The Adventures of Mel and Amy

Snowpocalypse 2012

2012-01-24T19:53:00.000-08:00

Remember ages ago this post & this post & this post & don't forget this one

Well it's happened again. Last week I didn't have to go to work. Why?

SNOWPOCALYPSE 2012!!!!

So here we go:
1/17/2012 Day 1 - It did't snow at my house until early the next morning, but it did snow in my school district.

1/18/2012 Day 2 - The snow begins

6:30 - my car is the second one from the right

9:00 am our patio railing

9 am beyond the patio

looking out the front door - my car's the first one on the right

11 am - Amy's Car (mine is just barely visible)

11/19/12 - Day 3 - The worst day of snow & the ice storm

8:30 am - the end of snow and the beginning of the Ice/Snow/Ice again

Can you see the ice beginning to build on Amy's tomato cages?

Ice layer on top of snow and the build up around the top of the pot is ice covered with snow

1/20/12 Day 4: The snow & ice ends and the warming begins. It started to rain early morning, but still some ice/snow. We ventured out to get butter and saw the ice destruction. Boeing had tons of trees down/ branches broken along the road. In our complex two fir trees just bent over due to the weight of snow & ice.

1/21/12 Day 5: Rain continues - but the snow is still covering roads & our balcony, but my car was snow free

1/22/12 Day 6: What's left at our house:

When I got to work on Monday - Issaquah still had lots of ice, and trees were down everywhere. Areas were still without power, but school started again and we had to begin finals today - one week late.

Dinner with Pinterest

2012-01-18T19:51:00.000-08:00

Recently, I have joined the many who have been sucked into the pictures and boards of Pinterest. I love it! All of it.

About three days into my obsession, my sister shared with me this quote that I believe she found on Pinterest:

Pinterest: A place where women go to plan weddings they'll never have and decorate houses they can't afford.

Though I laughed along with her at the time, the thought has crossed my mind many times as I've continued my obsession with my many pins and boards. Last week I made a decision: That is not going to be me. I will plan and gather pictures and ideas, but more importantly, I will do them. My plan for this year is to be more real, do real things, experience real things, have real relationships and complete real projects. I don't want to collect a bunch of dreams and ideas that I don't do anything with.

With that in mind, this week is "Cooking with Pinterest" week.

Recipe 1: Crockpot Honey Chicken

Link: http://pinterest.com/pin/83527768058666887/

Super easy recipe, cooks all days in the crockpot, hardly any work. AND, it was tasty. I loved it. Great with rice and broccoli. Will do it again for sure.

Recipe 2: Waffle Brownies
Link: http://pinterest.com/pin/33495590948295626/

Thought this would be so fun! Any excuse to use one appliance to do multiple things sounds good to me. However........ it didn't work out so well. It might be better with a Belgin Waffle maker, but with my flat square one. Yeah, not so good. The "waffles" didn't come out of the plates very easily, despite my spraying them with baking spray ahead of time. I did like the crunchy outsides, but there just didn't seem to be enough substance to it. Not going to try it again.

Point of the story..... I can dream, collect pictures and plan.... but I'm going to do something about it! This will be the first of many Pinterest posts of my many REAL adventures of the year. Fun times! :)

Farewell Papa

2012-01-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

On December 30, 2011 our father passed away. Tomorrow is his funeral. Here is his obituary:
David Curtis Smith, age 62, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 30, 2011.

David was born December 23, 1949 in Van Nuys, CA to Curtis Elmer Smith and Frances Dee Chaffin (Deceased). and was the oldest of 8 children. He was active in the Boy Scout program in the wards and stakes in which he lived. He loved hiking, camping, spending time with his brothers, and all things llama; pastimes that continued his entire life. He loved gardening and grew the best tomatoes around. David graduated from Marina High School and attended college at Golden West Community College in Huntington Beach, CA. David served a mission to the New England States from 1969 to 1971. He loved to make up songs, had a great sense of humor, and loved to be on a trail with his llamas in the mountains.

He married Janis Carter Smith on September 8, 1972 in the Los Angeles California temple. They are the proud parents of 7 children; Melody Ann; Annjeanette (Deceased); Amy Louise; Michael David, (Michelle Dalley); Robert Wayne, (Katie Bills); Abigail Frances; Andrew Carter, (Alina Derevnina). They are also the loving grandparents to five perfect grandsons and one granddaughter to come.

David was a hard-working , dedicated employee for all of his life. He and his father owned a janitorial maintenance company for many years. David was also employed by The Fuller Brush Company, Interstate Electronics, and was the facilities manager for the Honda Event Center, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the Jewish Community Center.

David was baptized into and had a strong testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many church callings. His favorite, by far, was being able to serve in the scounting organizations of the church. An avid scouter all of his life, David was proud to be an Eagle Scout. He and his wife were honored to have worked in the Oquirrh Mountain temple.

David has been reunited with his mother, his brother Corey, his daughter and loving grandparents and relatives.

He is survived by his father Curtis, Delta, UT, 4 brothers: Robin (Linda), Hinckley, UT, Russel (Chris), Salt Lake City, UT, Brian (Julie) Spring Creek, NV, Matthew (Jane), Rexburg, ID, and 2 sisters: Wendy Kelly, Orem, UT, and Jennifer (Lou) Pardone, Orem, UT and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 5, 2012, 11:00 AM, at the West Jordan, Prairie Stake Center, 5360 West 7000 South West Jordan, UT. A viewing will be held prior to the services beginning at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the LDS church missionary fund or the Boy Scouts of America.

The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to the Intermountain Hospice Care employees and volunteers.

Picture taken by Dad's Employer - The Salt Lake Jewish Community Center

Farewell Papa! We will miss you!

Christmas

2011-12-27T19:33:00.000-08:00

All of us by the Salt Lake Temple

It's been a while since either of us posted. Amy is in Utah helping with my Dad as we all face the last stages of his Brain Cancer. I just returned from Utah and will most likely be returning at the end of next week. I had a great time at home & you can read about my visit at my Dad's blog. But I did some other things too. On Tuesday night, I had a sleep over with my nephews Lincoln & Sawyer. We watched Phineas & Ferb, Mythbusters and headed to the movie theater to see The Muppets. On Thursday night Amy, Abbie & I met up with Rob, Katie, Lincoln and Sawyer to see the lights on Temple Square. When we crossed the street we ran into our cousin Christie & her husband John. My favorite part of the visit was when we looked at all the Nativities from around the world. My favorite was the Maori nativity. At first we weren't sure which pacific island group the nativity belonged to, but then I spotted the Kiwi bird - that gave it away.

Saywer & I with the Maori Nativity (I'm the one next to the Kiwi Bird)

Hopefully we'll get back to posting here more regularly during this year!

My last two days with the Macs

2011-10-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Monday we got up and headed to Knotts Berry Farm. I think the last time I was there was 1992? 93? The day was slightly on the warm side. We walked around the park and rode lots of rides. I enjoyed riding the Jaguar with Keanna and the three rides (in a row) on Bigfoot Rapids with Mackenzie. I also closed my eyes riding the Xcelerator with Roger. After making a short stop at our hotels so Mackenzie & I could put on dry clothes we went to Chili's for Dinner.

This morning we went to IHOP for breakfast and talked about family, traditions, and holidays until I had to leave for the airport. It was not easy to leave. The Macs are an awesome family! Roger & Andrea are the most patient parents I've ever seen and turn everything they can into a learning opportunity. Keanna and Mackenzie are just good kids - even having travelled far from home for three + weeks. I am going to miss them tremendously. I'm going to have to fill my New Zealand bank as quickly as possible to make my trip to the other side of the world!

Me & The Macs

2011-10-16T20:35:00.000-07:00

Two days into my mini vacation in Southern California & I am having a fantastic time.

Saturday I took an early flight into John Wayne Airport - Orange County. I got my car and drove to Mission Viejo to see my grandparents. I haven't seen them since I moved to Washington. I made lunch and we sat around and talked.

Just after I got to my hotel, I got to see the Mac's. Roger & I worked together at Oak Glen Outdoor School and have kept in touch ever since. I met his wife Andrea once before they were married. They have three beautiful girls. The family has been in the states for about three weeks visiting the U.S. and just got back from Walt Disney World. We drove out to Yucaipa California to meet up with people we used to work with and for. It was fun to see them again.

Sunday we went to breakfast at IHOP and then drove to Hollywood to take pictures with the Hollywood Sign. Mackenzie really enjoyed putting her hands in all the handprints in front of the Chinese Theater. We drove back and relaxed around their hotel room. They brought me a big bag of goodies including a bank to save for my New Zealand trip and some NZ money to get started. We ended the day with Cheesecake @ Cheesecake Factory.

Tomorrow we are going to Knott's Berry Farm. I can't remember the last time I went there. I'm totally excited.

Tuesday's Dinner

2011-10-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

Tried this great recipe tonight - so I thought I would share!

Chicken Tenders
1 lbs chicken tenderloins
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup egg substitute
3/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil

1. Preheat oven to 425.
2. Cut tenderloin in half lengthwise; cut into 20 (2-inch) pieces.
3. Place flour in a shallow dish. Place egg substitute in another. Combine panko, cheese, garlic salt, and pepper in another dish. Dredge chicken flour; dip in egg substitute, and dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, swirling to coat. Add turkey pieces to pan; cook 2 minutes on each side. Place chicken pieces on a broiler pan. Bake at 425 for 5 minutes. Turn pieces over, and bake another 5 minutes or until golden. Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 5 pieces)

Calories 227 Fat 6.1g Protein 32.9g Carb 11g Fiber 0.5g Chol 47mg Iron 2mg Sodium 237mg Calc 36mg

So these were really good. Melody doesn't like chicken and she said they were good. I didn't have egg substitute so I used 2 eggs and beat them with a fork a little bit. I didn't have garlic salt either, so I used 1/4 t garlic powder and 1/4 t salt. They were really good. Tomorrow I'm going to cut up the left overs and eat them over a salad for a grilled chicken salad. I will be making them again..... soon. :)

Trip Back to Washington Part 2

2011-09-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

After leaving Brigham City, I continued my drive towards Washington through Idaho. While driving I called my Grandma and asked a question that had been bugging me for a long time - How did her parents meet. Grandma Walker was from Louisiana and after her family joined the church they moved to Utah. Her parents ended up in Price. Grandpa Walker's family joined the church early in church history, and his grandparents came to Utah a few years after the bulk of the Saints came. They settled in Farmington and branches of the family ended up in Star Valley, Wyoming & Rockland, Idaho along with Utah - so how did they meet. They meet in Jerome, Idaho (which I just happened to be driving past when Grandma told me). They ended up in Meridian, Idaho (which was very close to where I headed that night). Grandma also told me that her dad, Grandpa Walker, loved the Snake River.

I continued on to the Boise area to stay for a few days with my friend Holly & her family (and to see my dentist, who happens to be married to Holly).

On one of the days I was at Holly's house we had lunch next to the Snake River:

One of Holly's kids was missing (she was having fun with horses) but the rest did some posing for me.

Eventually I left Idaho and drove home to Washington ending Summer for me.

Trip back to Washington Pt 1.5

2011-09-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

After going to the Cemetary I drove into the center of town and stopped at the Brigham City Tabernacle which happens to be opposite the Brigham City Temple Site. It also is across the street from my Great-Grandmother Merrill's house that she lived in when I visited for Thanksgiving one year. So of course I took some pictures:

Brigham City Tabernacle

Brigham City Temple

I think this was Grandma Merrill's House

My trip back to Washington Part 1

2011-09-18T13:14:00.000-07:00

This is a little late to be writing about my trip back to the land of rain, but I basically went straight back to work when I got back.

I left Sunday late morning and drove to Brigham City. My mom's side of the family has a tradition of taking flowers to the cemetary on Memorial Day. It wasn't Memorial Day, but I'd been doing a lot of family history and I wanted to stop and take some flowers and I have a lot of relatives burried there.

End of my visit

2011-08-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

This time next week I'll be on my way to Boise (yay Millers!) to visit my fabulous dentist. It's been a long two months with lots of memories to think about. Here are some of the things I'll remember in no specific order:

1. Watching Mike pour cement footings for his house
2. Not having a single day over 100 degrees
3. Sleeping on the pull out sofa every night but three
4. Discovering things about my ancestors at the Church History Library
5. Taking Lincoln and Sawyer out for lunch!
6. Watching Danny play all day in the Sandbox.
7. Hanging out in the Infusion center at the Huntsman Cancer Institute every other week
8. Climbing in and out of the basement window opening at Mike's new house.
9. Staying over at Russ and Chris' cabin
10. eating lunch at the Highline trailhead parking lot and being bit by mosquitos
11. Eating the first cherry tomato of the season from Mom & Dad's garden
12. scanning family pictures
13. Watching Midsomer Murders and eating ice cream just about every night
14. Fourth of July Extravaganza - especially the frog firework
15. 24 th of July Ice Cream and Cake Pops
16. Naming the fireworks on the 24th after apostles and prophets (Lincoln had awesome names)
17 Watching fireworks with Crew & Danny
18. watching all my nephews swim at the JCC
19. Seeing my relatives at the Smith Family Reunion - especially playing with Darren and Kezlyn's youngest!
20. Driving by East High School and singing "High School Musical" everytime I passed by
21. finishing the last block for the dreaded Butterfly Quilt
22. Completing lots of other craft projects
23. Visiting quilt stores with mom
24. Taking Dad through the McDonald's Drive Thru for breakfast
25. Salivating over the cheap fuel and food prices in Utah
26. Shopping at Walmart
27. The Kitty fiasco
28. Having glitter toes done at the Miller's house
29. Going to Andy & Alina's house for the first time.

I'm hoping to make a few more memories this week. See you soon Washington.

Mom & Dad

The Miracle of the Kitty

2011-06-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Dad & I drove down to Delta Utah to see his dad for Father's Day. While driving down main street a kitty popped up under my car. I didn't run it over, but I did drive over it. When we got to Grandpa's house and got out of the car, we could hear meowing from under the car. We couldn't see anything, and we hoped that it would climb out while we were inside. When we came back out, couldn't see anything under the car and there was no noise. We drove all the way home. Today I left and ran errands. When I got home I hear meowing, but it sounded like it was coming from the neighbors that have cats. When Mom & Dad got home, I told Dad I thought the kitty might be underneath the car still, but I that still couldn't see anything. Dad got down and looked and again didn't see anything, but then the cat started crying again. Mom got down and saw the kitty. We opened the hood and still couldn't get it out or see it. Mom & Dad figured out where it was and tried to get it out, but it was stuck. We decided to drive to a tire place to put it up on a lift and see if we could get the kitty out. We only made it about 15 feet before I heard a bang on the bottom of the car and saw a little kitty scamper out from under the car. We cornered it under a tree and Mom coaxed it out. It wasn't hurt, no broken bones, maybe a few bruises. We gave it some food and liquids and now she's wandering around the house - meowing and finally purring. Here she is the cat my Dad thinks should be named Fusion after the car it traveled in for 150 miles and lived to tell about it.:

The Ocean

2011-06-04T19:56:00.000-07:00

As Melody walked down the hall toward my room this morning at 10:30am she said, "I guess I have to get up and do something today." Feeling the same was, I asked "What fun and exciting thing would you like to do today?" Without a moment of hesitation she said "I'd drive to the coast and put my feet in the ocean." It only took me 5 minutes to talk her into it and we were out the door by 11am.

The drive was beautiful. We went down through Tacoma, Olympia, and out to Ocean Shores. We were very excited to get out to the water!

Before we even got to the water we were met by a beautiful sky full of kites. All shapes, sizes, and colors were soaring through the air. There was not a cloud in the blue sky and so the kites were amazing.

One of the things I wasn't expecting was the fact that you could drive your car right out onto the sand! The whole beach was full of cars and RV's, tents and umbrellas. Some drove their cars all the way into the water.

The other crazy thing was that the beach was littered with crab shells. Arms, pinchers and in some cases whole shells were all over. As were broken sand dollars. Pile after pile of broken sand dollar shells were all over.

The water was really quite warm. If I had my swimsuit I would have gone all the way out. Knowing the pacific current is a cold current (thanks Mel) I expected the water to be very cold. The current was really strong. There were a few people in the shallow water, but none very far out.

I loved every minute of it. I seriously couldn't stop smiling. Sometimes I forget how much of a water and beach girl I am. I'm sunbunt and loving every minute of it. :)

The drive home was eventful. We saw a police car pulled over, protecting a bear who was laying down on the side of the road. Checked out the massive cooling towers for the nuclear power plant never finished in Elma, WA and enjoyed chocolate dipped ice cream cones. :)

We noticed all the Tsunami Evacuation Route signs, both on the drive in and on the way out. It was interesting though, that some of them pointed towards the ocean? Not sure that would be the best route.

We ended our trip with a stop at Camping World! I needed new grilling tools and a cover for my grill! It was an awesome day! I still can't stop smiling! I LOVE the summer in Seattle. I'm looking forward to many, many more Saturday trips and sunny days!

What's going on

2011-03-14T17:15:00.001-07:00

I don't know how much posting we will get to in the near future.

Life has totally changed for us both.

You can see that change at:

Dad and the Deathstar

Phoenix

2011-03-07T18:25:00.000-08:00

Most Washington school districts have a charming little tradition called Mid-Winter Break. Personally, I'd rather get out of school a few days early, but this year I really needed a break from my students. Amy needed a break from rain and cloudy skies so we went to Phoenix. The first November we were here we went to Phoenix for a weekend. This time we went for a week.

On the first day we took a drive through the South Mountain Park - it's where the mountain with all the antennas on top is located.

We drove up and up until we got to this view:

Then we drove home and made dinner

Thursday we took a break from resting and went to Barnes & Noble to get Amy a book (who am I kidding - I walked out of there with 2 books) and went to Aunt Chilada's for some great Mexican Food and sun on the Patio.

Friday's activities reveal the real reason we went to Phoenix:

That's right Nascar - A weekend of racing! Friday we went to practice and truck qualifing. And then we got to see the Kyle Busch show during the truck race:

Kyle's truck during a pit stop - right across from our seats!

KB won the race and somewhere in that cloud from the burnout is his truck.

Saturday we went back to the track to see Nationwide and Cup qualifying and then the Nationwide Race:

Kyle's pit stop

Where we saw the Kyle Busch show again:

Yep - that's his car in the smoke again!

The hope for me was that I'd get to see a KB sweep!

Sunday:

Here's Amy before the race sporting her 20 gear for Joey Logano

There's Kyle Pre Race

Kyle didn't win - he came in second but it was a great race and a great weekend!

I Love my Daddy!

2011-02-14T16:15:00.000-08:00

This is what was delivered to my 2nd period class today for Valentine's Day:

Thanks Dad for remembering me on Valentines Day - And Thanks for the Chocolate too!

My Classroom

2011-02-01T18:09:00.000-08:00

I haven't taken any shots of my classroom and these shots have my students in it. Just ignore them!

Looking from the back and my desk to the front

From the front to the back (oh look the sun even came out a bit!)

from the front to the door (P. needs to quit making faces)

My fancy touch screen computer.

There you go - not all the room, but it's pretty cool.

It's less than six months now!

2011-01-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for ideas for my birthday, Christmas, or any other reason I have an idea for you. I want all the seasons of Emergency! (there are 6 so far). The early seasons are around $15.00 on Amazon - so you can buy it now and give it to me for my birthday in July - yep - I'm giving you suggestions in January for July!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

My shot of the Salt Lake Temple while snowing

This year I flew home for Christmas on the 19th and flew back today the 26th. My week was filled with hanging out with my parents new dog Max, a visit to Temple Square, sleepover with Lincoln and Sawyer and Dinner for Dad's birthday along with all the Utah contingent coming over for Christmas dinner. I also got some nifty gifts - subscriptions to my favorite magazines, tickets to the Seattle Symphony, Antique Map Calendar, Goodies from New Zealand (There is nothing better than Cadbury Magical Elves!), goodies from the Millers, and an incredible gift from Amy that makes me feel like a true grown up!

Playing Creationary with Lincoln & Sawyer

Gifts from NZ!

From the Millers

My new Pearls!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T20:59:00.000-08:00

Melody and I spent Thanksgiving at home this year. We had a food storage dinner! It was actually super easy and quite tasty! All I did was make a small turkey breast - super convenient freezer to oven type, and make homemade rolls. Melody did all the rest of it! Mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, jello w/bananas, and homemade pumpkin cheesecake!! Thank you, Melody! Other than the cheesecake, it took about 30 minutes to do all the rest of it! Gotta love it!

My friend Erika came over and ate with us. She said, and I quote "this is the most beautiful Thanksgiving dinner I've ever been too!" It wasn't all that... but it was quite tasty and very fun!

I tried to make everyone say what they were thankful for while we were eating, but no one seemed very excited about it. So..... here goes, in no particular order:

Safe arrival of a new nephew

Wonderful family reunion with all of my family

Losing 70 lbs. and becoming more healthy

Getting back in touch with old friends

Better understanding the grey area of life

My best friend, my mom

Gaining a great appreciation for others

On it's way to the Land of the Long White Cloud

2010-11-16T18:34:00.000-08:00

Ahead of schedule - these things are on their way to my favorite Kiwis in New Zealand for Christmas. I hope they enjoy!

For those not on facebook

2010-11-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple of pictures from our family reunion that happened in October in Utah:

all of us

Grandma, Grandpa & Grandsons

Brothers, Sisters, and Spouses

A week late, but they're still good

2010-11-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

One of the best memories I have from my years at BYU was my freshman (or sophomore year - it's a little bit of a blur) year when a box from home arrived for Halloween. In the box were the best cookies I ever had - I call them pumpkin face cookies. The cookies aren't made with pumpkin, but you decorate them like pumpkin faces. The original recipe calls for string licorice to make the mouths, but I prefer to melt chocolate chips and make my own mouths. I pretty much make these every year now at Halloween and it's hard to not just eat them constantly - they are that good! To keep Amy & I from eating them all, I mailed some to two of my former students who are in college.

The happy face (represents Amy)

The mad face (represents Me)

Leavenworth, WA

2010-09-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

Now that my life has calmed down a bit... Melody and I decided to take a small day trip to Leavenworth, WA. It's this great little Bavarian village in the mountains of Washington. We took the long scenic drive and stopped at a great local fruit and produce stand! THE BEST APPLES I've had in a long time. It was a good time.

First Day of School

2010-08-31T11:05:00.000-07:00

Today was Melody's first day of school. She was smart and asked me to take this cute picture of her!!! I hope it was a great day! :)

The Famous Art Piece

2010-08-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

Since we moved to our townhome, Amy & I have been trying to decide how to deal with the expansive space over the fireplace. We finally agreed on creating our own piece of art and I purchased six square canvases. They sat on the ground for a few months until our Home Teacher gave us a hard time. Amy hung them up with the plastic still on. Then at Christmas we wrapped them with christmas paper. After more teasing from our Home Teacher Amy unwrapped them. They sat on the wall and finally last week I painted the canvases. Here they are:

What do you think?

Trip Thursday

2010-08-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

I finally got myself out of the house and not just to go to the grocery store, JoAnns, target or Barnes and Noble. I decided to head to the Nordic Heritage Museum in the Ballard area of Seattle. I probably spent more time in traffic than at the museum - that's because this was going on:

This picture was from two years ago, but you get the idea -the Blue Angels are in town and had practice today. That means shutting down the I-90 bridge for their practice. At least I got to watch them practice while I sat on the freeway and tomorrow I can see the show from my side of the Lake. After a large detour I finally arrived at the Nordic Heritage Museum.

The museum celebrates the heritage of Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and my personal favorite Norway.

The first floor has an exhibit about immigration from Scandinavia to the U.S. Since some of my ancestors came from the area, it was fun to recognize some of the advertisements and situations portrayed in the exhibit. The second floor shows the logging and fishing industries of the Pacific Northwest where many Nordic immigrants found jobs. My favorite part of the second floor was the arts and crafts exhibit. The third floor has exhibits dedicated to each of the countries represented in the museum. I really enjoyed looking at religion sections that appeared in different country exhibits and the craftmanship displayed in wood and cloth. It was a great visit and then I sat in traffic on the way home and watched the Blue Angels 2nd practice!

We Love Jeff Dickerson

2010-08-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

from the Jeff Dickerson Fan Club Facebook Group

One of the major reasons Kyle Busch is my favorite NASCAR driver is his spotter. Jeff Dickerson. There is nothing more enjoyable than listening to the two of them talk during the race on Track Pass. But now they have parted ways. It is not as fun to listen to Kyle's radio without Jeff. This week Jeff has been hired to spot for Jeff Gordon. I've been listening to the 24 scanner today so I can hear Jeff. Amy & I aren't Jeff Gordon fans, but we love Jeff Dickerson and you can bet we'll be listening to him on the scanner as much as possible!

Note - I forgot to post this on Sunday afternoon when I wrote it.

Trip Tuesday

2010-07-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to get out of the house this summer- since I'm not doing any travelling- and see more of Washington. Yesterday I decided to motor along a scenic drive over the Cascades. I drove US 2 through Stevens Pass from Monroe to Leavenworth and then completed 2 more scenic drives in my Scenic Drives of Washington book - going from Leavenworth to Cle Elum and them from Cle Elum along I-90 back home through Snoqualmie Pass. Here are some pictures I took.

Skyomish River

Tunnel through US 2

River along US 97

How we are spending Amy's Day Off

2010-07-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

4th of July Wear

2010-07-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Amy & I went to Walmart in Covington. (We don't have very many in the general area around our house - except the one in Renton & it is not a good Walmart). I wanted a 4th of July shirt, so we both bought one. Apparently we picked up the wrong sizes and we are not driving back to return them. I had given up on having 4th of July wear, until I was crusing through the craft blogs I read and saw some of the shirts these crafty ladies made for their kids. I thought - why couldn't I make a shirt for us big kids. Friday I ran down to Target and picked up a red t-shirt for Amy and a blue one for me. Here's how they turned out:

First week of Vacation Projects

2010-07-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

During the first week of summer vacation I had a lot of projects going on:

This was a project I picked up last summer (at least I think it was last summer) at American Quilting in Orem. It is a sewing kit. I have another one to do. This didn't turn out the best, but I like it.

This quilt I bought as a kit in Boise last summer. I've had the top done for 9 months, but never got around to quilting the whole thing together. I did that and did the binding too.

I pieced this top the first day of vacation. The backing just came, so now I've got to decide if I'm going to quilt it myself or not.

My favorite project, I've been working on for a few months. I needed to reorganize my recipes. I've been typing up my cards, adding recipes, and finally I printed them out and got them into binders. I love it!

A couple of Summer Recipes

2010-06-20T19:28:00.000-07:00

It's raining here in Washington, but I was organizing my recipes and thought I'd share a few of my favorite summertime recipes.

Pizza Pasta Salad

8 oz uncooked spiral pasta

½ tsp cornstarch

1/3 cup water

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

¼ cup red wine or cider vinegar

2 TBSP olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp salt

½ tsp garlic powder

1/8 tsp pepper

1 ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes

¾ cup cheddar cheese

¾ cup motz cheese

½ cup sliced green onions

½ cup sliced pepperoni

Cook pasta according to directions. Drain and rinse

In small saucepan combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in par. Cheese, vinegar, oil, oregano, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Mix well. In large bowl combine remaining ingredients. Add pasta and dressing. Toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

It is so good - I can eat this for every meal for days (Which I would have to do anyway because I only feed me)

This one I got from a NASCAR Cookbook
NASCAR – Fruit Salad for the Clumsy

1 can pineapple chunks drained

Fresh strawberries sliced

Fresh raspberries

Banana slices

Grapes

1 can cherry pie filling

Dash grated orange peel

Dash lemon zest

Proportions are not important with this recipe. Gently mix together all of the fruit and the contents of the cherry pie filling to the consistency that you desire (light glaze that will just lightly bind the fruit together). Top off with zest.

We had this at my NASCAR party last year!

This recipe Holly fed me one of the times I went to Cleveland - I want to say the second time, but I'm not sure.

Holly’s Chicken Salad

1 large can all white chicken meat

½ cup slivered seasoned almonds (ranch)

2-3 diced green onion stalks

1-2 small diced celery stalks

2 tsp ranch mix powder

Enough may to mix it all

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all the ingredients, chill and serve on croissants.

I hope you have a wonderful summer!

What I did on my first day of Vacation

2010-06-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

Got up at 6:15 to watch the US v Slovenia World Cup match
dusted the Living room
Loaded work CD's into iTunes
Did five loads of laundry
made lists of work stuff I need to do this summer
watched the England match
moved bookshelf from car to room
watched a bunch of Wizards of Waverly Place episodes
Stitched for 4-5 hours

Hopefully I'll continue to be productive

World Cup

2010-06-11T08:34:00.001-07:00

Today I saw the first goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup scored by South Africa.

Who are you routing for?

Nine Days

2010-06-04T18:35:00.000-07:00

IN NINE DAYS. . . . .

I will be sane again
It won't matter that I can't sleep when the sun is still up at 9:30 pm and up at 4:00 am
I can wear my jammies all day
the district will be moving my stuff to my new school (that is awesome!)
my 13th year of teaching will be over!

Memorial Day Ideas

2010-05-30T16:05:00.000-07:00

(The American Flag above the USS Arizona Memorial)

Memorial Day is probably the second most important holiday to me - July 4th being the most important. Maybe it's my love of history or watching lots of War Movies with Dad during these kinds of holidays - but I am very grateful to those that have sacrificed for my freedoms. If like us you have grey skies or need some thing to do here are my suggestions: ***Note - not all of these suggestions are suitable for all****

1. Fly a flag. If you don't have one, go get one!
2. Make something and take to a neighbor that has served in the military, reserves, national Guard, or has someone currently serving.

3. Watch a war movie - my suggestions: Midway, Battle of the Bulge, The Longest Day, Band of Brothers, Drums Along the Mohawk, and the History Channel will usually have some good documentaries on.

4. send a thank you email to a service person - http://www.amillionthanks.org/

5. Donate to an organization that supports our veterans and current military servicemen and women. You can make blankets, donate books, music etc - just search for what you'd like to do and you'll find the right place to donate to.

6. Write in your journal about what freedom means to you.

7. Start a book about the history of the United States. A great book is David McCullough's 1776. (there's lots of others, but I really like this one).

Enjoy your Memorial Day and don't forget the reason for this day!

NASCAR All Star Party

2010-05-23T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the NASCAR All-Star Race. I hosted a party for Amy, Abbie, and Jeremy. I decorated with Stars all over the living room. We took pictures and ate lots of food - Pizza Bites, Brownies, Cheesecake from http://www.ourbestbites.com/ and other items.

The race has four segments. Everyone got a team of drivers to route for. At the end of each segment a prize was awarded to the person whose driver was leading. Amy won this hat when Kurt Busch led the first segment:

Abbie won segment 2 & 3 with Jimmie Johnson, but Amy won the grand prize, when Kurt Busch came back from major damage to win the race and a million dollars (Kurt got the million, not Amy).

My Job Next Year

2010-05-21T15:18:00.000-07:00

Today I was officially excessed from PCFC and assigned to a new position. I am now an Issaquah High School Eagle.

They weren't always the Eagles - they used to be the Indians, but well it wasn't very PC. I don't know what in the Social Studies I'll be teaching, but I ended up where I wanted. My favorite part (aside from being in a brand new building) is that the school colors are Purple and gold. Gold may not be the best color on me, but Purple is AWESOME!!!!!!!!

My recent Movie watching

2010-05-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

I've been sewing the binding on some quilts and watching movies. All of my choices have been great, mostly foreign, and I end up crying. So if you need a cyring fest - you might want to try these movies (I watched them on Netflix) *** since most of them are foreign you may need to be careful if kids are nearby, I can't remember which ones you might need to censor****

Rosenstrasse - This movie is about a daughter trying to understand her mother by finding out what happened in her mother's life during World War II. I really liked it and have a whole new area of World War II to learn about. Made in 2003, PG-13 and in German

The Butterfly - 2003, French, NR - This movie is about an older gentleman that collects butterflies. A young girl who needs attention from her mother moves in upstairs and stows away on his trip to see a butterfly. Also has a happy ending.

As It Is in Heaven - 2005, Swedish, NR (see warning above) This movie was nominated for an academy award. The story is about a conductor who returns to his hometown for a fresh start. I loved this movie, even if it was slow in a few places.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - It's in English, 2008, PG-13 - It's about the Holocaust. I hadn't read the book, but it's very good.

Right now I'm watching Sweet Land. It's an independent film about a mail order bride in a Norwegian American community who happens to be German not Norwegian, and a Socialist after World War I and all the problems that come from dealing with all of that! I love getting a picture of what a Norwegian American farming community would have been like, since some of my ancestors would have been in communities like that.

Something I've been working on

2010-05-15T19:48:00.000-07:00

This is a quilt I've been working on. It's not finished and I'm not sure the borders are what I want. I'm going to embroider a scripture or two around the outside.

Neither of us are dead

2010-04-18T19:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know why Amy hasn't posted - I keep reminding her. I just have nothing exciting to say or any pictures to post. I'm looking forward to school being out - it's not May yet. Last week I got to tour the new Issaquah High School. I will probably be teaching there next year, when the 9th graders return to the high school campus. The best part is that purple is one of the school colors - and I look good in Purple!!!!

Amy needs a speaker

2010-03-31T23:03:00.000-07:00

Amy needs an awesome keynote speaker for the "age focused" (that means 27-45ish) single adult conference she is in charge of. Her orginial plan fell through - so if you know someone or have some strings you can pull - let us know! All appropriate ideas welcome! At least I hope so since she doesn't know I'm posting this-hopefully she won't get mad.

Amy is not dead.

2010-03-17T17:02:00.001-07:00

Amy says she will post soon. I'm not sure if I believe it - but there are 7 more school days until Spring Break. Yes I'm counting.

Back to the Grind

2010-02-21T18:25:00.000-08:00

I've had the last week off. They call it Mid-Winter Break and while I would rather get out of school earlier at the end of the year, I needed the week off. I kept busy doing some cleaning and sewing and watching Curling at the Olympics. I still don't know exactly how curling works, but I want some of those Norewegian men's curling pants.

Photo from msnbc

My Valentine- My Daddy

2010-02-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

Every year for Valentine's Day my Daddy sends me flowers. This year he sent me an orchid. It's really beautiful. I hope I can keep it alive. Thanks Daddy for remembering me at Valentine's Day.

Valentine Cookies

2010-02-11T17:55:00.000-08:00

Today I was home from work, I'm calling it a mental health day. So I made Valentine Cookies.
This is my Mom's favorite Sugar Cookie Recipe:
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Cup butter
1 Cup of Oil
2 Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla

5 Cups Flour

1/2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Soda
1 tsp Cream of Tartar

Cream the first column of ingredients until fluffy, then mix in the flour, salt, soda, and cream of tartar. Chill the dough for 1-2 hours. Roll out and cut out shapes of your choice. Bake for 6-7 minutes at 350. The cookies will not brown, so don’t over bake!

I usually make my favorite frosting, but I needed the frosting to set enough to be packaged for my primary kids - so I decided to try an icing. I've never really iced before, so it was a little messy but it was okay. I got the recipe for the icing here: http://www.ourbestbites.com/

To disguize my messyness I decided to drizzle some icing across the hearts and then some sprinkles.

While I was baking, icing, watching some NASCAR, the doorbell rang. The UPS guy left me a package. Inside was this:

An orchid, sent to me by the Millers! Thanks!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2010-02-08T18:54:00.000-08:00

I started this book yesterday morning before church and finished it last night before I went to bed. I don't remember where I got the recommendation, but I loved it. The book is told through letters and paints a portrait of post-WWII life in Britain, particularly in the Channel Islands which were occupied by Germany during most of the war. While the story is fictional the historian in me loved the accurate picture of life during and after WWII. I was drawn into the story through the letters - I'm not sure I would have enjoyed it any other way. I highly recommend this book!

What I'm watching today - My Favorite Movie

2010-02-07T15:05:00.000-08:00

My favoritest movie in the entire world is The Third Man. It was released in 1949 and it's about post-WWII Vienna. Joseph Cotton and Orson Wells are in the movie and it was written by Graham Greene. It's a classic Film Noir and has zither music in it. I owe my love of Classic movies to lots of people, but probably the one person who influenced my interest in spy novels, non Nancy Drew mysteries, Beowulf, and classic and foreign films the most was my favorite high school English Teacher Mr. Robert Reuss. I had Mr. Reuss for two semesters and one summer school session. We had to read three outside books in order to qualify for an A. We couldn't just read any book, we had to read books written by an author on the approved list. The range was wide - I read Les Miserable, Murder on the Orient Express, the Winds of War, lots of John LeCarre, Graham Greene, and many many more! Mr. Reuss opened my literature world in an entirely different way than anyone before. He showed the Third Man in class and I was hooked. I loved seeing it each time I had his class and every time I could catch it on the classic movie channels. Thanks Mr. Royce!

What I'm looking forward to this week

2010-02-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

Watching my favorite NASCAR driver - WIN!!!!

Go Kyle!

What's so great about this Tuesday?

2010-01-26T19:53:00.000-08:00

The new Lady Antebellum album came out!

Why do I bother to ask?

2010-01-25T15:33:00.000-08:00

Last week was finals. I did the good teacher thing and did a survey on different things in the class. I don't know why I do it - it always makes me angry afterwards.

This week's best friends

2010-01-15T09:11:00.000-08:00

That's right my best friends this week are Halls Breezers, water (ice cold), and Penicillin. I don't remember when the last time I had strep throat was - 7th grade? But that's what I had this week. I went home from work early on Tuesday, just not feeling good, running a fever, decided to stop at Urgent Care on Wednesday before work thinking maybe I just had a sinus infection - nope - strep throat and if you work with kids don't go to work for two days! Finals are next week! So I spent Wednesday on the couch, sleeping and watching Steven Seagal arrest people (I've never watched one of his movies, but I'm impressed that he is a real police officer). Thursday my fever finally broke and I laid on the couch watching Say Yes to the Dress, Sheer Genius, and whatever could hold my interest. I'm at work today so I can give a test, but I'd rather be on my couch asleep.

My New iPod

2010-01-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I received via FedEx my new iPod Nano. It so small and purple! I love it.

Christmas at the Millers

2009-12-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

On my way home, Amy let me stop at the Miller's so I could drop off their gifts this year. It was fun to see them all and see Holly's house decorated for Christmas. Here's what the Millers gave me for Christmas:

the kids found some NASCAR oreos and a KB car. I also get to shop at Barnes and Noble and use my cute bookmark.

I also got a beautiful necklace:

i couldn't get a good pictures of it, but it has hearts and vines and then it says Girlfriends are the family you choose for yourself.

Thanks Millers!

To My Daddy!

2009-12-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

Today is my Daddy's birthday. I thought I'd share a few photos of my Daddy and Me. I love you Dad!

What I've been up to

2009-12-22T16:43:00.000-08:00

I keep trying to get Amy to post, but she's too busy hanging out with her new alliance on some facebook game. I am really, really, really glad it's Winter Break. I really need some time off. I've spent the last few weeks working on Christmas gifts. If you are the Millers - do not look below until after you've opened your Christmas Gifts:

This is for Anne

Bags for CD players for three of the Miller children

Jumper for a Miller

Also for a Miller - idea from another blog called Crap I've Made . I found this blog while looking for instructions on appliquing on onesies.

I've also made Christmas frames, cookies, written a final, done a ton of laundry, read about 5 books, finished a quilt, and put together gifts for all the ladies at work.

Words of Love

2009-11-26T19:34:00.000-08:00

It's been a really long month. Both of our grandmothers have been in the hospital and Grandma Smith passed away November 13. Amy & I drove to Utah and spent last week with our family, seeing our cousins, aunts, uncles, grandpa, and attending the funeral. Amy stayed for Thanksgiving and I came home last weekend. On the way home I stayed at my friend Holly's house. Saturday morning her girls made me a book and then when I got home I found a surprise in my purse. A chain of people - all the family plus me (I get to hold the baby and Roarke's hand, but Holly has to stand on the other side of me!) and notes from everyone tell me that they love me. That was a great surprise and one I really needed. They've been sitting on the piano where I can see it every day! Thanks to my two "nieces" for making my day a little better!

To Lincoln & Sawyer

2009-11-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

I miss you!!!!! I'm sitting in my classroom at lunch listening to the CD you made me and missing you both! I can't wait to see you at Christmas. Aunt Amy is going to bring you a surprise at Thanksgiving! I need to watch Lincoln play Lego Star Wars and Sawyer in his Captain America outfit! Amy sent me this picture and I put it as my background on my work computer so I can smile at you every day!
Love,
Aunt Mel

Spirit Week

2009-10-28T17:11:00.001-07:00

It's spirit week at school. I dress up for spirit days when I have the means to do so. Today was Hawaiian Day. Here's my look:

I was pretty cold, but it was fun! I tried to be over the top!

Halloween Cookies!

2009-10-12T20:13:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin Face Cookies have been a long tradition in our family. Mom even sent some to me on my mission. A whole box full!! Every missionary in the zone loved my mom that day!

Tonight, for FHE, Melody and I made cookies! I made the cookies, and she made the frosting and decorated them (I'm TERRIBLE at making frosting)! Aren't they cute! Then we took them to families in our ward for fun! What a great night!

Quilt for my friend Julie

2009-10-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

When I was living in Northern California and working at Sierra High School, my favorite place to hang out was in the office with the group I called the "attendance girls". Not all of them had anything to do with attendance, but I loved helping them in the office - whether it was alphabetizing state tests, finding locker combinations, repenting of attendance errors - they just were fun to talk to and they were the first people on campus outside of my department to befriend me. One of my favorites is Julie Bingham. She was the attendance girl and I had to repent of attendance errors many times. When I left, we kept in touch. I even helped them out when I went up to see my favorite class graduate the next year. Since the time I left, life has been rough for Julie and her family, culminating in the passing of her husband from cancer in April. I'd been toying with the idea of making a quilt for her, and had decided on one, when the news of her husband arrived. I changed the quilt a bit and added an embroidered border of scriptures that had been mentioned on emails & posts throughout the past few years and a few of my favorite. I finally got the binding finished Saturday morning and sent it that day. She got it today and now I can post some pictures of it.

My work web page

2009-09-29T16:47:00.001-07:00

So I'm making a web page for my job - teacher. I'm looking for some ideas on what to include in my about Ms. Smith section. Any ideas?

I can't sit back and pretend any more

2009-09-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

I admit I've been watching Glenn Beck.

I've been avoiding the media for about three years now, because I can't stand watching it and watching my country go down the tubes. I miss the America I believe in, the America of hard work and reaping what you put into it, Americans who don't expect or demand that the government fix everything. I'm tired of Senators and Representatives getting away with things that the rest of us couldn't. I'm tired of special interests getting all the breaks, deals, and money that comes from my taxes. I'm tired of watching our government bow down to the rest of the world and turn our backs on true allied in the name of some world order. I don't want to let the government that can't manage any other social program control my health care. I want to keep the constitution - the way it is.

I decided that I couldn't avoid it forever and started forcing myself to watch the news - just a little at a time. Then one day I was sewing and turned on Fox News. It happened to be the Glenn Beck show and what he said made sense to me - We need to ask reasonable questions - that we have a responsibility to question our government. I didn't go out to a rally or anything (though I'm thinking about it), but I'm much more conscious about what the government is doing and how I don't want to become a socialist country. One thing I like about Glenn Beck is that he places the blame on both parties and it's not what's best for him or a political party but for the country and what's right and our freedoms.

Then I watched a piece on the Fox News Channel about the Dust Bowl being created in California in order to save a two inch fish. Since I taught in the northern end of the Central Valley of California and loved driving through the fields, it pains me to think of the students, farmers, workers that are out of work, losing their farms because a fish, we can't eat is more important than families, the cost of food, and the possibility of being dependent on foreign countries for food. And the state government can't do anything about it - this is the Federal Government's doing.

Do something different - write your senator, email your representative when you are unhappy with what they or their colleagues are doing. They work for us, not anyone else.

Love, Love Me Do

2009-09-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

What comes out at Midnight - - - - - - - -

Beatles Rock Band.....

Did I pre-order? you bet. If I didn't have to work tomorrow I'd pick it up at Midnight! But I know what I'm doing after work tomorrow! I'll be singing Beatles all night1

First Day of School

2009-09-02T18:10:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to take my first day of school picture. We have a lot of Freshman (more than the school was built for), but things went pretty smoothly. Aside from a talkative class or two things went pretty well. We'll see how day 2 goes!

The Kenny Wallace Fan Car

2009-08-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I love NASCAR - Amy has become a fan at least sometimes. One of our favorite guys to watch on SPEED TV is Kenny Wallace. He also drives in the Nationwide Series sponsored by the US Border Patrol. This weekend the series is racing in Montreal (that's in Canada for you geography impaired people) and the Border Patrol cannot sponsor the car. Kenny's fan club came up with idea of a fan sponsored car. For $20 you could have your name on the car for the Montreal Race. I signed Amy & I up. We also get a picture of Kenny & the car which we will add to our NASCAR wall in the garage. Today they posted pictures of the fan car close up so you could find your name. We are on the deck lid - Left side second row. The picture is of our section of the car. I can't wait to see it run on the track (but I still expect Kyle Busch to win - sorry Kenny).

My awesome nephews (and bro & sister-in-law)

2009-08-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

Today I spent the morning profusely sweating in my new classroom (they haven't turned on the air in the classroom wings) and doing some organizing. I had to move 200 textbooks, adjust some really heavy shelves. It was really hot, heavy, and boring. I finally left about noon because it was just too darn hot up there! I stopped to get the mail and hiding in all the ads was a package from the Rob & Katie family! Inside were two beautifully crafted cards from my two nephews (even one with me as a lego!) and an AWESOME CD!!!!! I can't wait to take it with me the next time I go to sweat away in my classroom! At least one of the songs is a favorite of Lincoln and there are lots of Rock Band songs that Sawyer can sing! It is cool! Thanks for thinking of me!

Forgot to post

2009-08-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post my birthday present from the Millers so they could see it. Here it is:

You can't go wrong with Kyle Busch!

Trip Catch Up!

2009-08-08T14:53:00.000-07:00

My four week trip is over! Here's what happened the rest of the trip:

BYU Family History Conference: Four days at BYU getting inspired and wonderful ideas on doing my family history. I'm really glad I went & I hope I'll go next year!

Last days at home: Mom & I hung out in the basement. Monday I hung out with Lincoln and Sawyer in the morning. We went to Office Depot, where as soon as Sawyer saw a Tony Stewart cut out he said - NASCAR! We also visited Target and then Sawyer & I played Wii. The afternoon was spent with my cousin Dallis where we shopped University Mall. Mom, Dad & I went out for dinner.

Tuesday morning I left for Boise to spend a few days with Holly & family. The new baby is beautiful and I had a great time with the kids. On Wednesday I saw Dr. Miller and found out I have no cavities! Thursday afternoon I went to see a friend from my younger days - Piper. It was a lot of fun to see her and remember the days in the Westminster 1st ward.

Friday I drove home. Eastern Oregon is a big place - especially when the speed limit is 65 and you happen to watch the Highway Patrol pull over someone every 40 minutes. I did take a detour through Baker City - very cute place - and wished I had my cousin Brent's phone number with me so I could have stopped and said hi at their place (the only pretty part of the drive through Oregon). I never had to stop for gas the whole trip home until I got off the freeway at home (only 5 miles left in the tank). That was really nice (except the price of gas here in WA).

That's my trip! It was a great time!

Day 15,16,17

2009-07-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday - Mom & I went with one of her friends to American Quilting in Orem. Mom & I both read a blog by someone who works there - so it was fun. It's a pretty good quilt store. Saturday afternoon Andy & family came over. Sunday Rob, Katie, Lincoln & Sawyer came over. I made Pizza on a stick and we just hung out and talked. I now know what Lincoln & Sawyer both want for their birthdays in Sept. Monday was too hot for me so I ran errands (or non errands that became necessary) I spent some money at the Church Distribution center (recommend only section), Deseret Book/Mormon Handicraft/Lion House Pantry (lunch) and then I drove up Little Cottonwood Canyon for the first time. Then I finally finished the project I'm working on for my friend Julie in NorCal!!!!!! Next up - BYU Family History Conference.

Happy Pioneer Day!!! (Day 13,14)

2009-07-24T18:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Pioneer Day - the best state holiday in the world! What other state can give you an extra day off in the summer and allows fireworks? Today is the day that the Mormon Pioneers finally made it to the Salt Lake Valley. Mom & I watched the Days of 47 Parade, gave ourselves facials, went to Walmart, watched Bones & Nascar Racing (Kyle's in the lead in the truck race as I write). We've hidden in the basement trying to stay cool. Yesterday I went to Walmart and Mike & Crew came over for a visit. Dad is hiking in the Uintahs with the llamas.

Day 10, 11, 12

2009-07-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well - I've been hanging out at my parents for the past few days. Monday I made a trip to Walmart. Tuesday I went and saw the new Harry Potter movie. Wednesday I drove to Delta, Utah to see my grandparents.

Day 9 - Utah

2009-07-19T20:07:00.000-07:00

I probably won't post every day now - just every couple of days. Today I sat and laid around in the basement of my parent's house. I was really sore this morning, but my back seems to be better tonight. We'll see if I can sleep tonight and then spend one more day sitting around. Today I wore my new Kyle Busch shirt courtesy of the Miller family for my birthday.

Day 8 - Rexburg to West Jordan, UT

2009-07-18T20:14:00.001-07:00

Finally I'm based in one place. My back is still killing me, but I'm hoping with stationary rest my back will relax and heal. The drive from Rexburg was pretty quick. My brothers Mike & Andy brought their family up to my parents' place for a family dinner. I felt pretty lame and stupid being stuck in a chair and not able to get up or take care of things for myself. I hate feeling like I'm the bossy older sister making them do things for me because I'm too lazy to do it for myself. I have no pictures today because I couldn't really move - maybe I'll take a picture of my generic Icy/Hot patches and add it tomorrow. I watched the NASCAR Camping World Truck race and now I'm watching Kyle Busch lead the Nationwide race. Hopefully it will end with him leading!

Day 7 - Dillon to Rexburg

2009-07-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

I left the beautiful views from Bob & Sue Briggs' home in Dillon.

I went out to lunch with the Briggs clan and then headed down the highway to Rexburg to catch up with my Uncle Matt, Aunt Jane and boys. My cousin Dallis is at girls camp. Matt & Jane drove me around Rexburg and then took me to one of their Craigo's Pizza restaurants for dinner. Afterwards I got to watch my cousins Ben & Carson race their BMX bikes. Carson got second place in his group. Tomorrow I head to my parents for the next two weeks!

Day 6 - Dillon and the No. 1 Ladies Quilt Shop

2009-07-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

Thursday we hung around Dillon. We went to a quilt shop and then had fresh squeezed lemonade. That night the Briggs family had family pictures and Anne, Lisa, & I worked on sewing the binding on Lisa's t-shirt quilt. For dinner we had hobo dogs (don't ask), blue cheese hamburgers and fresh corn. Emma & Cody helped husk the corn - a great job for kids living in Nebraska (Cornhuskers).

Day 5 - Missoula

2009-07-16T09:09:00.000-07:00

Today the whole gang headed to Missoula, MT. This is where Anne grew up. I met more of her extended family. We had lunch at Hoagieville (Anne's favorite place to eat in Missoula), rode/watched the Carousel, and then headed to an afternoon of water play at Splash Montana. I only have pictures of the carousel. We came back to Dillon late last night!

Lisa

Anne & Cody

Road Trip - Day 4 - Dillon, MT & Bannack

2009-07-14T22:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a hang around morning (I couldn't not get up!). During the afternoon we went on field trips. Our group chose to go to Bannack - the first territorial capital of Montana. It's a state park and basically a ghost town. You can roam through most of the buildings. It started as a gold rush town. Here's some pictures of the day - these are three of Anne's children - Lisa, Emma & Cody (in order of birth - so you can figure out which one is which). I even allowed a picture of me to sneak in there. Tomorrow is our big trip to Missoula!

Road Trip - Day three - My Birthday - Kallispel to Dillon, MT

2009-07-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Today I am old - 36. I spent my day driving from Kallispel in northern Montana to Dillon, Montana in the southern part of MT about 2 hours from Idaho Falls. Dillon is where one of my good friends from BYU's parents live. She is here with her kids visiting her parents and I got invited to come and crash the party for a few days.

As I was driving I stopped in a town for some lunch (name has escaped me - since Amy & Abbie called and sang Happy Birthday to me). The gas station is surrounded by these fake plastic palm trees in different colors - it was so weird I had to take a picture.

Anne's parents live on a beautiful piece of land on the edge of Butte. The kids rode 4 wheelers before we went to Anne's grandparents for dinner. The kids sang happy birthday a billion times and we also had a cake for me. It was really nice!

Road Trip - Day Two - Glacier National Park

2009-07-12T18:03:00.001-07:00

Today I got up very early so I could get to Glacier National Park. My goal was to drive the Going to the Sun Road. This is a very famous road and includes a drive on basically a ledge up the side of some mountains to the Continental Divide. The drive was beautiful. My back is still giving me some problems so I didn't take any hikes, but I did stop and get some pictures. I also drove into Many Glaciers and then returned driving along the edge of the park. Babb, MT is now the farthest point north I have ever been! I had so many pictures, I made them into a video:

Road Trip Day 1 - Home-Kallispel, MT

2009-07-11T17:43:00.000-07:00

It's been a long day -can you tell from the look on my face? Sometime on Thursday I messed up a few muscles in my back. I spent most of yesterday in pain while trying to pack and finish errands. While still in a lot of pain this morning I got in my car and began driving. I drove across Washington and took a detour to visit a famous quilt store - the Buggy Barn - the owners design fabric and patterns and they always have cute stuff on their website - I don't recommend an in person visit, unless you already live there - plus you have to drive down a dirt/gravel road for 1 1/2 miles (my new car and my back did not like it!). Once I connected back up with I-90 I drove through Idaho and then took a scenic route to Kallispel, MT. As I came down the hill/mt there was Flathead Lake.

Flathead Lake is very well known to me - I've never been there until today, but I've seen plenty of pictures, drawings, and even a map because my friend Anne's family has a place on the lake and it's her most favorite place in the whole world. So I felt like I was greeted by a familiar sight.

I guess sitting in the same position most of the day has been good for my back, even though it hurt all during the drive it's feeling better now.

Tomorrow I'm heading to Glacier National Park and either drive or ride the shuttle on the Going to the Sun Road!

2009-07-04T22:28:00.000-07:00

"I believe that it (the declaring of independence) will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival, It ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..."
John Adams

"You can't be a full participant in our democracy if you don't know our history."
David McCullough

"The American Constitution is the greatest governing document, and at some 7,000 words, just about the shortest. "
Stephen Ambrose

This is my favorite day of the year. While I have always appreciated the sacrifices made so this country could be free, until I started teaching U.S. History and researching more and more about it, I never truly understood what that meant. Now I can't even begin to think about the sacrifices for my freedom without becoming emotional. Every year I've taught American history I've tried to make sure that my students understand, even if it's only in a small way, the sacrifices made on their behalf. I hope that lesson will be with them always!

The week of blah

2009-06-27T17:29:00.001-07:00

I've been out of school for 1 week and two days. I was very productive the first two days, but I had a hard time getting things done most of this week. I did get out of the house every day - which isn't a normal thing for me in the Summer, but while it's warm for here it's not 105 and my new car has great air conditioning and Sirius NASCAR radio. I drug Abbie out to a couple of quilt stores. I've also made myself sew everyday. If you read my previous post you know that I'm making a quilt for my friend Anne. I'm also making myself a smaller version - so I had to sew 70+ of each of the two blocks that make up the quilt. I've also worked on a project for Anne's Mom. I'm invading their home in a couple to weeks to see Anne & kids and her parents & Montana. Today I finally finished the blocks - now I just have to sew them together.
Anne's (and my) blocks:

For Anne's Mom (it's not finished, I still have to quilt and bind):

Anne Nicole Briggs Fuller

2009-06-21T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today my first real friend from college turns a year older. I think we get along much better than we did during college for a variety of reasons - mostly because we are no longer really young, young adults. One of my favorite memories is when she was first married and was spending the summer in Barrow, Alaska. She got to call me for her birthday! She was also the person I made my first baby blanket/quilt attempt for when she had her first child Lisa & I drove to Colorado to spend a few days with them. I love that she is highly organized (she'll deny that, but she is) and loves to read. I am grateful that she shares her family with me and tolerates my week long visits. I get to be an honorary aunt to her four children. I'm glad that she let me buy her a sewing machine for her birthday one year so we can quilt and make stuff for her house. This year for her birthday & Christmas she is getting a Queen size quilt - I'm going to spend most of today and tomorrow working on it - so I can drop it off for quilting on my vacation. Of course I can't find a picture of the two of us together - so we'll have to settle for a picture of her first quilting project:

Next year I'll have to find all the college photos!

It's over

2009-06-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was the last day of school. In two days I think my blood pressure has dropped to normal levels. I haven't been called about parent complaints. So far I've done my laundry, cleaned the bathroom, washed the dishes, picked up the license plates for my new car, played some xBox 360, took a nap, created a facebook account (I'm not sure I want one), and put together a quilt block. It's finally really rained here. It hasn't for quite a while - like almost 4 weeks. Oh - I also watched Kyle Busch qualify 2nd for the race in Sonoma. I wish I had gone - maybe next year!

Announcements Announcements Announcements!

2009-06-06T16:35:00.000-07:00

Announcement #1 - I'm an (honorary) aunt again! My friend Holly gave birth yesterday to #5 - Graham Glavinic Miller 8lbs 4 oz and 21 1/2 inches long!

Announcement #2 - My poor 1999 Neon was nearing the end of it's life - I did drive it for 10 years! SOOOO - I bought a new car last week May 28th - a 2009 Ford Fusion SEL.
My favorite feature - the air conditioning that gets my car cool and can still make it up the on ramp to the freeway!
Second favorite Feature - the driver's window actually comes down!
Third favorite feature - the sunroof that actually opens!
Fourth Favorite Feature - SYNC - I can tell my car who to call, at home,cell, or work, and I can tell it to play certain artists, songs, genre when my iPod is plugged in!
5th favorite - Sirius Radio with the NASCAR channel & my Kyle Bush #18 in the window!
6th favorite- American company that hasn't taken my tax money.

I love it. Thanks Amy for doing all the yucky part of buying a car and if you live in Washington buy a Ford at Ford of Kirkland. It looks really silver in these pictures - the color is Vapor Silver - so in bright sunlight it looks more of a gray with a metallic sheen and in the overcast like these pictures it looks a lot more silver than it really is.

Rain Delay Part 2

2009-05-25T14:18:00.000-07:00

The race never got started yesterday and now we are under the third rain delay in the race today. We need it to restart at least once so that Kyle can take the lead back after pitting before the rain delay. We've been sort of busy today. Amy has made a salad, strawberry cake, cleaned the kitchen, organized her craft stuff. I took a shower, got dressed, charged all the rechargeable batteries, took some pictures (and loaded them on my computer, cut 400+ squares and triangles for the quilt I mentioned yesterday and listened to Kyle Busch and crew. We also hung up my flag today and made dream boards - check out the posts below:

Dream Boards

2009-05-25T14:12:00.001-07:00

Many members of my family have ended up with a book called One Year To An Organized Life by Regina Leeds. While Amy & I have had the book since the beginning of the year neither of us got too far. One of the first things you are supposed to do is create a dream board - what you want your life to feel like/be/inspiration. Can you figure out which is which? I'll give you a side by side and then both boards: (and yes - that's the race in the background above both boards)

Amy's Garden

2009-05-25T14:05:00.000-07:00

Amy has taken over the balcony and by the end of the summer I don't think you'll be able to sit on it. She has a garden growing:
Tomatoes
somewhere in this one is a garlic sprout
Cilantro
Squash
green peppers

I'm looking forward to the tomatoes the most!

It's time for a new post & the race is in Rain Delay

2009-05-24T17:17:00.000-07:00

I don't have much to say and no pictures to post because I'm too lazy to go upstairs and get my camera - so I'll just update a little. It's Memorial Day weekend. Last year we were frantically packing getting ready for the big move. This year we are resting. Saturday we did some cooking/backing. I made freezer jam on my own for the first time and most of it has appeared to turn out okay. Only two jars didn't quite set - but we are eating them first. Amy made Salsa, rolls, and omelets. We went to Target. Today we went to church. I had one primary child and so I took in two others and sent their other teachers to the big people classes. There were more adults in Senior Primary than Primary children. Most weeks the ratio is close to 1:1 this week I think it was almost 3:1. This afternoon I've cut 264 1 1/2" squares for a quilt I'm making for my friend Anne while Amy did some organizing in the craft room. We've been waiting for the Coca-Cola 600 race to start, but it's been raining in Charlotte, NC - so they haven't started the race. Amy's playing xBox and I'm doing this. Tomorrow we are going to hang my flag up and if our neighbors are home maybe take something over. Before the big snow we had new neighbors move in on the south wall. He's in the Army and is super nice (as is his wife). I'll probably do some sewing and organizing and figure out something to do with all our leftover strawberries.

My Birthday - In 54 Days

2009-05-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

I'm not counting down to my birthday - I don't really want to add another year to the total - I can't even remember the total - I'm just allowing you to plan ahead. I like to plan ahead - I don't always do it, but I really do like to know what needs to be done now so I can have it ready in two months. Plus we needed a new post.

This is what I want this year:

Maybe not that specifically, but I would like school supplies. I am a little picky about some of my supplies - but with budgets being cut I'm not able to get some of my supplies through work this year. Plus some people that would get me a gift have the back to school sales before I do. I'm willing to do the shopping myself at Target or Walmart or an office supply store if you want to get a gift card.
I need to buy:
Colored pencils - I prefer crayola, but it doesn't matter - usually you can a box of 12 for a $1 or less at back to school time. I can never have enough colored pencils

EXPO White board markers - This is brand specific - the cheaper ones don't last as long and don't erase as well

Markers not thin tip ones, but the fat/round/chisel tip - not permanent ones and not washable ones. I usually buy the crayola ones on sale at back to school - but again it doesn't matter because my students use them - not me. I'm also in the market for one or two sets of the Mr. Sketch scented markers - (if you ever see them on sale pick one up for me & I'll send you money for it.)

Sharpies - black ultra fine tip and fine point (it doesn't have to be sharpie brand - but they support NASCAR so that's what I usually buy)

Post it notes I use these a lot in class for different activities - brand & color doesn't matter. I use a lot of the small size 2 x 1 1/2 and the square ones, but I've also cut them down to the size I need

Paper clips - doesn't matter what color/brand/ or what they are made out of. I use them and lose them a lot!

Glue Sticks

White out - either liquid or the tape kind

Staples

scratch n sniff stickers - yes 9th graders (& 10 & 11 & 12th) love them

highlighers

binder clips (not gigantic ones, but average to small)

If you don't want to get school supplies - Barnes & Noble
Can't afford to get anything - a card or postcard is wonderful - or make a CD of music to play in class (no swearing, etc.)

Thanks!
Mel

The whole Job Saga

2009-04-25T09:13:00.001-07:00

It's official - I have a job and now I think I can tell the whole story. If you read the previous blogs you know about non-continuing contracts. At the end of the year principals can ask the school board to convert contracts to a preliminary contract. They rarely do so in the middle of the year because it's not necessary. In January my principal told me she was going to recommend converting my contract. Of course as the state budget saga began, I just assumed that wouldn't happen at the end of the year because they were going to end up laying off teachers. Last week we had a faculty meeting where my principal went over the process of what would happen as layoff notices went out and how recall procedures would happen. As part of the meeting she asked us all to stand up and then called out different scenarios and if it applied to us we had to sit down. The school is only 5 years old and has a very young staff. By the time she reached what she thought would be school board's decision more than half the staff was seated and losing their job. I sat down at the very first when she asked those with non-continuing contracts to sit down. After the shock of the meeting I sent a request to my principal for a letter of recommendation.

Monday morning I was met at the office door by my principal, who never beats me to work, with a request to talk with me. I figured I had made a parent mad or messed up something. She told me she had been trying to get a hold of me all weekend (she had the wrong phone number) and proceeded to tell me this story:

After getting my request for a letter of recommendation and wondering why I had sat down at the meeting, she called personnel and asked why I thought I was losing my job. Their reply: She has a non-continuing contract. Her response: she shouldn't. I asked for her to be converted in January. Personnel: No you didn't. Principal: Check the minutes. Sure enough she had asked for it to go to the board in January and personnel messed up. Personnel: Well we can't do it now, the board is going to layoff people at the meeting on Wednesday. Principal: Yes you will. She called in her favors with several directors who agreed that I should be converted. Wednesday night the school board approved my conversion to a provisional contract. My seniority number due to my previous experience is high enough that no matter where the school board drew the line - I was not going to lose my position.

It's been a crazy week. I feel elated because I have a job, but sad because some of the people I really like at work are either being laid off or have a non-continuing contract. The School Board didn't lay off as many as we thought, but it's still a significant number of people at my school and my friends still fit in that section that have been laid off. Now it's just hoping the legislature will pass a budget this week so that the school district can make their budget, decide who gets their job back and then maybe my friends without contracts will be able to retain their job too!

And thank you Dana for helping me keep my job!

I think you can disregard the previous blog

2009-04-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

I have received some information today that may allow everyone to disregard the previous blog. I can't share details at this point until I receive a formal confirmation, but I probably still have a job. If you want details now and can call me - you may. I should be able to update by Sunday.

Thanks for all your prayers and concern!

mel

No Budget, No Job

2009-04-17T08:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was finally convinced that I don't have a job next year. The state of Washington hasn't passed a budget and until they do at least 200-300 teachers in my district will be laid off and only those with real contracts will be recalled. In Washington your first-third year of teaching, they only issue you a non-continuing contract - which gives you no guarantee of a job next year or any right of return in case of layoffs. Principals can ask for the district to convert your contract, but you'd be hard pressed to find a district where they are doing that this year. Once a budget is passed and schools are told how many staff positions they have, they will then be required to fill those positions with any teachers that were laid off with real contracts. After that positions will be open for interviews. So even though I've taught here this year, there is no guarantee that I will get interviews for open positions in the district. The thing that sucks about all of this is that my seniority number if I wasn't on a non-continuing contract is high enough (due to my years of teaching experience) that I most likely wouldn't have lost my job. Another thing that stinks is that every district in the state is in the same boat so tons of teachers will be looking for positions. The biggest problem is that none of the rehiring/hiring can happen until the state passes a budget - so it may be the day before school starts that schools know how many positions they have available. If you know that teachers are not being laid off in your state let me know - I'm taking all suggestions and possibilities - even if the pay stinks. All kinds of jobs are scarce in Washington with all the recent layoffs at major employers in the area - so if I have to move again, then so be it.

One of those embarrassing teaching moments

2009-04-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

When I arrived home yesterday I was in pain.
It was a hard day at work - but it wasn't my brain that hurt or even my lower back -
no it was my bum.
That's right my bottom was in pain. Why you ask? I missed my chair and fell on the floor. Not in that nice easy way - you realize the chair is missing and sit down just on your rear - no I totally surrendered to the floor and landed flat on my back. I didn't even realized I missed the chair until I hit the floor. My students were in shock even though I was laughing. I'm not laughing now. Not only is my rear sore, but my legs and one of my arms. It's almost as good as the time I had just started teaching at Sierra High School and tripped over the overhead projector cord and slid about 8 feet on my knees, got up and continued with my lesson while my knees bled for two periods.

There is no room for embarrassment as a High school teacher!

Card Slacker

2009-03-31T21:06:00.001-07:00

For the past 10-11 years I have sent most of my relatives (if I actually have the right address) a card or postcard for their birthdays. After a particularly difficult year of lots of returned cards, I decided to take a break. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc I haven't forgotten you, I just need a year to regroup and renew my excitement! (And get correct addresses and add in all the additions). I'm hoping I'll resume next year!

We Got Snot!!!!

2009-03-25T20:35:00.000-07:00

We've been laying low on the blogging front - not just because we've been lazy (Mel) or busy (Amy) - but mostly because we got snot! I've (Mel) have been sick it seems like forever, but it really took a toll on me last week and this past weekend. At least I had NASCAR to keep me company (Go Kyle Busch - Winner at Bristol!!!!) I've handed some of my illness to Amy who has spent the past three days sleeping and playing the XBox (Go Keflings!)

Favorite Prayer Quotes

2009-02-18T14:53:00.000-08:00

What are your favorite quotes or scriptures about prayer? I'm looking for some inspiration!

Thanks!

P.S. Recipes from the NASCAR party will be posted soon! I've had a few requests.

Are you ready for the 2009 season????????

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

That's right!!!! It's Speedweeks 2009 - the week leading up to the Daytona 500 - the first race of the NASCAR season! I decided to throw a party for myself to celebrate the start of the season begining with the Budweiser Shootout which is a short race sponsored by a beverage I don't drink. Each car manufacturer in NASCAR (Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota) had 7 cars in the race. I made ticket invitations for Amy, Abbie & Jeremy and last night was the party. Upon arrival everyone received their pit pass with the lineup by manufacturer and the rules of the race.

We had some great food!

The Spread
Caution Cupcakes complete with tires and lugnuts

Kevin Harvick's Mexicali Dip

We also had pizza on a stick, easy fruit salad, and red flag punch!

We also had two contests - each of had had a team - Amy was Team Chevy, Abbie Team Ford, Jeremy Team Dodge & I was team Toyota (guess what Kyle Busch drives). Whomever's manufacturer was leading the race after the first segments won NASCAR driver/girlfriend glasses. You can figure out who won those in the pictures at the end. The manufacturer that won received a trophy - That was Amy & Kevin Harvick for Team Chevy!

We also got our opportunity to be the driver!

Team Chevy - Amy
Team Dodge - Jeremy
Team Toyota! (Me)
Team Ford - Abbie

I had a lot of fun putting it together despite all the people who made fun of me for it and I think the non NASCAR fans had good time and will hopefully get some use out of their goody bags! Thanks to those who came! Maybe I'll throw one in Utah for the 4th of July race if I make it home to visit!