when Jameson visits...

...it's a party.

Jameson works for the Color Run and they had a race in Minneapolis this weekend.  He made arrangements to fly out early and we got to spend a few days with him.

We picked him up from the airport on Monday and really didn't have plans, which was good because he ended up taking a nice long nap.

Tuesday morning we started at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.  We found a nearby beach at Lake Harriet where we sat and watched a turtle.  A turtle.  Out in the open.  Just swimming in the lake.  We seemed to be the only ones really surprised by this.  I have heard that turtles were everywhere out here, but I guess I just had to see it to believe it!

After exploring Lake Harriet, we stopped by Lake Calhoun where we found a nice beach and got to soak in some sun.

Favorite picture from that day:

Can we all appreciate how much Ashton loves when I try to kiss him in public.

For dinner on Tuesday, we went to the Pizza Ranch - a restaurant with endless pizza, salad, chicken, mashed potatoes, and so much more.  The Smith's discovered it while they were visiting.  Wonderful discovery.

Wednesday, we visited the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.  It was pretty neat!

Then, of course, we had to take Jameson to Matt's Bar.

Come visit us and I will buy you a Jucy Lucy.

After we were full of that oozing, cheesy goodness, we went back to Eden Prairie to check out a local beach.  I am so excited to have found a go-to beach.  Ashton spent some time under a towel (hiding from the sun).  We also found that they rented paddle boards!  That has to be one of my favorite things.

We weren't able to participate in the Color Run, but we got to say goodbye to Jameson on Sunday night.  It was great having Jameson in town.  He was very kind about my experimental dinners, complimented my outfits, and was such a gracious guest.  Jameson, you are welcome any time!

God Bless America!

There is nothing like the 4th of July.  The whole country is united in red, white, and blue.  The day is spent with BBQ's, time with family, and of course, fireworks.  I have loved the 4th since I was a little girl.  It is a magical holiday.

Loving it as a little girl.  With Kelsey and Alyse!

Yesterday was our first Independence Day together and I loved it.  We started the day with Ashton helping me get my bangs back.  I was missing them and I think we did a pretty good job.

My friend Dave invited us to a BBQ that his wife's family does every year.  Brisket, brats, homemade BBQ sauce, salad, and trifle.  What is the 4th without a delicious BBQ?!  After that, we took a good, long nap.  After our nap, I was naturally craving a peanut butter and oreo shake - so we visited DQ.  The Dairy Queen was close to Round Lake, which is where Eden Prairie has their big 4th of July celebration and fireworks.  We got there at 7:00 and fireworks weren't until 10.  Ashton and I took a blanket, listened to a jazz band and wedding bands, and then enjoyed the fireworks.  Can I just say that I miss the days when it was just the sound of fireworks and not music with fireworks.  The music is so loud that it overpowers the firework booms, which are my favorite part!  Regardless, it was still magical.

I have to admit, though, that as wonderful as it was - yesterday was the first time I missed Utah.  I have always spent the 4th of July surrounded by family.

 1. All my family is in Utah

2. Utah really knows how to celebrate Independence Day.

3. My abuela turned 81 yesterday.  Love you grandma!  So much!

Isn't she the sweetest?!

As Ashton and I watched fireworks, I was overcome by the love I have for this great country.

There is so much that is controversial right now and it often hurts my heart - but that will always be a part of politics and a part of our freedom, which then makes me grateful for the controversies.  I am so grateful that we are able to have opinions, beliefs, and the ability to live life the way we want to.  I am also grateful to those who are fighting to keep our country safe.  In the last few years, I have become more sensitive to the spirit of patriotism - and the next paragraph shares a little bit of why.  But as I have gotten older and having seen this country pull together through some terrible things, I have seen amazing power, love, and unity.

I was reading my past 4th of July posts and I was touched by something I had shared, so I will share it again.  As a teacher, I have said the Pledge of Allegiance with my students every morning.  When we would stand up to say the Pledge, all of my students would participate.  They all knew to stand and place their right hand over their heart.  All of them would look at the flag.  I have had several students who can't talk or only know a few words, but often, they were able to recite parts of the Pledge with us.  It brings the spirit of patriotism into my life and it is one of the greatest blessings of teaching.

I am so very proud to be an American.

that one post about how I got a job!

Yesterday was a busy day for us!

We woke up early Thursday morning and met the missionaries at the chapel at 8:50.  From there we took them out to the temple, a good 40 minute drive.  We would have done a session too, but I had an interview back in Bloomington at 10:45.

Here's for the interview part.  I had interviewed with this district via skype back in Utah, but never heard back from them, that is until about a week ago.  The director called me and apologized for not getting back to me earlier.  She explained to me that they had had some hold ups and changes in their district, but she had been impressed with me and wanted me to interview for a few more positions.

I walked into the room.  Two principals were there along with another special education teacher and a school psychologist.  The interview went well, but I left thinking there was no way they'd offer me one of the positions.  I say this because I thought I was too much of a "self-contained" teacher for what they were looking for.  At the end, I asked how quickly they were planning on hiring because I did tell the other district I would get back to them on Monday.  The director told me that she was going to be calling references but was going to be out of the office next week for the holiday.  She wasn't planning on offering positions until the week after the 4th of July.  Walking to the car, I sort of made the decision that I should just accept the other job.  They had called and told me they were willing to arm wrestle for me, and it is always nice to be wanted.

Ashton and I drove back out to the temple to pick up the missionaries.  We sat on the temple grounds for about 45 minutes, before I got a phone call.  It was the director I just interviewed with.  She had already called my references after the previous interview and she wanted to know how interested I was in their positions.  I told her the truth - that I had wanted a more severe setting, but there weren't many level 3 positions open.  I told her a little more about the students I had in my class the last few years and the more that I talked to her, the more I wanted what they had to offer.  When I told her that they were my number one option right now, she simply said, "So is that a yes?"  I was in shock!  It was not at all what I was expecting, but of course I said yes and she welcomed me to their district!

But this is all dependent on me getting a Minnesota teaching license - and that is one run around that is going to be one big headache.

The missionaries came out just after I had received the call, so we decided to go to lunch to celebrate!  Ashton had done some research the night before and had come across the "Jucy Lucy" on Man vs. Food.  So we went to Matt's Bar to give this Jucy Lucy a try.  It is a cheeseburger with the cheese melted inside the meat.  Oh.  My.  Goodness!!!  You should probably come visit us - just so I can take you to experience this delicious burger!

Anyway, it was another good day in Minnesota!

And hopefully there will be another post announcing that I am licensed to teach in Minnesota.

happy tuesday!

It was a good Tuesday.

First.  Ashton took a big test yesterday.  He has been studying for it since before school even started.  He had to memorize a map full of all types of air traffic control goodness.  If you can't replicate the map by memory, you're done.  Well, he found out tonight that he got a perfect score! 100%!  Proud wife moment.

This morning, I spent some time skyping with Kels.  Miss seeing that face of hers.  And that baby bump is growing!  Can't wait to be an aunt.

Then I went grocery shopping.  Which I love to do.  And because we finally have a system down so I know what I am making for dinner during the week.  Impressive, right!  We had a delicious salad tonight.  Fun telling Ashton I just made salad for dinner.  Luckily, he liked it - or at least, he told me he did.

Ashton and I discovered that our movie theater does $5 matinee movies on Tuesdays!  Score!  Guess what we will be doing Tuesday afternoons for the rest of the summer...

A few of you have asked me about interviews.  I have had 2 since we have been here.  One of them offered me a position just yesterday, but it's a 40 minute drive and I did a 40 minute commute for the last three years.

I have another interview for a school in the next city over on Thursday and another interview scheduled for two weeks from today.  Hopefully, I will be sharing a post titled, "I got a job!" pretty soon here.

We also went running tonight.  My mile times are getting fast running with my man!  (But not fast enough to share yet)  He sets a fast pace.

And because we ran, we let ourselves eat a late night bowl of cereal.

when family comes to town...

The Smith's came to spend a few days with us last week and it was so nice to have family around again.

It also gave us an excuse to go out and explore our new home a little more.

They got here Saturday afternoon and we were off.  Our first stop was Minnehaha Falls.  The falls themselves were in the park and so after we walked down to them, we decided to do a little walking. 

Then we stumbled across the Minnesota Lock & Dam No. 1.  As we were leaving, one of the locks began to fill up.  It was amazing how fast it did!

Sunday was Father's Day.  Michele and I made pulled pork sandwiches and some pasta salad.  Then Tony, Michele, and I went on a walk through the forest trail close to our house.  All of the sudden the wind picked up and dark clouds rolled in.  We turned around and hurried home as fast as we could.  All I could picture was us walking into a wall of water.  It got a little spooky with the wind howling through the trees and it suddenly going dark.  We even came across a tree that had been knocked down.  And then the rain came.  We made it home only semi soaked - that was an adventure.

Monday started with Michele and I taking a walk around a nearby lake.  I sure married into some amazing in-laws.  Michele and I were able to talk about this and that and everything in between.  Even once we made it home from the two and a half mile walk, we sat in the car and kept talking for another 15 or so minutes.  Then I was off with the gang to visit the Mall of America while Ashton went to school and studied.  I didn't take pictures in the mall, but holy cow, it is pretty impressive!  There is an entire theme park in the middle.  Four stories of shopping.  We didn't go into many of the stores - I didn't want to spend money.  So we just wandered and I know we didn't see everything!  There was even an aquarium - Ashton and I will be back to visit it I am sure.

That night we went to the Pizza Ranch.  The Smith's had seen it on their way to our place and knew we had to go.  It was a pizza buffet and it was pretty good!

Tuesday, I took off with the crew again (while Ashton went to school and studied).  This time we went into the city and walked through the Mill District and across the Stone Arch Bridge.  Oh my goodness - the city is beautiful!  I am in love with the parts it I have seen.  After that walk, we went over to Dinkytown and the University of Minnesota.  What a beautiful campus!

Wednesday, Michele and I took another wonderful morning walk and then we hung around at home waiting for Ashton so we could go explore together.  We had a nice little walk planned around the Como Zoo, but once we made it to the zoo, we pretty much hung out there and were too tired to finish the walk.  Obviously, the giraffes were our favorite!

Have I mentioned how humid it is out here?!  Such a difference from Utah.

Ps. We spent every night playing Yahtzee and eating ice cream.  It doesn't get better than that!

Thursday, we had to say goodbye to our visitors.  We were sad to see them go.  It was so much fun to have a house full of people we love. 

Thanks for coming.  Miss you guys!

Princess Millie

Today my heart has been heavy.

I found out this morning that little miss Millie Flamm passed away.

I am at a loss of words.  She was perfect in every way.  She fought cancer like a princess.  She made Porter smile when he didn't have much to smile about.  In fact, she made all of us smile.  Millie had your heart the minute you met her.

On Christmas Eve, my family and I went up to Primary's to wish Porter's cancer friends a Merry Christmas.  I will never forget how excited Millie was to receive a simple stuffed animal from us.  She squealed.  She hugged it.  She smiled.  She thanked us.  What a sweet memory.

Then there was that time when she was supposed to go to the Justin Bieber concert, but couldn't and nearly all of Utah reached out to Justin, asking him to visit her.  And he did.  And I will forever love him for it.

This is what my dad posted on facebook this morning, so I apologize to those who have already read it, but I have to share.

"We're sad to report that our little friend, Millie, passed away this morning. You may remember Millie from the news stories when Justin Bieber delayed his SLC concert to visit her in the hospital (she had tickets for the concert, but sadly she relapsed and could not attend). She was an amazing little girl who had the whole Thorkelson family wrapped around her little finger. We are deeply saddened at the news of her passing. 

Saturday, June 29 there is a 5k in her honor and to raise funds and awareness for childhood cancers. Details can be found at www.milliesprincessrun.org. We encourage all Utah friends and family to join us. Sign up before June 22. Last year it sold out, so hurry.

Lastly, we share the video her family made a few months back. What a beautiful little girl and family! I believe in a loving Father in Heaven who has the power to make all things right in this world, and the next. I know Millie and her family will once again be reunited. http://youtu.be/RROMOL-BxRk"

I am so grateful for the example Millie was to all of us in her short life.  She fought with grace and a smile.  I wish I was in Utah to run for her on the 29th - so if you are in the Salt Lake are, go run it for me.

Her family was unbelievably strong and spent more time at Primary's than we could ever imagine.  When we went on Christmas Eve, they were all there with a little Christmas tree up on the window ledge.  I can't imagine how hard Christmas in the hospital must be.  My heart hurts for them.  I hope they know how much we look up to them, what an example they have been and continue to be, and that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Cancer sucks.

AF Half

Today was the American Fork Canyon Half Marathon.

I ran it last year and still get emotional while thinking about it.  It was quite the experience, one I will never forget.  I ran it for Porter, who was in the thick of his fight against cancer at this time.  The first "run for..." sign that we saw along the trail was for him.

I am grateful for that run.  Grateful for those who ran it today.  Grateful for those who run for their loved ones fighting cancer.  This beautiful run donates all its proceeds to cancer patients in our community.

 I am grateful for Spencer who ran with me.  Grateful for friends and family who supported me and my family for those long 9 months and continue to do so even now.

This morning, I got a text from one of my aides who was running it saying, "Look who I met!"  Then I got this picture.

I missed home instantly.  My aunt Michelle is on the left and DJ is on the right.  Michelle does everything for her nieces and nephews.  I had no idea that she was running today and I wish I was running with her.  I spent a good part of this year watching DJ transform.  She has worked so hard and today ran a half marathon!  I couldn't be more proud of them and I wish I was there to cheer them on!

This run will forever mean so much to me and I hope that maybe next year I can be there again.  My life has forever been changed by Porter's battle.  It is something that still hurts when I think about it.  How lucky we are to still have my handsome brother with us when so many aren't as fortunate.  No matter how cancer touches your life, it changes it entirely.

I am grateful for my Porter.  Who turns 17 in 6 days.  Completely cancer-free and getting ready for his last year of high school.

I am feeling homesick for the first time since we moved to Minnesota (a whole two weeks now).  Good thing Ashton is totally worth it.  Love love love.

***I  must confess that I haven't ran more then 5 miles since my go at the half last year.  I don't know how I did it, but I have a feeling it was probably all thanks to my Porter Strong bracelet.