tagged by bay

The 11 questions bagel tagged me with on her blog:

1. What is your favorite TV show? I've been into Parenthood recently, thanks to my sis in law. It's a good mix of humor and drama, plus it has a killer soundtrack.

2. Would you ever go on a reality show? What would it be? reality tv is obnoxious.

3. If you had to listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would have to be Carole King's "Tapestry."  I just love it.

4. What is the first thing you notice in someone of the opposite sex? smile and eyes. (not a coincidence that samuel has both lovely eyes and a handsome smile).

5. What is your dream job? someone who gets to read to kids all day.

6. What was your first impression of me? my first impression of bailey?  probably "I have a new little sister.  I'm no longer the youngest.  She gets to sleep in my room!"

7. Do you decorate for the holidays? I try.  I hope to get better at this when I become a mom, because it's something that reminds me of my own mom.  

8. How many people have you kissed?  two. the second was waaay better.

9. What is your favorite book to reread? have you ever been the first to read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle to a third grader? enough said.  

10. If you had to teach someone about any major historical event, what would you choose? I think the American Revolution era.  And I think I'd rather teach it to kids, because there are so many great songs you could use.  

11. How would your parents describe you? I think my parents would describe me as someone who likes to make people happy. (a blessing and a curse).  I think they would say I'm a singer, a teacher, an emotional female, a birthday lover, and a blonde.  I hope they would describe me as a loyal and supportive family member, a peace-maker, and an adventurous daughter.  


I'll echo Bailey in saying if you'd like to join in-- feel free!   

Here are my tags: 

1. Hilary

2. Samuel

3. Ashley

4. Alison

5. Mom

love today

loving that science night is over

loving my parents for saving me at science night

loving that we are having adorable nieces and nephews over tomorrow

loving that it's friday

loving that I get to bake tonight

loving samuel

loving creating valentines

loving my new kindle

loving my slippers (as always)

loving my "nana's salad" copycat

loving singing songs with my students

loving coats

loving february.

things I'd like to learn how to do

sew/quilt
make new recipes
de-junk
plan ahead more efficiently
keep in touch/rekindle old friendships
preparedness for emergencies
grocery shop
get into the habit of making my bed
not complain to Samuel
use the adobe programs
make the dishes magically do themselves

. . .

think lovely thoughts

well.  we certainly enjoyed our holidays:  samuel's birthday at the BYU basketball game, a magical christmas that seemed less "run around" this year, lots of preparations and planning for the new year's party that was really cute but only enjoyed halfway, checked off a few appointments including a visit to the doc for the annual check-up and a visit to the hair salon [bay was right-- I was overreacting about the bleach/highlighting incident], seeing wonderful friends who I don't get to see very often, two joyous weeks away from work, zoolights, temple square lights, a sleepover with lyv [complete with barbies and "paint polishing" our nails], the most delicious food I've had in a while, cleaning my house, and sleeping in.

and while december is a great time to be a third grade teacher, it is also a hard time. [bet you can guess why].  so it's nice to have a new start in january.  and I already feel like I have more energy to create valuable learning experiences for my students.  this is a happy thing-- because I was really on the verge of a burn out about three weeks ago.  it's nice to reflect on why I do what I do every once in a while, just to keep myself in check.

it feels like I have many of the same goals this year as I set for myself last year:
exercise regularly
temple monthly
become a better teacher
travel to somewhere new

so I have tried to think of a few more specific things I'd like to accomplish:
plant a garden and keep it alive all summer
focus on having meaningful relationships with friends and family
tell samuel how much I appreciate him more frequently
make dinner at least 3 times a week; try new recipes
save up for something expensive
read some books I've never read before
help my students to love learning

happy new year to you and yours.

in other news...

It's Samuel's BIRTHDAY today!

I love that guy.

a hair-raising adventure.

I cut my hair a while back, which always makes me happy.  I love hair cuts, and I have enjoyed trying out a new-to-me style.

However, as my hair has grown, it has morphed into something a little drab, a little stringy, and a little mullet-ish.  I called my hairdresser to make an appointment, but unfortunately she was booked until after Christmas.  To temporarily remedy the problem, I picked up one of those do-it-yourself highlighting kits while at the drugstore yesterday.  My mom helped me by applying it last night... It was a little awkward and blotchy during the application process, but we figured it'd just wash out.

WRONG!

It is bleachy-blotchy all over!  It is seriously sketchy.  It is, in my opinion, worse than when we began.

I'm wearing it curly today to try and "hide" my transgression.  Trust me, this photo does it no justice.

My family and husband have been really nice about it.  But, I learned firsthand what my dad has always told us... If you think it's expensive to hire a professional, wait until you hire an amateur.  It's true, folks.  Worst 5 bucks I've spent in an attempt at saving some $$.  Meanwhile, I'm waiting to hear back from the salon to see if they can squeeze me in.

news.

Samuel got a job!  (I mean, he's had a job for a while, but this is a shiny new job that doesn't involve detailing cars or soggy shoes).  He will be working for Henry Shien in their eServices department.  He's excited to be affiliated with a Fortune 500 company, with lots of room for learning and growth.  They are lucky to have such a fabulous guy and hard worker.

We got our Christmas tree!  It was Samuel's first experience with hiking up and cutting down a tree.  We had a great time with my parents searching and choosing.  It's lovely in all its "Charlie Brown-ness."  Ah, the holidays.

My brother came into third grade the other day and taught my students how to make pizza.  He is their new hero.  They loved his chef's hat, his excellent dough making skills, and how "cool" he was/is.  Not to mention the fact that he is also a fire fighter.

As always, I am looking forward to winter break... only 1 week and 2 days left.  It's hard to say who is more excited: my students or myself.  Up until then, however, we have lots of great things planned including holidays around the world, idioms, multiplication, and (the much anticipated) cursive!