And You Wonder Why You're My Friend...

I like having a good time. I like being silly. I like making people laugh. I like my job. Add all these things together and you get me doing what I do best: being weird.
I found this particular treasure while I was out to morning recess. I put it on my head and called it my 'warrior helmet'. The kindergartners thought it was hilarious. I told them I left the rest of my armor at home and had been looking for my helmet.
*the helmet was a volleyball that had been taped together and over the weekend got torn apart... Here's some pics!

I took this one on my phone after I first found it

The chin strap was broken...

Unexpected photo in the office

Fixed the chin strap! Now where's my shield?

Weekend Gardening

I do yard work for my Grandmother, so a couple times a month (during the summer especially) I go to her house in West Valley and get dirty. I was up there this past Saturday and today I am still very sore and stiff... even in muscles I didn't know I used.

This is the tree out front that everyone sees from the road. I don't know how many times I've dug the brick in around the tree, but I think I like this one the best :)

This is the tree in the back yard. We didn't buy enough red brick, so we did a cool little pattern with the leftover brick we did have... It makes the 'old' brick and the 'new' brick come together nicely.

This area keeps getting knocked over by the lawnmower. I re-set the brick in the ground, and straightened it up. I also weeded this area.

This area had not previously had brick around it, so I got to lay the bricks out and then dig them into the ground. My brother and I pulled out as much grass as we could, but it was stuck in the ground really well - even though it was raining!

This is the flower bed across the front of the house. I also weeded here and I think it's funny how one side grows flowers really well, but the other side (at the top of the picture, by the rock) does not. Anything I plant there seems to be in the desert and dies more quickly than the rest. *Sigh. Oh well.

Silly Socks... Day Five

Last day for silly socks. I was originally going to wear one of these socks, and a blue/green argyle sock, but I decided not to... not sure why, but whatever :)
This week went by fast, except for Wed - that day took FOREVER to go by, and then it didn't even feel like a Wednesday. Only 4 1/2 weeks left of school!!!! YAY!!!!

District Recognition

Tuesday night, the District had their board meeting at the school. I went for three reasons: 1- the elementary choir was singing and I accompany the choir, 2- the Conflict Managers were being recognized, and my job is mostly being a 'conflict manager'... among other things, and 3- I was being recognized by the District for the work I do at the school. Being outside with the kids, rain or shine, being part of the CERT team, being First Aid and CPR certified, and helping in the office. There were 5 other recognitions from faculty/volunteers.

Here's me getting 'spotlighted'

Here are all of the faculty/volunteers that were recognized.

This is right from the District Board Briefs sent out in email to employees:

Arthur Newell from the Alpine Foundation then presented six recognitions:

1. Paula Ruesch - Outstanding Media Specialist who integrates learning through media.
2. Klara Oliverson - Dedicated recess supervisor as well as office assistant. Miss "O" enjoys every student every day.
3. Gene and Fern Savage - Volunteer in the media center every week since 2006.
4. Jenn Payne - Super volunteer at Alpine who has helped raise $12,000 for safe walking routes.
5. Mimi Monson - 6th grade teacher who helps everyone feel success.
6. Tammy Clark - Goes the extra mile as a special education teacher by learning the curriculum at every grade level.

HOORAY FOR US!!! What a fun thing to be a part of. I love my job!!

Silly Socks... Day Four

Face a little better today, ya? :D
These are the socks I bought last year in Vegas... from the M&M factory. They are toe socks, but my toes were a little too shy today and didn't want to get a picture taken. Maybe later today I can convince them it's ok to get a picture taken. We shall see.

Party - Spring Break - Party (Lots-a Pictures)

Party #1 - Easter at Grandma's.
Every year for Easter, we meet at my Grandma's house in West Valley. We eat super yummy food, play at the park...
Look at Jarren shoot that basketball!! Slam Dunk!!

Chloe playing on the equipment with Rebecca

Soccer with siblings, cousins, and kids

I don't know what I was pointing at... but I thought I should include a picture of me :)

Pretty plum blossoms on Grandma's tree

Easter egg hunt... Jarren found some! He was excited!!

Then there's always visiting between siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc...

Spring Break-
After I taught my lesson on Sunday, I went home and packed my bags and went up to Ogden to visit with my sister. I had only planned on being there until Tuesday, but they needed me to babysit for them Wed. I came home Thurs. afternoon.
Here's me, Chloe, and Mindy.

We love each other, what can I say? :)

On Friday, I went to lunch and a movie with my friend Stacey and her boys. We ate at Sizzler and watched Monsters vs Aliens in 3D (my second time seeing it). When we were done with that, I went to Allison's house for dinner. We practiced a song I was playing for her and her husband, then we played Ticket to Ride: Germany Edition. Allison won. It was fun!

Party #2 - Birthday's at Mom's
Saturday, we got together again and celebrated my birthday, along with my cousin, Jana Marie's birthday. She is turning 13 tomorrow, and one of the kids (generalizing between my siblings and my cousins) said something about the two of us being like the movie... "13 going on 30". She's turning 13 and I turned 30 :)

She is so tall!! Only a few more inches and I'll still be the shortest one in my family... Lol

We (the kids) went to the school to play basketball. Speed was the first game we played... about 5 or 6 times :)

Casey played on the big hoop with the rest of us and Jarren wanted to join in, but he's a little too short still...

I think Ed got Robert out with this shot... or maybe Robert got Ed out. I can't remember anymore.

We did presents and had icecream and cookies when we got back from playing. Here are the things I got. See if you can find:
Tiger, alien, space ship, puzzle, water balloons, fart putty stuff, sunflower seeds, decal for my truck, socks, cd, cookies, candy bars, licorice.