sad day in cougartown.

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.)

is it that time of year?

I was just putting new music on my ipod and was surprised at how tempted I was to put on Christmas music.  Normally, I focus on one holiday at a time, meaning that I don't listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving.  Maybe, just maybe, this year I will let it come a little sooner?  It will definitely have to wait until after Halloween, but...

I think I just might.

my wonderful aunt

Today is my aunt's birthday!

Michelle is my second mom. She is a huge part of my life. Michelle has been with me through all the stages of Tati, both pleasant and not so pleasant. She came with me to buy my first bra. She talked me into shaving my legs for the first time. MAJOR point in a young girl's life! Every summer, when I would head to Provo for EFY, I would always spend a weekend with Michelle - going to Lagoon and eating at P.F. Chang's.

Then I went to BYU and Michelle lived in Provo. We saw movies and ate sushi at least once a week. She let me borrow her car and wash laundry at her house. Until she moved to Draper and I would see her probably twice a month. Those two years were hard, especially once Kelsey moved in with Michelle and got to have all the fun with her!

During my freshman year at BYU, she took me to Argentina and Chile - a trip I will never forget. I was reunited with family that I either hadn't seen for over 10 years or had never even met before. I experienced a life that I had only dreamed about.

Now I live in Draper with her! Living with her has taught me so much, and it hasn't even been a month yet. Michelle is the most generous, selfless person I know. She is always giving, always serving, and always helping family and friends. She always encouraged me in my dreams and she still does. I love her.

true love.

Grandma went to the hospital on Monday. Don't worry, it was a little bit of a scare, but it is just an infection and she will be out before tomorrow. I stopped by to visit her after work yesterday and we were able to chat for about an hour, just the two of us.

For those of you who don't know, my grandparents have one of the sweetest love stories of all time, and they very obviously love and adore each other. Grandpa served his mission in Argentina. Grandma is from a beautiful city called Mar del Plata. Her and her family were some of the earliest converts in their area, so obviously, Grandpa got to know them fairly well on his mission. When he returned home, he stayed in touch with my grandma's family through snail mail. Grandma was the oldest girl and would respond on behalf of the family. Now, she was 7 years older and had a child, so no one ever suspected anything. But they fell in love and Grandpa decided he wanted to fly her to the United States and marry her.


Yesterday, Grandma told me that when Grandpa had asked her to marry him, she was not sure how to respond. She didn't know any English, her parents did not want her to leave, she had a son, and she had only known my grandpa as an elder. She said that she thought about it for weeks and one morning she woke up and just knew. She told me how she wrote him and accepted his proposal and her face lit up just talking about it.







They are always together. They have become one and when they have to leave each other, they take it hard, but the reunions are always so sweet. They are constantly holding hands and still speak so kindly and gently with one another. They have been married for 47 years. Someday, I hope to have a love so strong. It's truly adorable.

my mom

There's no one better than my mom. The older I get, the more I start to really understand all that she has done for me. And she has done a lot. She is my best friend and I counsel with her for EVERY little thing I do. She is my support, the one that stabilizes my life when I am almost positive that all walls are about the crumble.

She is beautiful. She is fun. She can dance. She is funny. She listens. She gives the greatest advice. She is an example. She is beautiful. She loves BYU sports as much as or more than I do.
She comes to my class and supports me and my career by loving my students as much as I do. She can jerk. She is beautiful.
She has the most amazing hair. She is the reason for my Latin flair. She talks to me everyday and if I don't call her, she calls me to make sure everything is alright.

She tries to protect me and my heart. She makes delicious food. She loves the gospel. She has a huge and kind heart. She thinks my friends are great. She thinks I am great.

She gives so that we can have. She lives her life for her family. She loves my dad. She is always right beside me. She loves me.

sister love

Last night I called mom...but it wasn't a normal phone call.

Mom was talking to the entire family and sort of trying to talk to me. Normally, this would bother me, but I was listening to everyone in the background - laughing, shouting and being crazy as always. I am so lucky to have such an awesome family.

Then today, Michelle was telling me stories about me and Kels when we were little. I love her. We have been best friends from the beginning. My car broke down...she came and sat with me and even drove me to work. She comes into my class and she is SO good with my kids. She comes with me to watch boys play football in the snow. She let's me bring Berto home with us. She has the greatest dance parties. I love driving home just the two of us more than anything. She is very protective of me and my heart (I think I love that most about her...she'd beat anyone up for me!) That's just a small amount of what she does for me. Plus - she's super cute. Yep, I love her.

home sweet home

I haven't been home for at least 4 Easters. This year, I found myself with a spring break and not really sure what to do because spring break is not something BYU students experience. I haven't complain much about this missing break, but I really needed it this year and since I am interning, I am on the school district's schedule and you cannot deprive K-12 students of a spring break! So if you followed that at all, I do not have to teach or do anything school related this WHOLE week.

That means I get to be home for a WHOLE week - 9 days even! And I finished my portfolio before I left so I don't even have homework! No teaching. No school work. It is like a mini summer vacation.

San Marcos has given me quite the time so far. We got here Friday night/Saturday morning.

Saturday - General Conference, LOVE THIS. Laid by the pool with Syd. Read a good book. Mr. Taco for lunch (how I crave Mr. Taco. It is my favorite Mexican food. For sure). More of the Conference that I LOVE. Scary movie that I didn't like so much.

Sunday - HAPPY EASTER and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYDNEY! More General Conference. A trip to La Jolla and the beautiful temple! I got super burned. EARTHQUAKE - a big one too and aftershocks are still coming. Back for a delicious dinner by mom - soooo good. Birthday singing for Syd.

Monday - Running with Porter - it poured on us. Thank you rain. Then lunch on the pier with - so fun but we got poured on again. We were the only ones on the pier, it was quite amazing. Then we let the food soak in and eat more - Killer Pizza From Mars (another family favorite) with everyone for dinner. Followed by jacuzzi and The Proposal.

It's great to be home.

Sir Woodrow of Stone Abby

Mom just called to tell me that we had to put our Woody down. We all knew it was coming, he had huge tumors growing on his leg...but I thought I would get to see him when I came home for Easter. They buried him back in the corner of our lot and mom said that it was like heaven back there today, with the orange trees blossoming and the sun shining.

We got Woody the week we moved into our house, about 8 years ag0. He has been a part of life there and I cannot imagine home without him. He was always the first one to greet me when I would visit home.

Woody always seemed like a puppy to me. He was a happy dog who loved the water. On hot summer days, he would knock the water our of his bowl and flop in it. He looked like a seal. Watching him in the water was my favorite.

There was something majestic about Woody. He always looked like he was deep in thought. His eyes were endearing and you instantly fell in love with him. Plus, his hair was beautiful, so he fit right in with the Thorkelson clan :) He was a full bred Chocolate Lab with the longest tongue I had ever seen. I remember the first time I took Woody for a walk - he sure walked me. On the way back, our neighbor's two pit bulls attacked my puppy. I just remember screaming for someone to help. My poor Woody was a little scratched up, but it didn't keep him from dragging me home.

We walked a lot in the summers back when he was young, but any walk became this super long stop and go activity. Woody did not like walking in the heat and anytime he could find the shade of a tree, there he would lie until he decided to get up and go again. He was my type of dog.

One year for Christmas, I got a puppy. His name was Bubba. Woody instantly loved my Bubba. Woody and Bubba often got lost out exploring and it always scared us. One day Dad wanted me to wait for him after swim practice. He told me that Bubba and Woody had left our yard again, but this time Bubba had been hit. I remember crying in the garage with Woody for weeks after I lost Bubba. Poor Woody really understood what was going on because he had lost his best friend too. He was never really the same after that. I guess that is when he started seeming old to me.

Woody was in Christmas cards with us. He was the one to scare all the crazy youth who would attempt to TP our house (little did they know, the minute you said his name he would let you come and go as you please). Woody was always playing games and would even jump up on the trampoline where his nails would just slip and slide so that he couldn't even stand up. Woody loved riding in the back of the suburban. Those were the days...all the windows down or else you'd smell like dog, but having Woody there to lick at the wind was so worth it. He loved us and we really do love him.

The Puppy Song - by Harry Nilsson

If only I could have a puppy

I'd call myself so very lucky

Just to have some company

To share a cup of tea with me

I'd take my puppy everywhere

La la la la I wouldn't care

Then we'll stay away from crowds

With signs that say no dogs allowed

Oh we... I know he'd never bite me

We... I know he'd never bite me

my crazy weekend

The MWC basketball tournament was in Vegas this weekend - and like always, I was there. We (Me, Aubrey and Mel) left Friday night and got to Vegas around midnight. We stayed with a friend for the night and then thanks to Josh and Rosie, we went to the Planet Hollywood Towers and hung out by the pool. I got some sun for sure...

Then we ate In N Out (of course) followed by shopping at the Outlets. The game was fun, but definitely a little depressing. We watched SDSU beat UNM and then we played UNLV. All games this tournament have been really close. The UNLV fans got into a huge fight with each other at one point. That got crazy real fast. Cops came up and everything. Such an experience.

Bummed by the loss, we got in the car right after the game and drove to San Diego. I mean, why not? We were already half way there. We pulled up to my house around 4:00 am and I surprised my family. I ran upstairs to wake up mom who didn't know what was going on at all. She was shocked and the reaction I got from Port and Hannah was even better. They both jumped out of bed to get me. Oh how I love being loved.

Saturday we slept in, watched the classic Thorkelson tv shows (The Middle and Community) and then went for a walk on the pier. I never forget how beautiful home is but it always takes my breath away.

After lunch at In N Out, the girls and I drove up to Long Beach to watch the BYU men's volleyball play in a tournament. I know - I sound like an obsessive crazy. I am only sort of that. They just happened to be nearby and it is my last year, so why not get it all in now? Doesn't sound so crazy after all huh? :)

I was home for exactly 27 hours - the next morning we woke up and drove back to Provo (stopping in St. George for, of course, In N Out). Back with the snow and mountains and everything. Pretty, but nothing like home.

So - - - - Friday in Vegas, Saturday in San Diego, Sunday driving back to Provo - stopping for In N Out all three days. What a weekend.

she's sooo grown up!

The BEANS is 11!

Can you believe it because I cannot. My baby sister is so not a baby anymore. I am so proud of who she is becoming and I wish that I was able to be around more to watch her grow up.

We went to the beach together on Christmas day. Isn't she so cute? She fell asleep on the way there and on the way back. :)

I love her. I love her dance moves. I love playing charades with her. I love when we go on scooter rides and sing Corinne Bailey Rae. I love that she loves my baby Berto. I love her freckles, her long brown hair, and I love her sweet heart. She is genuine and she loves everyone. She is a great friend and she can make anyone laugh! I just keep thinking it is a good thing she doesn't have a phone because I would text her more than anyone else.

We definitely have the oldest/youngest sibling relationship. I would do anything for her.

I love you my Hannah Banana

Feliz Cumpleanos a mi Mami

Mom's birthday - January 19th. I wish I could be with her more than ever this year. As I have gone through this last hard few weeks, she has come with me. She has a ton on her own plate but here she is struggling with me through my sad days.

My mom has given up so much for us kids and the older I get, the more that I notice it. I worry that I don't have the selflessness

yet. She has been such an example to us of a

willingness to serve and she is dedicated to love. She is still so protective of me and I forgot that. The other day she told me that I am still her baby cub, and just like any momma bear, she would do anything to try to keep me from hurting. Sweet huh :)

Last night I was driving Kelsey's boyfriend home and was just telling me how cool my family is - I guess Ijust forget because they are mine - but seriously, I have a cool family and the coolest mom.

I remember the first time mom tried to teach me how to dance. She turned on Back to Life by Soul II Soul (a song they seriously still play all of the time on the radio in Provo!) and proceeded to dance around our kitchen in Emerald Heights. hahaha I could not dance (it is something I am still working on), but mom, she can move. Over Christmas break we had a few spontaneous dance parties and mom broke out the Jerk. I was amazed and I still watch the forbidden recordings I have of it when I am sad. It's amazing how happy it makes me.

Mom raised us listening to the good stuff - America, James Taylor, Harry Connick. With dad it was Van Halen, Police, good stuff too. But when mom played music, I would sway my head back and forth. Dad's music made me rock out, nodding my head. haha

Mom is my supporter. You want a guinea pig? ok - go for it! You got home this morning at 3 and you want to go running at 9? You sure? alright. Hey, I think it is time to go look at Anthropologie.

When I was your age - my parents lived halfway across the world! Imagine how hard it was for me. I wish you could all have the opportunity to watch BYU football with my mom. She is a crazy

fan...maybe even more than me.

Happy Birthday mom. I love you so much.