Michelle

Books, Books, Books

2012-01-15T11:39:00.001-08:00

Well, I have decided to start reading again, because I love it. I set some time aside before bed to read for pleasure. Two books so are:

I really loved both of these books. They kept me caprivated and were not too crazy, which I love. If you have suggestions on books I should add to my list, let me know!

Nutcracker

2012-01-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well this was beyond weeks ago. Sydney, Heather, and I went to The Nutcracker at the Colonial Theater. It was so much fun (other than the fact that I looked at the seating map incorrectly and we were on the top row of the nosebleed section... my bad). We dressed up, looked super awesome, and went. We all had a great time!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T09:46:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas! I am so thankful for the special spirit that Christmas brings each year: the music, the treats, the family time, the smells. Everything! I am so grateful for our Savior and for all that He did for me and you!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Love,
Michelle

Mustache Mischief

2011-12-04T20:51:00.000-08:00

Hasta La Vegas

2011-11-22T08:30:00.000-08:00

I am home! It's been lots of fun to be home and to see family and friends. It's ultra cold here, but I am sure I'll get used to that again.
I will miss Las Vegas so much. I'll miss my students, my amazing friends, the weather, fun things to do 24/7, the location, the business, etc.

A Bad Addiction

2011-11-15T16:15:00.000-08:00

I have a BAD addiction. It takes up tons of time and I get way, way too many ideas:
PINTEREST!!! I love it. It's especially bad since I've had more open time at night since I don't teach the lessons anymore in class, so I just stay up looking at great ideas!

Another Sunny Day in California!

2011-11-13T19:08:00.001-08:00

This weekend Stacey and I went to Oceanside, California. It was so much fun. We left Wednessday after our presentations and came home Sunday night.
While we were there we got to see the beach. It was gorgeous there and not very crowded at all. We played on the pier lots too. On Friday we went to Seaworld and had so much fun. We got an awesome deal and got $20 off our price. It was great. We made sure to see every single thing there and to go on every single ride. It was a blast.
5 days: HOME

I passed

2011-11-09T15:28:00.000-08:00

I presented my Work Sample today for student teaching and guess what?... I passed! They loved it and I was so pleased. I felt it went really well and am really, really proud of my unit.
I also passed the thorn-in-my-side-for-4-years-math-test! Yay thats over with.

Now onto jobs in the real work. Keep your eyes and ears open.

Now CALIFORNIA!!!!

New Update

2011-11-06T08:37:00.001-08:00

Wow, I really wish that I would've keep up with this. Now I am having a hard time remembering what I did so long ago, so I guess I'll start when I last remember.
We went to the Luxor (pyramid shaped casino) and rode the the top. The elevator goes sideways, which was really cool.
Alright, A couple weeks ago, I went to Lion King. It was by far the best play I've ever seen. I highly recommend it for anyone who comes to Vegas (before Jan. because it's ending). It was amazing, and we somehow got amazing seats which was unusual because we did "student rush" which was the dirt cheap tickets that students get.
Right after the show we met up with Stacey's family who had come from Canada to visit for the weekend. We were eating at a little restaurant late at night. As we were walking out, Stacey, Lori, and I recognized a gorgeous guy and couldn't stop staring. We sorta just stopped right in front of him trying to figure it out (classy, I know). Well, we figured it out. He was Jesse Williams, the guy from Sisterhood 2 and Greys Anatomy (I guess, someone told me about Greys). Well, we asked to get a picture with him. As we were getting ready for the picture, one of the friends, there were 5, stayed in the picture. We were really confused why he was standing in view of the camera. At the same time we realized it was CHAD MICHEAL MURRY. It was really great. We were really giddy and squealy after we realized how awesome we were.
Stacey and I got to stay in the Venetian on that Friday night. Her parents had gotten a great deal there and were staying there, but had to leave to go home a day early because their daughter-in-laws brother had died, so it was for a really sad reason, but it was good for us. The room was gigantic. It had a huge, comfy bed, 3 TVs, an awesome bathroom, awesome view of the Mirage Volcano, a set-down living room with awesome couches. It was so much fun. Highlight of the room = the blinds and curtains were controlled by a remote control. It was so much fun. We really enjoyed it. When we woke up the next morning we went to the pool and literally stayed all day, until the sun went down. We got awesome color and had a great time.
I found a ticket in a free pamphlet to go to the top of the Eiffel tower for $5, so Stacey and I went to the top. It was something we really wanted to do, but didn't want to pay full price. WE were thrilled at how cheap we were able to go for. We got to watch the sun set (too bad it wasn't a boy... it could've been romatical). We watched the Bellagio fountains from the top. I have to say, it was the coolest view of the fountains I've ever seen. I adore those fountains so it was even better. We could even hear the music. This is another one I'd highly suggest.
That same night we were walking down the street and those men in suits stopped us like always and asked if we wanted to go into a club for free for free drinks. We always just ignore them, but decided this time that we should stop. We got the wrist bands, went to the place, showed our IDs and got free Shirley Temples. It was awesome. There were 2 other guys in the club. It was hoppin'... hahah!
Friday night our friend Justin used his local ID to get us into "the Mentalist" for free (but we had to buy a drink...virgin.... to get the deal). It was cheesy, but fun. The guy read minds of people and did other crap that is totally staged I am guessing, but some was cool.
Saturday, Stacey and I went to Chinatown. It was not as exciting as I'd assumed it would be. Worst part of all, it was like HELLO KITTY-TOWN. WOOF. It was nasty how much was around us. Afterwards we went to the Silverton Casino, which was really cool, and saw the live Mermaids and watched the sting rays get fed. It was really really cool. The live mermaids have oxygen tubes out around the fish tank area and they just have goggles. They swim around, even smile, and have a mermaid tail. It was so cool. There were baby sharks in there, huge sea fish, and other crazy things. It was a fun thing to watch.
This was really condensed and I hope I didn't miss much. In between everything, Stacey and I have gone to tons of casinos that we've never been to and have explored lots. It's been a super fun few weeks. We've also been really really busy working on our "teacher work sample" that we have to defend on Wed. I finally finished mine and am very proud. I am so close. I can't wait. I just have two weeks left, and stupid math in my way to my degree!!! YAYAYYYAYA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Have a super week

I Had the Time of My Life.... Journal Entry

2011-10-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, this week was eventful and super fun!!!
Sunday I invited a bunch of people over to have breakfast dinner. I made the pancakes and hash browns, and other people brought stuff to go along with it. It was really fun. They all stayed for a couple hours after and we just talked and laughed. It’s a really fun group of girls (and a few guys scattered in).
Monday was just FHE. We didn’t do much. Our little group went to a bishopric member’s house and had a fire in his backyard making Smores.
Tuesday we went to Ethel’s Chocolate Factory in Henderson. It was really fun. There was a little self-guided tour and we got to watch them make the chocolate and all the big machinery. At the end of the tour they gave us a couple little samples of chocolates. The gift shop was outrageously priced. One truffle, which was by far the cheapest thing, was $2 and they were tiny. So we just glanced around and walked out. Outside of the factory is one of the world’s largest cactus gardens. It was so cool. We walked all around, got cool pictures, and even ate the prickly pear cactus fruit (on accident of course). It was nasty. That night four of us went to the Halloween Carnival down the street. We’d been so excited to go because they had little carnival rides and big posters that said “Free Pumpkins”. We were going to take them home and paint them. There was a catch – we had to buy an all-day ride pass for the pumpkin. One of the rides looks so fun every time I drive by, so that’s when one I wanted to go on. It was a bungee jump on. Nobody was in lie so we tried convincing the boy running the ride to let us on for free. He said we couldn’t even go on it because you have to be less than 100 pounds. Turns out that was how all the rides were. Super lame… so we took silly pictures instead. Oh, but there was one thing we got to do: we got to go through the “straw maze”. It was about 20 bales of hay, you could see everything, and it took less than 30 seconds to finish. It was hysterical. We figure it’s just for little tiny kids.
Wednesday we went on the self-guided home tours. It was fun to see the Vegas house layout. I like Idaho houses much better, but there were some really fancy things through some of them, but for the most part they all looked the same. They are very small, don’t have basements, and are odd-shaped. It was really fun though, I love home tours.
Thursday, Lori, Stacey and I went to the temple right after school. It’s a shorter drive from our school than from our apartment. It was so great. I absolutely love going to them temple. It seriously just feels like home walking in. If any of you have been there for baptisms thought you will know how tiny the font is. I am always afraid I will hit my head on the back side. There were not a lot of people there at all, so it only took about an hour. Afterwards, we thought we’d go to “Steak and Shake” which is at the casino right by our house that is ultra-cheap. I went there with Val and Laura. It’s fun to go.
Friday was amazing. It was one of my favorite days since I’ve been here. Melanie, Lori, and I went to check out Student Rush discounts for Phantom of the Opera in the Venetian. While we were there I wanted to go see the outside of the wax museum just to see what it might look like. While we were standing there taking pictures, one of the workers said she’d give us a good discount if we were students, so of course we had to take it. I HIGHLY recommend the wax museum to anyone going to Vegas. It was so extremely cool. I would totally go back. There was a haunted part for Halloween, but we opted out of that, even though it was free for us. An older couple behind us said it was the scariest haunted thing they’d ever been to. We heard tons of screams coming out. I guess there are wax statues in there that come alive and run after you and it’s really dark. It was scary just walking by because one of the statues came alive just right there. We got AWESOME pictures. Once we were done there we went outside. The Mirage is right across the street and the Volcano was about to go off. We watched that. It was really cool – not as cool as the Bellagio fountains, but really cool none the less. Next we met Stacey at the Luxor. We had heard there were really cool elevators that went sideways (the Luxor is a pyramid casino that is decorated Egyptian). We tried to find them, but didn’t have much luck. There were some cool elevators. One that Stacey and I got on required a room key, which of course we didn’t have, so we waited for guest to walk on, use their key, and went to the top. It was cool to look around there, and we got to peek inside one of the rooms, which was insane!
Saturday morning we went to the Venetian to get tickets for The Phantom. The night before the man said that any college ID can get you tickets for $35 (compared to $175!!!) We were thrilled. When we got there that morning the man said they had to be Nevada IDs. I was bossy and said that the man the night before told us $35 and that was what we expected. He gave it to us :) I was totally mad though – we had been told one thing and had looked forward to it. I think that guy was just being a mean guy. But we got tickets! We ran across the street to look inside the Mirage and to take cool pictures. It was lots of fun. After, since it was finally a nice day, we went to the pool and played there for a while until I had to go inside to write my talk for Sunday and to grade tons of papers. At 7 we went to The Phantom!!! It was Amazing! It was so much fun to be there. We got all dressed up. It was just so much fun. The chandelier even fell, and they had fire and fireworks, and all sorts of really cool things. It was so much fun!
Today we are celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving, which was last Monday because Stacey is from Canada. She says that it’s not really a big deal there, but we are making it one here! We are having potatoes, stuffing, salad, desert, rolls, and …. Crockpot chicken rather than turkey. I’m really excited.

Journal Entry #4

2011-10-09T08:53:00.000-07:00

This week was so much fun! On Tuesday, it was my half-birthday, and yes, I celebrate my half birthday. My friend Stacey and I went to Rainforest Café. It was so much fun there. I’d never been. About every 30 minutes there is a rain storm, the lights flicker, there is lightning, and rain comes down. There are life-size animals all over. It was a lot of fun to go there. After dinner we hit a few of the casinos that we’d never been to check those off our list. First we went to the New York – New York. My favorite part was a huge statue of Liberty made out of jelly bellies. That was for the candy shop with giant treats. Stacey and I took pictures pretending to lick it! It was funny. Next was Excalibur. Everything inside was themed as knights of the round table and castle time. It was really fun to look around. After that was the Luxor. This is a pyramid shaped casino that has a large sphinx in front of it. Everything was decorated like Egypt. We did a magic carpet ride (something tacky and free) where we had to get on a carpet, it spun in circles, there was a green screen behind it and under it, then they made the video look like we were flying all over Las Vegas. It was fairly tacky, but really fun. We had a good time doing it – but of course they wanted us to buy it for only $90. We also snuck out to the pool to check it out. It was closed, so security wasn’t there anymore to block out way. It was Insane!!! There were fountains and columns everywhere. I don’t even know how to describe it. The last one we hit was Mandalay Bay. I’ve been here before when I went to the Shark Reef with the Stewarts, but we just wandered around trying to find cool new places. Not much was found. It was a really enjoyable night.

Friday night was our ward campout at Zion’s National Park. It sounded really fun, but all week was really cold, and I just wasn’t really in the mood to go. My friend Shannon didn’t want to go either so we decided to have a campout of our own at her apartment. We got glow in the dark stars from the dollar store and put them all over the ceiling. We put out a fire scented candle with sticks around the edges to make Smores and roast starbursts. It was extremely fun. Out friend Elaina, Yurre, and Hee came. Yurre and Hee are from Korea and they are the most adorable, hysterical people that I have ever met in my life. I seriously hurt from laughing by the end of the night. They had the funniest stories I’ve ever heard and have hysterical views on things. Hee walked in, told me I was really pretty, and then said I looked like Yurre’s cousin (who happens to be Korean).

Saturday, Stacey’s friends were in town from Canada. We met up with them at the Aria (another casino I’d never been to), and looked around there. Right next door was a free art museum that we checked out. It was fun to see the artwork. One section was colored glass in insane shapes, the next was statues, and the last was huge photographs. They had the place the photo was taken right next to the picture and I’m extremely proud to say that over half of the photographs were taken in Idaho. There were also tons from Wyoming and Montana. I was really pleased about this. They were gorgeous! We parked in the MGM, so as we were headed back we stopped at the Lion Habitat to look in. There were two men in there. They were employees and they were playing with the Lions. It was so much fun to look at. They were adorable as they got their little bellies rubbed.

To end the night I went to Shannon and McKenzie’s apartment and watched “Never Been Kissed”. I was passed out within the first few minutes, but it was still fun to be there. Before the movie we talked and messed around. They are so much fun to be around.

100th Post

2011-10-02T14:02:00.000-07:00

I wish I had great things from this week, but there is not a ton of excitement that happened.

This week the classroom was turned over to me 100%. I had most of the teaching anyway, but I was so incredibly overwhelmed. I spent so much time at the school and planned tons while at home as well. It was just a crazy week and I was so glad when Friday came around.

This weekend, for General Conference, I went to Panaca with my roommate. It is a tiny town two hours away from Vegas. We went to a football game Friday night, watched conference, and rode horses. It was relaxing and fun. There was also tons of grading and more lesson planning.

One of my favorite people died on Friday. Val Jardine was such an amazing friend and I will miss him so much. I am happy he is not in pain anymore, but am sad that I cannot be there with my family on Wednesday for the funeral. That's one that I never wanted to miss!

Hopefully this week is less stressful and fun things take place!

So HAPPY!

2011-09-27T19:41:00.000-07:00

I have a confession: I love to receive things. I know I shouldn't be into worldly things or whatever, but I just love to receive things every once and awhile. So last week WALMART gave every teacher at our school a care package. Seriously - it was SO cool of them. I was really happy. They have us: a regular / big stapler, a hole punch, stickers, adorable magnets, colored pencils, a few little treats, pencils, sharpies, highlighters, a pencil sharpener, and a big thing of construction paper. I was so excited because I adore school supplies and that was just super kind of them! It totally made my day... BUT WAIT, it gets better!

Monday I get a package in the mail from my amazing parents. They sent me adorable salmon colored shoes (that I wore today for my observation and my observer commented on how cute they were), rad pajamas from Yellowstone (that made me crave Yellowstone SOOO SOooo badly), and some fun teacher books. It was so great to get a package from them. BUT WAIT....

Laura, Jerry, and Ethan sent me a deliciously amazing package today! Seriously, this was 100% what I needed and love. It was stuff that I have been craving but keep thinking that I can do without while shopping at the store (due to my non-working, non-paid student teaching experience). In the package was Idahoan potato packages (plug for Brian), my favorite gum, chapstick, REESE pumpkins and Halloween OREOS (both two of my favorite snacks in the world), wheat thins, granola bars, goldfish, donut sticks, and an adorable card. Though I may gain a pound or two, I am pleased as pie!!!!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU Mom, Dad, and the Halls. It was fun to get mail and surprises!!!!!!

Las Vegas Journal #3

2011-09-25T21:37:00.001-07:00

It would really be awesome if I could use a blog the right way and have the pictures lay out normally. SORRY!
So - there has been so much fun this week. The weather has been great and I have been able to do some of the funnest stuff since I've been here.
I am doing a unit with my 3rd graders on Habitat. Since we live in a desert, we are focusing on desert habitat. I took my students out to the cactus gardens right outside of the school. I would post pictures, but I doubt that's legal. While we were in there all my students ran up to me and dragged me over to where a bunch of them were standing around. They told me the turtles were kissing (there are tons of turtles and lizards in the gardens). Well, let me tell you, those turtles were NOT kissing. They were down-right mating. I told the students there were just having a conversation. They were very concerned that the one on top of the other one was hurting the bottom one. Yikes!
That night was the Best Day Ever! Holy cow. My elders quorum pres. asked if I wanted to go to a water park - so of course I wanted to. On the way there I was informed it was a PRIVATE Water Park. It's called "Pirates Cove" and everything is themed amazingly. Seriously, it was the coolest place ever. It was at a gigantic house that people can rent for $10,000 a night. The water park had tons of places you could jump off of and water slides. It was AWESOME. There were about 7 of us there total when we met up with the people who had invited him. Seriously, this place was amazing. We didn't get to see much of the house, but there were 25 bathrooms... just to give an idea!!! Seriously - it was amazing, but the swimming area was just fantastic. Pirate music was playing and everything was just pirate themed everywhere - even the bathroom! I was in heaven all night long!
Friday night we got pizza, went to movie in the park (Planet 51), rode the carousel, again, went to an adorable shopping center, and just hung out.
Saturday Stacey and I laid out by the pool for a long time. It felt great. After we went to the RS broadcast , which was amazing! After we went to Cafe Rio. This is really pathetic, but I was so incredibly pleased because there were Mormons everywhere still in their dresses. I realize there are lots around me that I must not recognize. But seriously, it was about every person in the restaurant. I felt so at home.
When we had eaten, we went to a "Super Hero" dance party. Holy cow it was fun. There were tons of people from our ward there and other wards. The three people that I went with all dressed alike. We all got green fabric from Walmart to make caps and dressed in white t-shirts and jeans. It was way fun. I even got to do the cupid shuffle. Fact: People in LV don't do the Cupid Shuffle the same as we do it in Idaho.
Sunday: I had dinner with really fun girl in the ward and dessert. They are awesome to be around and lots of fun. I enjoyed my time with them and feel really at home with them.

Pictures

2011-09-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

We saw a plane make a heart in the sky while we were at the pool a few days ago.

Pirate cove at night (really crappy picture)

The main pool at pirates cove

One of the many many pirate statues

The entrance in the driveway

The LV temple at night - this was taken when I did baptisms last

I am pretty

Hoover dam bridge

I was in Arizona and Nevada at one time

Stacey and I in front of the bridge

Damn ;)

Movie in the park carousel

Bellagio Fountains

Eiffle tower

Two of my roommates

Las Vegas Journal #2

2011-09-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

School was so overwhelming this week that I barely had time to play. During the duration of our student teaching we have to create a unit and teach it. The criteria is lenghty and there are many things to plan. I was told that I am teaching mine this upcoming week (which I was not expecting. I thought I had a month until I taught it, but things go switched around), so much planning had to take place so I couldn't play much. The weather has also been extremely rainy and stormy all week, so when I did want to play at the pool, it was too cold.

Wednesday: Zipline at Freemont Street. This was extremely cool. You go up 5 stories, someone straps you into a little harness, and you get launched off a little area and zipline across the whole street of Freemont. Holy Cow. This was seriously one of the coolest things I've done yet. It was so much fun, but went really fast. That was the only bummer to it, but I'm so glad I got to do it. Melanie and I went together and our friends Stacey, Aaron, and Janey were behind us. Super fun!

Laura and Jerry came to play this weekend. Thursday I went and picked them up from the airport. We drove down the strip - got to see all the lights and fun things from the car.

Friday I had to teach that morning but met up with them around 3. While I was gone they went to the strip and saw somethings - walking tons of course. When I got there, we at at Steak-and-Shake, one of my favorites, and hit up the strip again. We tried going to the gondolas at the Venetian but they were outrageously expensive, so we didn't go there, then we went to the Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage, but it was closing in 5 minutes so we couldn't go there, but finally we got to see the conservatory at the Bellagio. It was adorable. Everything was decorated for fall. There were gigantic pumpkins made of roses and the place was covered in fall colored flowers. Everything was adorable there - now I am having splurges for fall (I don't think Vegas has fall though - and I will just barely miss fall in Idaho :( that does make me sad. I LOVE fall!!!) Afterwards we made it the the Bellagio fountains which were amazing as usual. Accomplishment of the night: I got into two pictures of people and smiled. One was just random people, i think a family, i walked behind, turned and smiled right as they took it. The second was great - it was a couple that had just gotten married. I was so proud. They were taking pictures by the fountain and I gave a great grin for the camera.

Saturday: We started out by going to Hoover Dam. It was really cool - this time around more things were open since it was earlier in the day. We walked on the bridge, had spitting contests and took pictures. When we went down to the dam we went to the visitors center which was really cool - it had lots of the history and little hands on things of how the power works and stuff. It was really fun. We also went into the awesome bathrooms. I know this sounds silly - but it was really cool - you went up fancy stairs to get to the top. It was also right off the dam and there were windows you could look out and see down. After the dam we drove to the temple. On the way I got in my first Vegas wreck - luckily I was not alone. I was so glad for that. I have no idea how, but my car didn't get hurt at all, but the guy who hit me got banged up pretty good. I hate wrecks! We made it to the gorgeous temple, took pictures and had a good time. We were pooped by this time, we we went to the hotel and I took a nap on the wonderful bed! Oh how I miss my bed at home. It's seriously the best thing in the world, but after 3 months of the lovely college twin bed, I bed I'll appreciate it even more! We were feeling slightly lazy still, so the rest of the night we just chilled and went to the Cheesecake Factory - which was amazing! I had a great time with them. It was really fun to have them here!

VIVA LAS VEGAS Journal #1

2011-09-11T17:30:00.000-07:00

I have to confess: I am one of the worst journal keepers in the world, but I feel like I should keep track of the amazing things I've been doing in Vegas, so my blog will be my journal. This will not only benefit me, but also Mom! I wish I would've started this earlier so that I could have remembered everything because I'm having a brain block and cannot seem to remember all I've done since I've gotten here. Oops.

Week one: Valerie, Joe and Jacob were here for a few days. We got to go look at the temple, eat at lots of fun, yummy places, hang out at the fun casino / have a fire drill with all 14 floors of the casino, and got to go to the Shark reef (sooo cool!!!). Joe also got the pleasure of teaching me to drive in crazy traffic. Achievement: I no longer have to wipe my hands on my pants every few minutes while driving. I actually LOVE to drive here. I think it's way fun and it doesn't stress me out in the least anymore. I also finally got my placement - third grade at Robert Taylor Elementary School. I started going into the school and helped get the room set up as well as going to lots of meetings.
We took a roommate trip to the strip. We went to the Coke shop and did the little sample float things. It was really fun they had like sprite and orange soda floats. There were 8 kinds I believe. Our cheeks hurt from laughing so much by the time we left. It was super fun. After we went and saw the Bellagio fountains (that never gets old to me - I love that show).

Week Two: First day of school. The school days zooms by everyday with students there, but I am completely exhausted by the time they go home. I'm getting more used to it, but it's still so tiring. Friday I got the opportunity to go the temple and do baptisms with a couple friends from the ward.The temple was so amazing. I really enjoyed it. The font area was set up so differently from any other baptistery that I've ever seen. A bonus was the indoor gardens. Oh so gorgeous!!! We also went to BJs, which is a yummy restaurant that is in town.
FHE scavenger hunt at Town Square. It is seriously one of the coolest shopping places ever - and I don't like shopping so that's saying something. It was so much fun. We are in an Amazing ward. They are very welcoming, fun and friendly.
Game night and midnight I-Hop run with almost the entire ward. It was really fun to get to know more of the members.
Movie in the Park!!! I am a fan. Every Friday and Saturday in the summer there is an adorable park that shows free movies. They encourage people to bring picnics and just enjoy themselves. I think it's called "Show under the Stars" or something like that. They have a free carousel ride before and during the movie. It's super adorable. They also give our popcorn. It's super fun and a really pretty area of Vegas.

Week Three: Back to school night - that was fun to get to see how that was run. It was good to meet some parents and see students more in their element. I have also taken over many more subjects so I feel more part of the class and more of a teacher. I am doing all subjects but writing. It's really fun and I enjoy teaching third grade (though this is a tough group).
Friday Night: Freemont Street- Holy Cow! I love this place. I didn't even want to go there too badly because I've heard lots of crazy stories, but I actually felt incredibly safe there and had a ton of fun. There were so many lights and colors. It was incredibly enjoyable. A Captain Jack Sparrow look-a-like also winked at me, so that was a bonus. He seriously looked like Johnny Depp. It was awesome. I am planning or riding the Zip-line from one side of the street to the next sometime soon. Super excited!
Saturday: Watched part of the BYU game with some people in the ward then went to Hoover Dam. It was really cool to look at. We even spit off the bridge. I would post the amazing pictures, but I left my camera cord in Idaho, so no pictures for now... sorry! I stood in Nevada and Arizona at one time. I felt pretty awesome!
Saturday night- watch the really really crazy thunder storm while we took turns telling scary stories. It was awesome.
Sunday - Church and church stuff. I just adore Sundays. They are so great and make me feel so good!

*Side-note: The pool gets my attention about 6 days a week. I love to play in the pool every chance I get!

Upcoming: Laura and Jerry and coming. We will have loads of fun!!!

I love to see the temple...

2011-09-03T22:27:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to know that wherever in the world I go, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the same and true. It has been such a strength to come to Las Vegas, be in the middle of all the hubbub each day, but to walk into a church building and to feel the spirit. Something that was an even greater strength to me was Friday night - I went to the Vegas temple and the spirit was overwhelming. It was so amazing to have complete silence (except for my tiny giggling moment that I had) in the middle of a crazy city. The temple, as I could have guessed, was completely gorgeous and miraculous, inside and outside (seeing it at night was phenomenal - i have seen it in the day, but night was just as gorgeous).

Something unique about the temple was that there was a garden area that can only be accessed from inside. When we went out to see it, the only noise was the lit fountains. It was gorgeous, and warm, and full of the spirit. I have a new love for this temple. Temples just come with such an extra spirit! I am so blessed to be a member of the Church!!

*Sorry if this post is jambled and confusing - I don't express feelings well (esp. when I'm sleepy)

Las Vegas

2011-08-27T15:44:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to update my blog and put pictures of my quilt and other sewing projects up, but I keep forgetting to put these pictures on my computer.

So - I moved to Las Vegas in mid August. I really like it here, but it's nothing like my Idaho. I can finally get around places, and somehow, like to drive here. That was my biggest fear coming here. I am student teaching at an elementary school in Henderson for 3rd grade. I'm really excited. The students finally come on Monday. I am excited for this new challenge.

Tips for places to see?

Tea Party Ideas:

2011-06-26T21:33:00.000-07:00

Hello!
I am having a little tea party with my adorable nieces sometime soon and need ideas. Any help?

Home Decor

2011-06-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a home decor sewing class. It's super fun. I just love to sew. Here is project one. It turned out uglier than I hoped, but they are not too bad {Note: I can't figure out how to adjust the picture in the order I want them...}

Mother Teresa

2011-05-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

I may have an obsession. Not only is Mother Teresa great, but I think she was funny. Here are a few quotes of hers I love, she's just so great:

"I know God won't give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much." — Mother Teresa

"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." — Mother Teresa

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." — Mother Teresa

A Person's A Person No Matter How Small

2011-02-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

I had to do a project for my Family History class and chose to do a blog with stories of people from my mom's side of the family - the Taylor's and the Howard's. Family (Mom, Sisters, Aunts, Cousins, etc.) Please feel free to visit this blog and to also add your own stories. Just e-mail april4m@hotmail.com me the stories and I'll put them on their. All I have are a couple my mom gave me. Thank you!!!

http://family-alonglineoflove.blogspot.com/

Bahamas

2011-01-09T10:59:00.001-08:00

I cannot believe I never posted any of these.

In November, Ashley and I went to the Bahamas on a cruise. It was amazing in every way. We had the time of our lives and I cannot wait to do something great like this again. We ate like crazy, played like crazy, and slept like crazy. It was incredibly fun!!!!

*Note: Due to me Not blogging very often, I am still trying to figure out the whole things about getting text where I want it to go... and I cannot. So, the huge slide is Hippo. It was incredibly fun and on the private island we played at one day. We are at an aquarium and on the ship for most of the other ones I think. Enjoy. More to come I'm sure....

I was Slapped by a Mexican

2010-11-28T11:35:00.000-08:00

So there I was at Winco a few days ago late at night. Ashley asked me to go grab a green pepper for her. I was looking at all the peppers, deciding which was best (they were rather old an gross). Finally I found a good one. I picked it up, put it in the bag and started walking away. I realized Ashley wasn't in one isle so I quickly turned around to go to the next one and a little Mexican boy was running down the isle, jumping up and smacking all the plastic bags hanging down. Luckily, My face was right next to the bag. He jumped up and .... Smack!!!! He hit my face. He just bolted and his parents were yelling in Spanish at him. As I tried telling Ashley, i ended up on the floor in tears it was so funny!

Thanksgiving!

2010-11-24T12:23:00.001-08:00

Oh I am Thankful for so much. I made a list of 100 things I am thankful for. I have numerous more things, but this is just a few. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!

Thanksgiving Blessings

1) My Mommy and Daddy
2) A rocking brother
3) My great sisters
4) All my in-laws
5) Adorable Nieces
6) Handsome Nephews
7) Cute little animals
8) Good music
9) Gospel
10) Colors – I LOVE color
11) Cook books
12) Christmas lights
13) Juice
14) Snow tires
15) Val Jardine
16) True friends
17) Scrapbook stuff
18) New shampoo
19) Cell phones
20) The smell of babies
21) Good roommates
22) Warm house
23) Food!!!! Yum
24) Education so close to home
25) The flavor peppermint
26) Good smells
27) Sappy movies
28) An awesome aunt and all her family ;)
29) Good luck in life that I somehow have
30) A car
31) Warm weather
32) Watching snow fall from inside
33) Internet
34) Hymns / sounds of Sunday – I love that
35) My cute Buddha collection
36) My health
37) Modern medicine
38) Bicycles
39) Books
40) Cozy blankets
41) Being able to go to church every Sunday
42) Scriptures
43) Patriarchal blessings
44) Temples
45) Flowers
46) Sunshine
47) All my great cake baking stuff
48) Cupcakes
49) Fun cards in the mail
50) Disney movies
51) Pellet stove
52) Coco motion
53) Movies
54) Chap stick
55) Long walks
56) Great Scenery
57) Nature
58) Living in Idaho
59) Living in a Mormon community where there is low crime and lots of good people
60) Glasses
61) Lotion
62) Mo-Tab
63) Drinkable Water
64) Running toilets (aka – not using port potties)
65) Quality time
66) Cozy furniture
67) Ancestors
68) Great neighbors
69) Band-aids ( I need these more than regular people do)
70) Spell check
71) Inventors, engineers, people who think of great ideas (get inspiration)
72) Downtown
73) Memories!!!
74) Leaders
75) Chocolate
76) Midol
77) Imaginations
78) Body pillow (I think I’m naming mine because I love it so much)
79) Cute boys
80) Christmas
81) Mom’s fudge
82) Good listeners
83) Good advise givers
84) You-tube videos (oh how they make me giggle)
85) Happy people!
86) Laughter
87) Legs to run / walk– I’m not good at running, but I sure do love it
88) Arms to hug and hold
89) Grocery stores
90) Farmers
91) Maintenance workers / labor
92) A great job
93) Freedom
94) People who fight for our freedom
95) Our government
96) History
97) Smart people
98) Goals
99) Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs
100) Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ

Things I am NOT Thankful For

1) Hello Kitty Chap stick
2) Hello Kitty Suckers
3) Stupid People
4) Hello Kitty Boots
5) Hello Kitty Stickers, Markers, crayons, pens, pencils, erasers, etc.
6) Hello Kitty Clothing
7) Spiders
8) Rats
9) Insects
10) Ultra cold weather
11) Slow drivers
12) Hello Kitty Umbrellas
13) The fact that I don’t have a tandem yet… but I do want to save up for one once I’m married and ride it all over with my cute, little husband
14) Hello kitty jewelry
15) Snakes

Can't Do it Alone!

2010-10-17T11:54:00.001-07:00

Blog Readers! I need input from each of you. So, I go to a singles branch, right? Well, I am also over activities! I just got put in charge of a huge spiritual activity that our branch pres. wants us to do for our branch so we can grow more in the spiritual aspects. Here is kinda that plan.

15 min a day of scripture study

1 temple visit a month

2 prayers a day

3 FHE activities a month

4 Church attendances a month

100 VT / HT

Now is what I need from you:
How do i organize this?
How do we keep track of it without people feeling awkward or pressured?
How do I display it on the bulletin board?
How Long will it last?
Are they accountable?
Will there be prizes?
Should there be a focus every month or something?
HELP, HELP, HELP!!! Ideas people - I know ALL of you are super creative. No idea is stupid - Please know this!!!

Bahama Mama

2010-09-25T08:30:00.000-07:00

I AM GOING TO THE BAHAMAS IN 37 DAYS!!!!! One of my best Friends Ashley and I decided it would be fun to get outta Idaho, so we chose the Bahamas. We're going on a four day cruise. It's leaving from Florida and we get to go to three different Island. I'm super excited!!! I am certain that many many pictures and stories will be up as soon as we're home!!!

Also, Update on my hair. I've had some questions, so I'll just expound more.
Ok, So on the days that I want my hair curly (I don't go three weeks at a time without washing, it bothers me) I just wash my hair really well with conditioner. It's similar to when you shampoo. Leave it in for a few minutes than rinse REALLY well. When i get out of the shower, i dry it off, but don't rub the towel all over like a crazy woman like i typically do. After that I do not brush it! I typically do other things for about 20 min than spray leave-in conditioner in my hair (Aussie is amazing and smells like heaven). Than I'm done. Curly curly curly.... Some days it's ultra cute, but I've had a few ugly curl days.... like yesterday.
Try it out ladies!!! It's awesome!

I have a sickness

2010-09-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

It's called Addicted to Gilmore Girls!

*Oh and I got my hair cut Friday and my Amazing stylist told me something awesome. She wants me to try an experiment that she does to her hair. I will only wash my hair every 3 weeks (unless i want it straight). But I just wash with conditioner and it goes curly. So far it;s awesome!!!! It does really gorgeous curls. She says it'll only do it to a certain type of hair and mine is one of them!

I'M BACK!!!!

2010-08-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

I realize that I have put this for another Title (It said it as I started typing). But I mean "I'm back to myself".
Put me on drugs and I'm one mean son-of-a-gun! I am finally snapped out of my depressed from moving away from Roommate, off drugs, over dumb boys, everything else stage!
I AM SO HAPPY AGAIN.
Oh yeah - i forgot to tell people. I got surgery on my Nose and was out for almost a week. It was a long and miserable recovery. I can honestly say I've never been so nauseous in my life for that long. All I could do was lay down and try to breath really carefully for like a week.
But I'm back and loving it.
PS- I love Hunger Games and Catching Fire. I have read them so much and they just get better and better.
PSS - My Dads finally home and I'm so happy to see him
PPS- I am going camping this weekend and WILL NOT get hurt!
PPSS- I think I am just making all these letters up now, but for some reason I just want to post more
PPSSSA- I am just happy again!

What a Week+

2010-08-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

This blog is not meant for those with sympathy. Many tragic things happened.... haha

Friday: Well, I moved home last Friday! It was sad to leave Rexburg, but fun to be back home. Right as I was unpacking my car, we got a call from Jerry telling us Laura was about to have her baby. So, we went to the hospital and saw sweet Ethan! He is adorable and so cuddly fun!!!!
I went to a special Make-a-Wish Blue Angels show and had a great time. After, I went canaling with friends and sliced my ankle up (much better now, just a little scab)
Went to the drive in that night and had a super time, but it was so late.
Saturday: Got up early and went to Blue Angels real show. It is so amazing what they can do. I put sunscreen on everywhere but a stop on the side of my leg somehow- It was RED-Red! On the way home, we had to wait for a bus. After waiting in an unmoving line about an hour, we (Me, my dad, Brian, Dayna, and the girls) walked from the Airport to the ISU building. Lots of heavy chairs to carry, super HOT day, and TONS of traffic. I was so TIRED.
That night I played night games with friends and skinned my knee launching myself down on a slide to hide myself. There were deep bruises on both knees.
SUNDAY: Well, all was well until I went to play games at my friends house. This is a normal Sunday occurrence, but I was feeling rather hyper since the weather was so nice. I suggested we play "Human Rubber band". Usually it's so much fun and I have played it thousands of times, no injuries. How it's played:' There are 4 people in a HUGE rubber band. Everyone stands in almost a square pattern and the two straight across from each other run to the opposite sides. It bounced back and forth fast. Boys make it really really fly! I was in with two big boys and one other girl. I don't remember what happened / how in the world it happened, but, going at an incredible speed, ran right into the back of the other girls head. She had a concussion, I was bleeding EVERYWHERE. My nose bleed about 30 min, my mouth was full of blood. Friends drove my car home, but my parents were with new baby Ethan. Eventually I just gave in and called them. My dad took me to the Dr.. I got X-rays, and it was confirmed my nose was broken.
Monday: First day at the new job! Let that sink in after Sunday. I woke up that morning with a black eye, Huge nose, and the fattest lip I've ever seen. Yes, I was getting badged for work. Luckily the nice lady let me use the picture from last year. I got tons of strange looks all week. It was rough
Tuesday: Work, Garden with Syd and Payt until I got stung by what I thought was a wasp, went inside and my dad had to pull it off my back (just a horsefly, but still... it was still on my back ) SLEEP by SEVEN!
Wed-Friday: Minimal damage, but it seemed as though i got hurt somehow every single day that week, and was is so much pain each day I just wanted to cry and sleep.
Saturday: Canaling! I love my canaling. First part went well. Second round, I jumped in, was too close to the edge and sliced a good chunk out of my shine. Since the water was so cold, it didn't hurt super bad until after I was out of the water. Fat was hanging out (who knew there was fat on your shine) and the bone was showing. It is still mighty swollen and painful! I am grossed out to look at it. Last night, at about nine, it finally stopped bleeding. It was gross.
I was also heading out of the house later in the evening, my cell phone ran, i looked down to answer it, tripped over the stole , and hit my head on the front door.
Today: Nothing so far. Wish me luck!
I go in on Tuesday or Wednessday to have my nose set or fixed. YIKES!

2010-07-25T14:50:00.001-07:00

Winding Down

2010-07-11T20:30:00.000-07:00

9 days left! I have totally LOVED this semester and I am super sad it's almost over, but boy am I HAPPY classes are almost done. I am moving back to Idaho Falls and working (hopefully). I am very excited to play and have fun though while I'm not is school.
ps- Did Relay for Life this weekend and it was Fabulous, but no sleep all night is bad news... still recovering!

~LIFE~

2010-06-29T09:46:00.000-07:00

Wow, So much has happened lately and I am so far behind!
I had such an amazing weekend and there is so much greatness to come.
This weekend: Went to Yellowstone and it was positively amazing. We got to see so many geysers and so much wildlife Lots of greatness. We had a party the whole time because there were so many fun people that went. I do have to say that one of my favorite parts was our Night Canoe Trip. We left at about 10pm and floated Big Springs. I have floated it in the daytime, but nighttime was Amazing!!! The moon was full and there was tons of lightening in the distance that was gorgeous to watch. We decided to get out about 20 min early since it looked like the storm was coming quickly, and walked back to the cabin. The second we walked in the door the rain started POURING. It was in credibly crazy. We had to run back to the cars while it was hailing and get soaked completely. It was an incredible weekend.
This weekend: 4th of JULY!!!! My favorite time of the year. I seriously have been waiting for this for months. I cannot wait for this great weekend!
Next weekend: Relay for Life. I am on an amazing team. It will be a blast and I seriously cannot wait. For those who don't know, it's a Relay for Cancer. The money that we raise from donations will go to cancer research. We start at 8pm and end at 8am. It will be a really really long night, but I couldn't be more excited. One of my best friends dad died from Leukemia this year, so we are wearing purple and Orange in honor of him. Each color represents a cancer. Purple is overall cancer, orange is leukemia. ***Come cheer us on. It's July 9th and 10th at thunder stadium***
TWO more weeks of school left. I am super sad to leave my roommates, but excited for new adventures of come!!!
I LOVE LIFE - and Have I ever told you how much I love my Family? I have the great greatest parents and family ever!!!!

I'm So Excited - I just can't hide it!!!!

2010-06-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

I saw my first firework stand today!!!!
Also, The idaho falls fireworks are rated 2nd in the country only behind philedelphia, http://blog.ratestogo.com/best-4th-july-fireworks/
Check this out!!!

I Need Your Comments!

2010-06-13T15:26:00.000-07:00

I need all of you who read this to give me some great ideas and stuff: Don't think I'm weird, just do it, please!

1) What is your favorite vacation spot?

2) What is your favorite recipe?

3) What is your favorite summer-time activity

4) What is your favorite book?

Thanks - I just need suggestions!

Have the most splendid day! The sun is finally out there is hope this week!

PS- Race was GREAT! Had a blast and all our fam / friend who ran did AWESOME!

30 Days!

2010-06-09T22:51:00.000-07:00

This is the number of days of school I have left this semester! I couldn't be more excited. I love my roommates to death right now, but I really do love home so much. I am jealous of the fun my friends at home have everynight - and cannot wait to get back into the swing of things there!

Well,

2010-06-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

So, Homework is being avoided again - Oops!
I was going to get it done early, but got called in to give a tour in awhile, so I am killing time before starting on a new project - that is my excuse.
So - I have nothing great to say, so it'll be boring again.
1) I finally found the game "Set" Which I have been searching for forever! It is so much fun - and I cannot stop playing it
2) My phone has a mind of it's own. I cannot get it to make phone calls (wasn't that the purpose of phones to start with?!?). Right now it says my location is Vilnius (Europe somewhere), and that it's 11:36 am tomorrow (2:36 pm here)
3) My grades are raising
4) I love ice cream
5) MID-TERMS are OVER. Crazy, right?
6) I am about to give a tour - wish me luck - a few tours ago I had a bad incident with the cart and almost ran people over. I have been terrified since.

Ready or Not

2010-06-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

I would go with the "Not" on this one:
Our 5k is next week, but with midterms, crappy weather, and just me being out of shape, I have not been training well.
I am considering this my fun / just getting to know the race feeling. I have goals to do a few more in 2010, so this will be a good booster for that!
June 12th... here I come!

Poll

2010-05-26T22:03:00.001-07:00

Favorite Movie:

No Sympathy Please...

2010-05-25T18:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am so frustrated!!!!
a) I want to drop out of school, and just start this semester completely over - but that's not me
b) Why is running getting harder for me, shouldn't it be easier the longer I train? I stop for one month, and BAM - suck major!
c) I don't want to leave Rexburg, I don't want to stay in Rexburg, I don't want to live in Idaho Falls, I want to live in Idaho Falls
d) Some days I just want to live in a cave
e) Being a girl is TERRIBLE sometimes (I bet this is the soul reason for my meanness this week)
f) I used to be a nice person, this week I feel like I want to bite peoples heads off and kick someone in the shin!!!
g) Did I mention I HATE school right now? Also - NOT like me at all, but I HATE HATE HATE it.
h) Can't I just have a boy who can bring me chocolate and read my freaking mind - all boys are morons!!! All of them :)

Party-hardy

2010-05-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ok, So i really hope my roommates don't look on my blog, because this is about them.
Two of my roommates (the sisters) have b-days in June. The first one, i think would be fun to have like a little luau party for her. She likes that kind of stuff i think, so (on a college students budget), I need ideas! I am thinking fun drinks (Virgin, of course). Any good ideas?
Please let me know if you have ideas for games, food, drinks, decorations, ANYTHING. I need help.

The second one is later, and I have that one covered more, but I am thinking Twilight (she loves it more than me,... I know, right?) Red velvet cake, cute decorations, and watch the movies.
Also, if there are grand ideas, please let me know!

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!!

Sometimes....

2010-05-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I just want to post, but cannot think of anything great to say. So, here are some things on my mind!
- I love the feeling right after I shave my legs. I also had to wear dress clothes today, so the silky pants felt fabulous on my legs.
- DOVE shampoo is my hero!!!
- Why Facebook is so hilarious to me is a mystery. I wish I could get paid for posting my dumb thoughts on there all day. I limit myself so much because I am afraid people get annoyed of having to see my dumb comments. Oh well.
- I just have Phantom of the Opera days sometimes - TOday is one of those!
- I got TEN HOURS of sleep last night so my mood is overly great! I just want to squeal and scream for no reason at all.

T.M.I. SECTION: ONLY READ IF YOU PROMISE TO KEEP MY SECRET AND NOT JUDGE ME

Ok -so i read once that you should wear dirty (not un-clean, but skanky) underwear underneath very professional clothes sometimes - Today was one of those days. I looked very cute and professional on the outside, but had funny undies on that I got Tons of for my b-day (thanks friends...)

"ME TOO!"

2010-04-30T13:15:00.000-07:00

So - I go to BYU-Idaho, right? Well, there are mucho Mormons here! Here is my dumb moment of the day. I am in Math, working on a group project. I am sitting across from a girl I have just met. I see that she is wearing a CTR ring and loudly say: "Oh my gosh! You're Mormon! Me Too!"
One of the dumbest things I have said all day! Why can't I shut my mouth sometimes?

Some Goals!

2010-04-25T08:07:00.000-07:00

OK: I want to better myself and be awesome possum!

I have created some goals (some are not measurable - but just to get better at something)

1) TENNIS: I used to play tennis all the time in High School with Bill when it was summer and we had nothing better to do. I think this will be great to help me get into shape, improve on a skill, and actually be able to play a SPORT (I have no athletic ability)

2) PIANO: During my week off awhile ago, while I was bored, I started playing the piano again. I realized I absolutely Love it, but cannot play the bottom hand whatsoever, so....I am taking Piano Lessons on Fridays! I will get good. Specific Goal: Play "Out of My League" by Stephen Speaks, on the Piano!

3) SEWING: I love sewing So much - so my goal is just to do it more, and get more advanced!

4) COOKING: I will be domesticated. I can cook, I just never do. Also, Bill always does there crazy recipes and posts them on her blog, I want to try out new things and get awesome at cooking and such!

5) BLOG: I want to get better at making my blog look really cook! I have no idea how to do cool things - so help me anyone!!!

6)NATURE: I LOVE NATURE. Now that the sun is out I want to go on more hikes than last year, run outside more, Fish, swim, and everything awesome outside.... ideas of where, anyone?

What Goals Do You Have?

Best of Both Worlds

2010-04-23T12:19:00.001-07:00

Can I just start out by saying that I have WORLDS greatest life. Truly, I have no idea how I was blessed with so many amazing people in my life to make it the greatest life EVER!!!
I have amazing roommates this semester, who I know will be great friends. They are hilarious, and make school much more durable. I also have my WONDERFUL life in Idaho Falls! I am lucky enough to get to go there just about every weekend, and on some extra days. I have the most amazing family and the greatest friends a girl could ask for. Something fun is always going on with family or friends, and it's just fantastic always.
I have the gospel in my life, I love school, Karen and Doug in my life = Need I say more?, I have finger paint that is just fun always, There are TONS of other things that I could talk about, but I really should do homework so I don't have to on the weekend, but I just wanted to let everyone know I have the greatest life ever because of all the support and love of people in Idaho Falls that have helped me get through rough patches!

The BIG 21

2010-04-07T22:19:00.000-07:00

So remember how I cannot get the pictures to go where i want? Yeah... cool! This is the Mouse me and Whitnet found! Yummy.

Pteradactyl from Ashley. HAHAH

Great clothes for my b-day. A silky black dress, adroable green jacket, a pearl necklace, and two blue shirts.

Well this was part of my b-day from Mom and Dad. Greatest cookbook and New Moon.

Super fun friends Whitney - on our way to Lava

Ash - right before we opened out eggs (that pile is just hers by the way)

Prize table (they go nuts - really. It's fantastic)

My eggs

This weekend was so super-duper fun!

Friday night I had a great girls night with some of my very favorite people in the entire world! I got some fun gifts from them ;)

Saturday I went to Lava with Ashley and a few other fun girls. Ash had been telling me that her family Easter party was HUGE, but I didn't beleive that it would blow me away.... Well it did. There was over 7000 eggs - just for the family party. As we drove up to her aunts house, it looked like sprinkles all over the snow. We got lots of fun stuff, and just had a great time (car ride included)

Sunday: EASTER and MY BIRTHDAY!!! It was a fabulous day. It was kinda nice just having General Conference (which was Amazing), and getting to bum around all day. That morning my great Dad made strawberry waffles for me and mom. YUM! After, I went to my friend Amandas apartment where a bunch of us watched the first session of general con.

Dinner and greatness came after that. Never a dull moment at the Hillman Dinner parties!!! Ther is always so much noise and I LOVE it!!! Those dinners just please me so much.

Monday - I played hooky. I was supposed to go to my friend Jordans dads funeral, but the roads were too bad, so it was a play day (not smart during finals - but worth it). I spent time with mom, went to see The Last Song, and just chilled.

Over all - it was just a fabulous weekend. I am so looking forward to my break: which starts in about 14 hours from now!!!! but who is counting, really?

Sister Hinckley!

2010-03-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

"The only way to get through life it to laugh your way through it. You can either laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache."

Spring Break Ideas!)

2010-03-24T14:16:00.000-07:00

Spring Break is on it's way and I couldn't be happier! Woo hoo! But, since it's only a week, I want to make it the very best that it can possibly be. Here is where you gals come in: IDEAS for greatness! Here is what I have in mind so far:
* Tea party with my nieces (I still need to see if that's ok...)
* Scrapbook day
* Work on cute baby quilts
* Ride my bike early in the morning. That is the greatest - nobody is out and the birds are chirping
* Boise at the end of the week!!! Yay
* Bake something great!
* Sleep perhaps

- What would you do if you were me and had a week to do whatever your little heart desired?

Update on Life until Spring Break:
* I am in charge of an Enrichment Dinner that takes place tonight. I will be pleased as Pie when it's over because I have enough stress with finals coming
* Next Friday I have a visit day (a girl from Georgia coming to hang out with me all day - to experinece: campus, classes, housing, and the social side of college) her name is MICHELLE :) her mom's name is KAREN and she is an ELEMENTARY ED major. I am meeting myself!
* I have two finals this week
* On April Fools Day I have a state literacy test. Good chance I will wet my pants! YIKES
* April Fools - Play a prank on someone!!! This someone is not expecting anything, reads my blog (so it could be YOU) and I have been planning it for Weeks, so it will be good. Watch your back world! Only ONE prank this year because this one is just too good
* SLC trip this weekend for Hockey Game, Temple Trip, and FUN
* Being observed teaching Monday. Panic Attack. I don't like other people in the class - mainly strict old men
* Recorder performance for a second final
* FINALS... YIKES YIKES YIKES
* Homework like crazy face
* Fill my car up with gas, the light went on a while ago.
* I am sure there is more greatness, but I cannot remember what it is!

Everyones Input

2010-03-21T16:19:00.000-07:00

I need EVERYONE who reads this to put thier input on my blog.
Ok - So, I have figured out that Blogging is a perfect outlet for me when I need a quick break from homework but shouldn't start a fun adventure (because I get VERY distracted), but the problem is that I don't really know what to blog about. My blogs are always scatter-brained and confusing I am sure!
What should I blog about?
*Craft ideas
*Cool facts
*Funny jokes
*dumb moments of my life
*Worlds greatest mom (mine!!!)
*pizza
*hot dogs and apple sauce
*ETC... Please insert YOUR idea into the comments section. I just love fellow bloggers and hearing their input!

Leap Year

2010-03-17T08:19:00.001-07:00

Wow, I am on a blog-posting kick. I rarely post this often!

I was the greatest movie ever last night for girls night. It is officially my new Favorite movie for sure. I am positively in LOVE with it: Leap Year. It is a cute, feel good movie! Oh geez, everyone needs to see it!!!

Holliness to the Lord

2010-03-14T16:01:00.000-07:00

It will be a temple week starting on Saturday. I get to go to the Idaho Falls Temple on Saturday morning to do baptisms. This will be the first time going back in a long time. I hate having water on my face more than anything, but I have come to realize that this is no excuse at all. I need to get over that hatred and do baptisms. So - I get to go to the Idaho Falls one that day, if I can get out of my 7:45 class, I am going with my ward that Thursday to the Rexburg temple, and on the 27th I am going to the Salt Lake Temple, which just so happens to be one of my 100 life goals. I will be pleased to cross it off my list, be even more pleased to get to partake of the AMAZING spirit that the temple brings. The temple truly is one of the greatest blessings that we have on this earth. I am so grateful for them and for the opportunity I have to live so close to so many of them. I know that they are the Lord's house and He dwells within them.

I know I have no room to talk since I have not been back since Jr. High, BUT I truly encourage everyone who is worthy right now to go, and if you are not, than do what it takes to get back to the Temple and partake of the amazing blessings that it provides.

"Math is Hard"

2010-03-10T20:48:00.000-08:00

On The Office Kevin, the dumb one says "Math is hard" one time and it made me laugh really hard. Today I am thinking that - but not just about my crazy hard geometry class, but all of them! They are all getting to crunch time and extremely difficult. I love them still, but oh so difficult. I sometimes wonder if teaching is what I should do - I think it is, but it is just a lot of work and I hope I am cut out for this! I really need to get a 4.0 this semester and next to get a nice scholarship. I get the 1/2 tuition one now for grades, but that allows for a B or two. I really need to get my act together. I know I can do it!!!
Have a fabulous day everyone!!!

Half Way Done!

2010-02-21T10:31:00.000-08:00

Mid-terms were last week for me. I CANNOT believe this semester has gone by so fast. I wanted it to go by so fast at the beginning, but now I feel like I have so much to do, and so little time! Oh well - I would rather be crazy busy than bored!
I also started Student Ambassadors finally! My job is to give tours around campus in the awesome little golf carts and to also do visit days. I have a visit day on Thursday. I will meet up with a girl, her friend and mom. I give them a tour around campus and they stay with me throughout the day so they can see what college life is really like at BYU-I. I am super excited!

Something Great

2010-02-15T16:34:00.001-08:00

I have some great news everyone. I got into my car today and my water bottle was not frozen. Do you know what this means? Spring could actually be around the corner!!! Yay. I do love snow and winter, but I love spring and summer oh so much and NEED the sun!
Have a super-duper Week everyone!

So This is Love....

2010-02-13T14:31:00.000-08:00

I have no idea why, but Valentines Day is one of my all time favorite Holidays (right after 4th of July). I just love everything about it. The colors are bright and fun, and it is all about people who are in love, or just about people who love others.
Happy Valentines Day to everyone! I hope you all have special people to share this wonderful holiday with!
*Side Note: My friend Ashley gave me book that is called "The Unvalentine" It is one of the funniest books I have ever read. It's about a girl who doesn't like Valentines Day because she hates all the mushy-ness of it, like the cupids, giggly people handing out Valentines to everyone, etc. Well, one Valentines Day she gets a Valentine from a boy named Ray. He professes his love to her and says he doesn't need all the chocolate and cupid stuff of Valentines Day. It makes the girl so happy -because it's finally someone like her - "A Ray of Hope"...get it! They run off together and are happy forever (i assume).
As odd as this is, I really like it because it shows that not everyone has to show their love in the traditional way. I am determined to find a man who is just as weird as me and will do cute things out of the ordinary, not like everyone else, just because he loves me. So, everyone, keep your eye out for an amazing guy for me: someone who is original, makes me laugh, hilarious, cute, spiritual, caring, and just down right Awesome!
HAPPY VALENTINES EVERYONE!!!

Grateful!

2010-01-18T20:22:00.000-08:00

I have been in a downer mood ever since I had to come back to Rexburg after a super fun, long weekend. I decided I need to snap right out of this and be happy... So I thought of things I am grateful for!
* I am so grateful for my wonderful Mom and Dad who would do anything for me
* I am so grateful to have the blessings of the Gospel. I know that it is true and that it can bring more happiness than anything else in the entire world, even though sometimes it isn't incredibly easy to see.
* I am so grateful for hilarious little nieces and nephews who just make me giggle with glee whenever I am around them.
* I am grateful for fresh snowfalls that make the trees look like amazing painting by the greatest artist.
* I am grateful for being able to go to college, even though sometimes the thought of just dropping out seems so temping and easy some days.
* I am so grateful for the power of prayer: how it makes me feel like I actually have someone there when I feel so alone at that moment.
* I am so grateful for super siblings and all their spouses - and all the fun times we have had together. They are so supportive and fun.
* I am grateful for friends who care about me and are so incredibly sweet and hilarious.
* I am grateful for a car that I can use to drive home whenever I so desire.
*** There are many other things I am grateful for right now, but cannot think to type them.... But I really do have a strong testimony of the Gospel and know that, with faith, it can bless my life right now so much, along with all the other amazing blessings in my life that are named above. I know my Savior lives and loves me. I know He can help me in my greatest trials and guide me by the hand! How much happier I am now! :)

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2010-01-10T16:21:00.000-08:00

This weekend I went home for a girls night with my amazing friends in Idaho Falls! I wish I had pictures to post, because the whole night was just the greatest. We started out with pizza and lots of junk food. After was a had a little dance party with karokee (funny pictures were taken of that). We were all so wild and crazy that it made it that much more fun. After that was scary movie time! We watched "When a Stranger Calls" and screamed our lungs out. I have seen that movie so many times, but still just scream so much - i am so jumpy when it comes to those movies. When the movie was done we needed to something to lighten the mood, so we played dress-up with all of Ashleys great costumes. Lots of hilarious pictures were taken of that also. Ash and i decided to do a potatoe head dance i think it was called, so we went upstairs to get ready for that. I was in the other room and Ash screamed really loud and there was a thunk on the floor. I ran in and she was just laying on the floor. Stefan and Daniel had scared her right as she walked by the door. They had come to crash our girls night. They ended up staying for a couple hours and we all just talked. It was so much fun. We were all still so hyper and giddy in the morning too. It was a fantastic time! I just love those girls to pieces!!!

ABC's of Michelle

2009-12-29T12:26:00.000-08:00

The ABC's of me
A
Age – 20 almost 21… Crazy!
Animal – I love most animals!!!
B
Birthday - April 4
Best Weather – Any season pleases me!
Believe in God? – Absolutely, I do!
Believe in Santa? – I wish nobody told me the secret. That was the saddest Christmas ever!!! But part of me still thinks there is a Santa and everyone else is lying.
C
Candy – Anything Chocolate!
Color – Yellow, red, light green, blue, pink, egg-plant, gold, brown, black, silver… mainly all of them! I LOVE color
Cried – Lots, even if it’s just because I see someone on TV crying and have no idea why they are crying.
Chocolate/Vanilla – Chocolate, and vanilla: Twist!
Chinese/Mexican – Chinese, but I sure do love Mexican food.
Cake or Pie? – Both: red velvet cake and pumpkin pie
Clothing Style – Simple
D
Day or Night – Both
Dream – last night I stole Heather and Ricky’s old Honda and used it as a race-car!
Danced- Love to dance… but not too great. I take a Zumba class when I am at school, but that is dance/workout
Do Splits? - Never
E
Eggs – Hate them!
Ever Failed? Oh yeah
F
Full Name – Michelle April Hillman – on my good days!
First thoughts waking up? – ……….(blank mind, I don’t think until I have been up at least 5 minutes) than Bathroom
Food- Love it
Favorite Place – Anywhere by an ocean, or in Idaho
Fear – Fire and water. How ironic
G
Goals – Graduate college, find prince charming, and be the coolest person ever.
Gum – The good kind
Get along with your parents? - Yes
Good luck charm? – Lucky underwear....
H
Hair Color – Black/brown
Height- 5'4 1/2"
Happy – Almost all of the time
Holiday – 4th of July hands down
Hate - Slobs
I
Ice Cream – Anything peanut butter and chocolate, or cookies and cream
Instrument – almost the piano, I so wish I could play others though… my secret life goal!
J
Jewelry – love it, but never wear it
Job – Currently blogging! But when I am actually working it at the INL doing document work
K
Kids – hilarious
Kickboxing or Karate - Kickboxing
Keep a journal? – I am Terrible at it
L
Longest Car Ride? – Arkansas to Idaho
Laughed so hard you cried? – Often
Love at first sight? – Yes, well maybe attraction that can lead to love
M
Milk Flavor? – Reeds dairy chocolate
Movie – Any chick flick
Marriage? - Hopefully in the future...
N
Number of Siblings? - 4
Number of Piercings? - 1
Number - 4
O
Overused Phrases - "That’s classy”, “Your mom” and “Where did you park the Dilorian? What? What!”
One phobia - spit
Overseas – I wish
PP
lace you'd like to live – Idaho
Perfect Pizza- Depends
Pepsi/Coke – neither Q
Quilter - Yes
R
Reasons to Cry – Any reason
Radio Station – Whatever has a good song on
Roll your tongue – Used to, not anymore
S
Salad Dressing – Olive Garden
Skipped School – More often than someone should without getting in trouble…. I know a guy (well actually it was a a lady - the attendance lady)
Slept Outside – Yes, and it’s fantastic…
Shower Daily - Sometimes
Sing Well – not really
Sing in the Shower - Yes
Stuffed Animals – I used to collect beanie babies… not anymore
Strawberries/Blueberries - Depends
Strengths – Love to laugh… which is often contagious
T
Time for bed – 11 on good nights
Thunderstorms – Love them, unless I don’t want one right then
TV Shows – Office, Pushing Daisies and Gilmore Girls
Touch your tongue to your nose - No
U
Unpredictable - future
Underestimated – Price of cars… and their repairs!!!!
V
Vegetable you hate – Cauliflower and cucumber
Vegetable you love – Anything but cauliflower and cucumber
W
Weakness – Not having weaknesses
When you grow up – I may never grow up
Where do we go when we die - The Spirit World
Weather – Any but WIND… I cannot stand wind
X
X-Rays – no x-rays, but Cat-scan (I know it isn’t spelt like that, but I don’t know how it really is) maybe that counts?
X's? – yeah
Y
Year it is now- 2009… for a few more days
Yellow? – Love it to pieces
Z
Zoo animal – All of them
Zodiac Sign – I was born I April… I don’t know my sign though…is that what it’s asking?

Something to look forward to!

2009-12-18T16:07:00.000-08:00

I have been sad lately because I don't want to move back to Rexburg. I have made the most amazing friends this winter since I have been back in Idaho Falls, and am so so sad to leave the fun behind me. BUT, I have something steady in my life to actually look forward to. Val and I decided to do a 5k. We are working our way up to the big races. I am excited to ran more often. I started running again a few weeks ago and have been so happy about it.
Maybe this will make up for the depressing time i am going through right now and be something to look forward to!!! Wahoo!!!

AAHHhhh....

2009-12-04T14:15:00.000-08:00

Just in case anyone was wondering....YES, I totally got tickets for the David Archuleta concert the day OF the concert! I am leaving at 5:30 to go to Rexburg!!!! I cannot believe I finally got some. I was complaining last night about how I tried so many times and never got any, and this morning my friend Stefan called with a little surprise! YAY!!!

unconditionally and irrevocably in love with... books

2009-11-08T16:21:00.000-08:00

Many of you may know where this quote comes from (***Twilight). I have been very into reading lately. That is what i am grateful for this week! Good Books! They are a great way to occupy ones mind, while also learning lots (I tell myself). There is also so much church lit. out there that is so great to have!
I love when i find a great, Clean, romance book. It just pleases me.
The two i have really been into lately are "Hearts in Hiding" :) and "Hunger Games"
I have run into a problem though and need YOUR help. Book Suggestions:
Please feel free to suggest any awesome books you have come across (chances are I have not read it yet) and maybe just add something short about the book! Thanks!

I Belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

2009-11-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

This week I am thankful for being a part of this wonderful gospel. I am so blessed to have the church in my life. So many GREAT things have come about in my life because of this great church. I am so grateful for having a prophet on the earth today who can guide and direct us, giving council that is so needed in our world.
I am also so glad that we have a book that we are able to read from, giving us guidance each day, and strength.
Prayer is also so wonderful because things would be SO SO SO much more difficult if we had to do this on our own, with just earthly people helping us along the way.
I cannot do things on my own and am so grateful for the wonderful gospel and its many blessings. it pleases me to be a part of such a great thing!

Falling Leaves

2009-10-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

I know that it has not been a week yet for my "Thankful" post, but I really wanted to post how grateful I am for the AMAZING fall colors! I was driving along the road today by myself and couldn't help but squeal out loud because of how pleased i was. The wonderful tress just make me Gitty with glee. I am so thankful for the changing seasons. Though the winter gets SO cold sometimes, there is beauty in each season that i am so grateful for.

Thankful!

2009-10-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Barbara is doing a thankful thing every week until Thanksgiving and I want to do it with her (If I remember).
This week (and always) I am so grateful for my wonderful Mommy! She is the world to me and does so much. I am scared to grow up because I want to be just like her, but know it's impossible! I will strive. I love the times when we laugh so hard our stomachs hurt (which is often!!!)
I am also so grateful for my great dad who gives everything he has for me. He is also a great example to me!
Oh parents are great!!!

Happy Fall!

2009-10-11T15:03:00.000-07:00

I am kinda excited that the weather is now starting to change to feel like Fall. I love the Holiday season and the weather just starts it off right! Yay for Holidays (but they are coming Way too fast at the same time)

New Car!

2009-09-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

I got a new car today. I am Pleased as Pie! I have been looking for quite awhile- and finally settled on one. It's an '06 Chevy Malibu. It is silver and in great condition. It is SO much fun to drive. I have been saving for this sucker for awhile. WHOO HOOO Here is the pretty inside. Super sound system and lots of cool options! so excited...

Front view (it looks really long in fronts - but it's normal size in real life)

Here she is from the side. Look at those HOT-Wheels!!! PPPPPSSSSSsssssssssshhhhhhhhh

And here we have my trusty smurf. He was a great car for many many drives. I will miss the wonderful gas milage, the neat sounds it made, and the window all over (I have to get use to blind spots now - which will be an adventure)

Together as friends. Good-bye lovely Smurf- Hello BABS ELLIOT

Design on a DOLLAR!

2009-09-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have been crafting a lot lately, because I avoid doing things that I really should get done. They are all super simple and super CHEAP! WHoo Hoo!!! These pictures of scrap pieces of wood from Laura and Jerry's house! I sanded the blocks, painted them fun colors, and thought of simple phases that I liked (even though I don't yet have a house to decorate them with).

I LOVE "Celebrate Today". It just pleases me and makes me appreciate life more when I look at it. "Delight" is the same way. "Small and Simple" reminds me of my favorite person- Sister Hinckley it makes me strive to become a better person. "Merry & Bright" is for Christmas. I just thought that would be super duper cute! OK- there are COOL! I really hate how on the 10 cent notebooks that we get during school supplies sales, there a lots of codes on the front and stuff- So, I covered them with cute paper and stickers. They were way fun (I had a lot more pictures of ones I have done, but they won't load).

Another!

These are AWESOME!!! Val started my thinking process on this one, but didn't know it. Those cheap magnets that come in the phone books, I took those, cut them into shapes, covered them with paper that had sticker adhesive on the back, cute the paper in the same shape , put them together, added buttons... and CUTENESS!!! I was fun.

*All these projects were less than $1 That's INSANE!

Michelle's Update

2009-08-05T16:51:00.001-07:00

I finished my SECOND year of college two weeks ago. I am pleased as pie. I have just been hanging out with my mom, doing stuff she wants me to, and start work tomorrow at the site - same area as last time. I am not looking forward to getting up early and actually DRIVING to the bus stop rather than walking less than a block like I am used to.
That's the excitement of my life right now - Oh, but I did get to see my cousins today and have lunch with all the girls in my family. It was a lot of fun. I hadn't seen them forever! I enjoyed it!

JOB!!!

2009-07-18T09:09:00.001-07:00

I am almost done with school for the semester and really need a Job. I get done Thursday and still have not found one. Please- if you hear of anything, let me know!
Thank You!

Summer!

2009-07-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

I love the Fourth of July so much! It has to be one of my very favorite holidays (and the last two have been crappy, and there is nothing bad that should happen this time = more of a reason to be excited). I even get a four day weekend from school. Bonus! I am so grateful for wonderful holidays and for fun family to be around.

-The kick-off to the 4th is amazing. Our neighborhood has their sweet fireworks every year which is one of my favorite things (one thing that does slightly annoy me is the constant loud noise, being right by the fireworks, but i guess its worth it).

-The parade just makes me so happy. I love watching peoples creativity, i love the crowd that is there, i like the loud noise and craziness, and i like how the sun always seems to be out that day!

-There is always so much food that is oh-so-yummy!

-Idaho Falls is just amazing- the fireworks could be one reason i stay here forever!

Yay for summer and the forth of July!

Update!

2009-06-08T17:32:00.001-07:00

I wish there was a lot of interesting stuff that i could update about, but my life has been somewhat dull lately, fun, but dull.

Some highlights are:

****Some friends and i hiked R-mountain a couple of weeks ago. It was perfect weather and so much fun. It was a whole afternoon thing because we took out time and explore a lot on our way. Our garden gnome, Jib, came with us.

****I could have been kid-napped a couple of days ago. I was headed out of IF, going back to Rexburg. I had to fill up my car, but was on the west side. I went to a gas station I am unfamiliar with. I had the gas gun thing in and was walking around to wash my windows when some men approached me. They were in their twenties and somewhat good looking (which made it worse). It looked like they had jsut walked out of the station. One walked right up next to me and saidn "Hey, we need a ride to the Red Lion, can you give us one?" The first thing out of my mouth was "I am in a really big hurry". I felt like a jerk for saying this, but i didn't think before i spoke (good thing). He asked "You are really in a hurry? For what?" So i said, " i just have to get somewhere". THen said "Can't you just give us a ride?" They then slowly walked off, looking at me. It was super scary!!! I panicked. * Sidenote - i didnt have anyone with me - so much scarier.

****I was completely underwater in my parking lot on Saturday! You didn't read that wrong - Its true! There was a big rainstorm. We thought it would be a good night for a scary movie, so Molly and i went outside to go to our neighobrs house to borrow a movie. A bunch of my FHE brothers and some friends were playing in the huge puddle in teh parking lot. THey dragged us down to play. It was super fun, but gross (with oil and stuff), so we just played to the side and splashed. At the end we all decided to link arms and run arcoss. It went great and was super fun, but on the way back i was no longer in the middle - i was on the end. I lost my balance and totally fell in. There was a video camera recording us. I was TOTALLY under water in a PUDDLE for a few seconds. GROSS! It was so funny and Nasty... That is one things not many peple have done. I do have many cuts and dark bruises from it though!

Family!

2009-05-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Yay for amazing families! I got to spend the weekend with my family and i am just so grateful for the wonderful people i was blessed to have. My parents are the greatest people on the earth, i have the greatest siblings, awesome in-laws, the coolest nieces and nephews. It was so relaxing to just play with them and eat good food.
I am also happy that i have an amazing extended family. I spent some time with my mom, grandma, and aunt Barbara on Tuesday. We talked a lot about each others family. It made me really miss my cousins! I need to see you guys soon! We talked about having a big girls day soon (and of course the funny kids, whom i love!!!) So, we should figure out a day where all of us can meet up and have a picnic or something fun!

Hilarious

2009-04-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Val was bugging me because i have not updated this forever, and right after i fell upon an article from the Scroll that was from April 1st and i had to use it.
Top Ten ways to Ace an Exam:
1. Midnight and beyond: don't sleep, its overrated. late to bed and early to rise will help you think more clearly
2. Cheat: there's nothing wrong with looking over your Friends/enemy's shoulders and finding out the formula for that difficult math problem.
3. Cram: don't study until the last minute. if you study too early you're more likely to forget the material and miss out on a good time.
4. Caffeine: don't hold back from those energy drinks. they will be the key ingredient to helping you stay awake for that test.
5. Cheat more: if you can, steal the answers to the test and memorize them, or write them on the bottom of your shoe.
6. Dream about it: visualize the answers before bed, daydream about them in class and let them come into your dreams.
7. Pray for a vision: hope that you will see the light while taking that exam.
8. Make a visual pattern: fill in the bubbles on the scan tron sheet to make a pretty picture.
9. Osmosis: being in a tub full of water with textbooks will definitely enhance your chances of acing that test.
10. Eat the answers: the most effective way is to eat your textbook. Make sure you do it right before you take the exam, so you wont have to go to the hospital until afterwards.

Farmer Michelle!!!

2009-03-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Best Weekend Ever. It was so fun. Since i was having so much fun, i totally spaced taking picture. I wish i would have - proof of how amazing everything was, but i was having way too much fun to remember to actually pull the camera out of my coat pocket. My friend Rob took me home to see what Farm-life was like in Fruitland, Idaho. It seriously was like a movie the entire time - it was SO cool!

The three of us, my roommate, rob and i, set off on friday afternoon and drove 6 hours to his house. By the time we got there it was dark. We were greeted by cats a dogs all over the place as we walked into the farmhouse that his Dad built a long time ago. Inside was like a real farmhouse. It was crazy. There are 11 kids in his family so there were people everywhere. It was awesome - and they were all super friendly and welcoming - and just like Rob. After dinner we went for a walk up to there mill that was about 1/4 mile away. It was crazy inside- tons of machinary and crazy buttons all over. On the way back to the house Rob thought it would be funny to turn the flashlight off while we were in the middle of the field, yell snake, and run off while i was screaming like a little girl... he quickly came back- what a typical boy.

Once we got back there was a huge lazer tag game going with all of his younger siblings. It was super funny. They just use whatever field they want and are all over the place sceaming and laughing. After the game we rode the 4-wheeler up to thier pond. It was huge with a diving board and water slide that they had put in. Since it was about 1am, we could just see the shapes of everything, but it looked cool even in the dark.

We stayed up until almost 3 that night talking and playing games, only to wake up just hours later to another amazing day. The first thing that his dad had on the list of tstuff that needed done was blowing up Gophers..... REAL ones! I thougt it was a joke at first, it was not. I got to drive the 4-wheeler all around the field while Rob would find the freshest gopher holes, gas them than blow them up.. It was loud and dirty and Super funny... i just tried not to think about the little critters being torn to shreds. Gross. It was perfect weather while we were doing all of this- and i may have gotten a tiny bit go coloring!

Once that was done we had to go get fish out of the pond that had survived the winter. I got to put on huge irrigation boots (that looked awesome by the way) and head to the pond with a bucket. Stephanie stepped into the mud and fell right on her butt, i felt really bad, but than i got completely stuck and had to stay in the same spot until we left. There were TON of fish. BIG fish that we had to grab with our hands and throw into the buckets. They feel Discusting beyond all reason, but i got a few (one flew a couple feet away from the bucket because it grossed me out so much i just let it fly wherever it wanted). Nobody realized i was stuck, so when it was time to leave everyone ran to the top of the hill but me and his little brother Dale (who is the coolest kid Ever. Super funny), who had to pull me out of the gross mud, but my feet kept slipping out of the boots, so Rob had to run down and grab my boots and put them back on while Dale was holding me up. Thank you boys!

WHile our clothes were washing from all the mud and fish guts on us, we somehow got roped into washing Robs car. I got soaked from the hose "accidentally" getting out of his hands and spraying me everywhere.

Once we had clean clothes we went into town (almost 30 minutes away). It was in Oregon too. We loaded up on Popsicles. YUM.
When we got back we shot guns... I still do not have good aim at all when it comes to guns, but it was a lot of fun at the same time.
Since i have never seen star wars, we decided to have a marathon all night until we finished all the movies - old and new. I was so excited and ready for this amazing fun. We got about an hour of the way into it and i was out cold! Lets just say that this week, our plan is to watch one a night until we finish them. I was not a successful star wars watcher, but i did sleep really well all night after that sweet little nap.
The next morning we went to church and had to sit on the stand because there was construction in another part of something like that, so everyone was just staring because they had no idea who the heck was on the stage in their ward. After church, we slowly pulled everything together and headed out 2 hours after planned.
The ride how was one of the funnest parts of the trip. It took a little bit longer becuause of whether, but it was so fun. I dont thing there was silence for more than 30 seconds. It was talking or singing the whole way home. SO FUN! We talked about everything - Rob was an insaine kid growing up- who did little boy terrible things. It was so fun.
Next weekend, for confrence, we are going to my parents house. I am sure there will be another post about that fun weekend - but not quite as entertaining - if only we had gross fish to play with...
So that is my long story of the best weekend!!!

Don't Mess with Me!

2009-03-03T17:29:00.000-08:00

So since i have tons of time on my hands right now (right, i wish), I started new classes. One i have been doing for awhile, but one i just started this week. I am taking Kick Boxing (just started this week) and Zumba - amazing Latin dancing that is So FUN! It seriously just makes me day go better! I love these!

I wish i had real pictures to show, but this is it.

Recipe!

2009-03-01T15:14:00.000-08:00

Laura tagged me in the recipe thing and i am super excited because one of my all time favorite things it to Cook! YAY

Chicken and CHeese Enchaladas
Ingredients:
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup Pace® Picante Sauce 2 tsp. chili powder 2 cups chopped cooked chicken 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese 6 flour tortilla (6-inch), warmed1 small tomato, chopped (about 1/2 cup)1 green onion, sliced (about 2 tablespoons)
Directions:
Heat the oven to 350°F. Stir the soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in a medium bowl.
Stir 1 cup picante sauce mixture, chicken and cheese in a large bowl.
Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and place them seam-side up in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Pour the remaining picante sauce mixture over the filled tortillas. Cover the baking dish.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the enchiladas are hot and bubbling. Top with the tomato and onion.
Tip: Stir 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed into the chicken mixture before filling the tortillas.

Apple Crisp
1/3 cup - Cinnamon
4 - Medium Sized Apples Of Your Choice
2 cups - Packed Brown Sugar
1/2 cup - Quick-cooking Oats
3/4 tsp - Ground Cinnamon
3/4 tsp - Ground Nutmeg
Steps
Heat oven to 375°. Grease the sides and bottom of an 8x8x2in square pan.
Arrange apples in pan, making sure that the bottom isn't visible. Mix the remaining ingredients and pour over the apples.
Bake for 30min, or until the top is a golden brown and the apples are tender. Serve warm with ice cream and enjoy!
Prep Time: 20 minCook Time: 30 minNum. of Servings: 6

YAY!

2009-02-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

It worked. I got another background... after like 9 months of the same background! I love changes! (good ones)

Help!

2009-02-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

I don't really have talent with technology- and i need help! I cannot figure out how to change my background on my blog. I used to know, but now it will not let me, or i am doing something wrong. If there is anyone out there who can help it would be greatly appreciated!!! :)

College Times

2009-02-16T19:10:00.000-08:00

My roommate and I were slightly on the bored side on Sunday.... So we went to a couple buildings on campus and took some pictures... so here goes.

Sculpture of paint tubes

Its a dinosaur...I had no idea it was on campus and i was so excited

THis was a picture on the wall of people walking by, so stephanie pretended to walk by

I was dancing like the man... hahah- it was crazy

"I've got the whole world in my hands"

Its the world

Legend is that if you touch Thor's nose with your nose, you will be married by the time you graduate- I need all the help i can get

He was protecting me with his shield

I'm Famous!

2009-02-04T13:14:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago i got to meet Kirby Heyborn (from all the church movies) in the mall, and yesterday i got to meet Daryn Tufts. I was so excited. He is the nerdy one who ends up getting rich. I went to the opening thing for Spirit week at BYU-I and he was the one MCing. I was on the front row (because there was about nobody there but some of my FHE sisters - in the whole Hart Auditorium). Afterwards we were looking around for my roommate who had sung, and i realized i was standing right next to him and he was just hanging out- it was super funny. He is really tall, so i say "Oh- we wanted to come meet you". I looked around me, all 3 girls i was with had left, so than i say "Well- actually i was the only one who actually wanted to meet you" - I really need to learn to think things through. HAHAH. But he was super nice and i think he totally felt bad for me because he just kept talking to me and asking questions. Hilarious!

Europe!

2009-02-01T17:27:00.002-08:00

Val wanted me to update my blog, so i figured i would tell you guys (a summary) all about my recent trip to Europe!!!!

So here it is: MY TRIP!

I flew into Pairs and was greeted by the amazing Eiffel tower. The next morning when i woke up, i strolled over to the Louver to admire the work of some famous artists. I spent a few days there admiring the architecture and joys that France has to offer.

After spending some time there, i put my backpack back on and headed to England where i got to have a tour of Jane Austen's House. It was in a quaint little village with the nicest people. Stonehenge was next on the list. Though i am not sure of the purpose (besides maybe time or calender purposes), it was quite a sight to see!

Next, I took a train to London to visit the famous Globe theater. I was privileged to watch the play Romeo and Juliet while i was there. They use women and men now to make the parts more accurate.

Ireland was the next stop. I got to visit the hot Irish boy from P.S. I love You. He invited me to stay at his home, so i didn't have to sleep in a hostile that night. Each morning we would wake up and go sight seeing. It was wonderful. I also got to herd sheep. Lucky Charms were a huge hit. Everyone loves them there!

Austria was next: I got to yodel with the best yodelers around. It was the best.

Sweden, Norway and Denmark were next. They were exciting to travel around to. The accents of the boys were amazing. I was privilages enough to get to go to a Vienna boys concert and listen to the wonderful voices of those little boys!

Greece was the next on my stops. Kostas from Sisterhood of the Traveling pants gave me a ride on his donkey. We fished all day long and ate lots of baklava. Yum! We went to the Parthanon adn tried kicking down collumns.

Rome, Italy was the last stop. I just had to see the sculptures and architecture there! It was out of this world!!!

I wanted to stop in more countries, but i was getting tired and figured i should head home. It was a wonderful trip!!!

***This trip is completely fictional- if anything is inaccurate, its because i have no idea what Europe is actually like and just made up everything as best as i possible could - Nobody was harmed in the making of this story-***

College

2009-01-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

I have officially moved back to Rexburg for the new Year! I am living in a different complex this year (Royal Crest). I am so excited. The roommates i have met so far are incredibly fun and sweet. I know i will LOVE this year!!! But- i overlooked that classes start so soon, and i am totlly not looking forward to that as much. I know once i get started i will love it (Expecially since i have a class with VAL 3 days a week. Thats way too fun!!!)

More updates on funm college stuff to come- hopefully!

Christmas

2008-12-28T15:37:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so much fun- as always! We had everyone here christmas eve which was my favorite. There was much fun to be had by everyone! My parents are super cool and got me the most amazing scrapbook organizer in the entire world! Now my room is like a scrapbook heaven!!! I also got the Audrey Hepburn collection- which i have not had time to watch, but will make time in the nexy few days!!! And other various awesome stuff. I think the think i love most, besides hanging with the fam, is the LIGHTS! How cool is it that people go crazy putting lights all over their house. Its so funny! I love it so much!

Oh- and Val had my name for Christmas and MADE me the cutest little magnet board! I need to take a picture and put it on here! She did a super good job on it and i love it.

CARDS

2008-12-15T07:09:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of cards i have made this season!

YAY for Christmas!

"Question" "Fact!" -- Dwight (THe Office)

2008-12-07T16:11:00.000-08:00

Since i am on a Fact kick (and an office one!!!) I decided to do a Christmas Fact post!
1) Before settling on the name of Tiny Tim for his character in "A Christmas Carol," three other alliterative names were considered by Charles Dickens. They were Little Larry, Puny Pete, and Small Sam.
2) An average household in America will mail out 28 Christmas cards each year and see 28 eight cards return in their place.
3) Animal Crackers are not really crackers, but cookies that were imported to the United States from England in the late 1800s. Barnum's circus-like boxes were designed with a string handle so that they could be hung on a Christmas tree. ***** Cool Fact huh? *****
Warning! Do not try #4 at Home
4) Christmas trees are edible. Many parts of pines, spruces, and firs can be eaten. The needles are a good source of vitamin C. Pine nuts, or pine cones, are also a good source of nutrition.
5) In 1907, Oklahoma became the last US state to declare Christmas a legal holiday.
6) In 1996, Christmas caroling was banned at two major malls in Pensacola, Florida. Apparently, shoppers and merchants complained the carolers were too loud and took up too much space.
7) Santa's Reindeers are Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen.
- This one if is for Heather! Be a kid and learn them- K?

Coolest of all!
8)
The "Twelve Days of Christmas" was originally written to help Catholic children, in England, remember different articles of faith during the persecution by Protestant Monarchs. The "true love" represented God, and the gifts all different ideas:
The "Partridge in a pear tree" was Christ.
2 Turtle Doves = The Old and New Testaments
3 French Hens = Faith, Hope and Charity-- the Theological Virtues
4 Calling Birds = the Four Gospels and/or the Four Evangelists
5 Golden Rings = The first Five Books of the Old Testament, the "Pentateuch", which relays the history of man's fall from grace.
6 Geese A-laying = the six days of Creation
7 Swans A-swimming = the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, the seven sacraments
8 Maids A-milking = the eight beatitudes
9 Ladies Dancing = the nine Fruits of the Holy Spirit
10 Lords A-leaping = the ten commandments
11 Pipers Piping = the eleven faithful apostles
12 Drummers Drumming = the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostle's Creed

Happy Holidays!

2008-11-28T20:55:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a super Thanksgiving. We had a lot of fun here- lots of food and games!

I am so excited for Christmas now! Woohoo!

TO close thanksgiving, i found some wierd Turkey facts.....

*The wild turkey we usually see in photos or pictures is not the same as the domestic turkey that we serve at Thanksgiving.
*Domestic or tame turkeys weigh twice what a wild turkey does and are raised on farms for profit.
*Most domestic turkeys are so heavy they are unable to fly.

*Snood - the flap of skin that hangs over the turkey's beak. Turns bright red when the turkey is upset or during courtship.

*Wattle or Caruncle - the flap of skin under the turkey's chin. Turns bright red when the turkey is upset or during courtship.

*Gizzard - a part of a bird's stomach that contains tiny stones. It helps them grind up food for digestion.

It's GONE!!!

2008-11-15T18:01:00.000-08:00

I have been growing out my hair- but i CUT it all OFF! (well i didn't- brittany did). I have been putting it off for so long, but finally got the guts to do it and now i am SO happy with it. I totally miss it sometimes, but for the most part i am much happier because of how easy it is. Who knows, maybe i will grow it out again!

*** Has anybody hear songs by Secondhand Serenade? They are AMAZING!!! Thats who i am listening to right now and nothing (music wise) makes me more happy! I would highly suggest them, or just listen to parts of their songs (Fall for You & Why are my favorites)****

Four Eyes

2008-10-24T17:57:00.000-07:00

I got my glasses today. I am still not use to them at all, and the funny thing is they give me headaches really bad- which is why i got them in the first place (to get rid of the head aches).

I think they are super duper cute though. I have always loved when people wear them!

NEWS!!!!

2008-10-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

I am ENGAGED! hahah. Now that i have your attention- (oh and no, i am TOTALLY not engaged- not even close), I took the day off of work and went to the Dentist. My teeth as sparkly clean now and no cavities or anything.
I also went to the Eye Dr. today and..... i am getting glasses. So i want to appologize to Val for all the times i called her four eyes- so Sorry! hahah. I will post pictures when i get them. They are actually really really cute!

BYU Game

2008-10-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

My dad took me to the BYU football game with the guys.... It was a ton on fun. The weather was supposed to be gross, but it was really good. And most importanty, BYU won! It was so fun to go to a college game. I only go to high school ones. It was so awesome!

Card Making

2008-10-01T19:00:00.000-07:00

I started taking pictures of the cards I make so that i can remeber them and get ideas with the stuff i already have. If any of you have ideas, please share, or if you have good websites that you know of! I love fun things to do!!! I was so proud, with the last one i needed a card to send my roommate who is getting married this week, and instead of using an ugly storebought one, i made one with her colors! I thought it turned out so simple and cute!

Kalai Concert

2008-10-01T18:39:00.000-07:00

Kelsey Demo and I went to the Kalai Concert at Thanksgiving Point this weekend. It was SO fun. It was in the Waterfall Ampatheater, so it was outside and there were waterfalls goingon just right behind the stage area. It was amazing. I had never heard of Kalai until Kelsey asked me to go with her, but i am totally in love now. He is crazy and fun. His stories were really funny, and so were his songs. He is also LDS and did some re-mixed hymns. It was so much fun. Oh and the opening acts before were hilarious too! There was like this hippy band, and the bongo man was freaking awesome, he was so high i am sure, but so funny, and the piano man in the band right after was the coolest thing i have ever seen. He was for sure stuck in the 70's and knew it. Kelsey has pictures of us with him, so i will post those it i remember to get them, so you guys can all see how awesome these people were!!!

Michelle, aka....

2008-09-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Callie Tracel
2. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR'S NAME: ("The" + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”) The Stamping Rain
3. YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Cookies and Cream Chocolate Chip (say it fast and gansta like, and it sounds cooler!)
4. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) M-Hil
5. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Green Llama
6. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) April Kennewich
7. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Hilma (Wilma!!!!)
8. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The" + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The red Milkshake
9. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) Chester Byron
10. STRIPPER NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne/scent, favorite candy) Fantasy Nutragous
11. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Glenn Beth
12. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME: (Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Siler Seatle
13. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Spring Gerber
14. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Banana Panty (hahah - meaning pants!)
15. HIPPY NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Yogurt Oak

Questions!!!

2008-09-13T20:34:00.000-07:00

I am trying to figure this blogging thing out still. I was wondering if anyone knows how look

1) Look for a person that you know?

2) Somehow set your blog so that it tells you who has put updates on and whatnot, because that would be wonderful

- So if anyone knows, please share. I am not good with this kind of thing.

Happy Day!

Pumpkin Disaster

2008-09-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

My Co-workers are always bugging me to make things for them. They have randomly been on a pumkin cookie kick, so i gave in and decided to make some. I have made them before and they turned out So cute and good. The dough i made looked very delightful, so i put some on the cookie sheet, stuck them in the over with the timer and let them cook. When i went to check on them they were one big blog. It is so gross. Now i am debating whether i should take them or not. They honestly look nasty. Why do things like this always happen to me?

Re-Addiction

2008-09-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

For about a year or so i have had no true interest to make cute things, scrapbook or do crafty things... but it has all come back to me. Val is having a stamp-it up party on Saturday so i have been looking though the book, and have so many ideas buzzing through my head!!! i love my addiction! I also went and had about 150 pictures printed so i can start scrap booking like crazy again... I am so excited holidays are coming up so that i can put some ideas to work! watch out everyone!... i really need my own house to put all my stuff in now!

Chick Flicks Overload

2008-08-30T17:33:00.000-07:00

Ella Enchanted (So cute!)
Ever After
Nanny McPhee
Tuck Everlasting (one of my favorites)
*And Many more!!!!

This weekend i have been a little under the weather, and all i have had energy to do is lay in bed and sleep (must have had something to do with my Dad coming in with sleeping pills every 8 hours). But today i was more alert, with no energy still, so i watched chick flicks all day long. it was pathetic, but good at the same time.

Home!

2008-08-21T19:35:00.000-07:00

After my Long and Fun adventures, i have returned to my home. I have greatly missed hanging out with my parents at night. They truly are the funset people ever! I think the older they got, the funnier they got, and i happen to be the lucky one who gets to live with them all my myself.
Also, when my parents are gone, which is more than me, i have nothing to do. So i was thinking, i love movies, so if anyone is interested, they are more than welcome to come watch a chick flick or anything with me.
Well- since i keep rambling about nothing important, i suppose thats it for now!
ps- val, the only reason i put this up is so you can have somethign new to read!!!:)

College Road Trip

2008-07-25T15:29:00.001-07:00

I went to In-N-Out for my first time and it was really good.

We got the chance to visit the Sacramento Temple. It is SO gorgeous. I was in love with it. Its so comforting to know that the church is almost everywhere you go, no matter how different everything else around you is!

Santa Cruz was SO fun. There were tons of people on the Beach, but it was still a blast there. I topped my most embarresing moments there. As we were playing in the ocean, a huge wave came, knocked me completely over, and when i got up, I only had me Swimsuit TOP on. I had lost my bottoms around my legs. There were so many people around that i have NO idea at all if anyone say. Lets just say that i held on really tight after that.

On our way home the next day, we got stopped in TWO hours of traffic at a complete stop. It got really boring after a long time of sitting in a hot car!

Some of the pictures got messed up (and i am not good with the computer so i am not going to attemp to fix this). This is the beginning of our trip.

I got to ride my first horse and guide a pony and sleigh. It was awesome!

We had a Pie Eating contest which was so much fun. It was super messy, but i would highly recomend it to anyone who is ever bored!!!
The picture of me with the scared look on my face is in front of a creepy closed off cave. When you just look at it, its not super scary, but the story befind it is. Too many people had been hurt down there before, so the state decided to close it. We had to hike a couple of miles to get to it. Jackie told me this as we were right next to this creepy cave. Colts would go and sacrifice people and things down in the creepy cave. there was blood everywhere and a lake that nobody can get to the bottom of. Even scuba divers have gone in to find the bottom, but nobody can. People say that bodies are down there from the colts. I was completely freakout our to even be standing as close as i was. It was so bitterly cold right next to the cave that it was eerie also. I have never wanted to pee my pants so bad in my life!