Rockford Renter

Last Year's Resolution

2012-01-18T09:09:00.000-06:00

This is not a post about my new resolutions...it's a post about last year's resolution that I actually accomplished! The first time that I can ever remember completing a year long goal. Even though some of you may think that this goal is lame, I'm still very proud of myself. So what did I do? I read EVERY Ensign Magazine from cover to cover for the whole 2011 year.

For my whole adult life I've ordered the magazine and even had it in my mom's house while growing up. But I've only read one or two articles and looked at some pictures. So in January of 2011 I decided that I didn't want to waste the money any more and I wanted to get the most out of the magazine.

So to celebrate my accomplishment I wanted to blog about the top 12 articles I read that touched me spiritually and/or increased my faith and strengthened my testimony. This may be a lengthy post but I hope you enjoy these articles as much as I have.

JANUARY
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/01/fundamental-to-our-faith?lang=eng

This article was AMAZING. Elder Oaks gave this speech to Harvard students about the misconceptions of Mormonism. It helped me to see more clearly the exact points of our beliefs and why we believe them. I wish I were better at words because this article really touched me and I'm not sure how to explain it. My favorite quote from the article: "The academy can pretend to neutrality on questions of right and wrong, but society cannot survive on such neutrality."

FEBRUARY
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/02/finding-answers?lang=eng

Not to get too personal, but I have been working on feeling the spirit more in my life. This article really gave me an insight in how to do that. "The fact that every member of the Church is given the gift of the Holy Ghost is evidence that the Lord wants to reveal things to you and through you." The article really made me pray with more intent and ask the right questions so that I can feel the spirit.

MARCH
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/03/when-broken-hearts-become-one?lang=eng

I've been in a ward like this one before and it was comforting to know that we were all in it together. This ward didn't have the tragedies like the one in the article but the idea of a ward family was the same. I really miss that ward and it makes me want to hope and work for another ward like that! I miss you Portsmouth Ward!

APRIL
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/04/to-always-remember-him?lang=eng

What a great lesson on how to prioritize your life and make Christ at the center. This article motivated me to be more involved in my scripture study and to stop worrying about all the decisions I'm required to make. I know that "... aligning our will to that of Jesus Christ as He aligned His will to the Father’s is something not easily achieved." but I am more determined to do my best at trusting Him.

MAY
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/05/what-manner-of-men-and-women-ought-ye-to-be?lang=eng

There are so many wonderful articles about this issue. It really was hard to find just one. This issue took me almost 2 months to read because I kept wanting to reread some articles. So June and July's issues had to be doubled up. But I got through them all. I choose this particular article because it inspired me to create a "Attribute Book" for our Family Home Evenings. Here is the quote from the article that helped me create the book: "We are never done being good parents. And to be good parents, one of the most important things we can teach our children is how to be more like the Savior." I hope to have a different post about the book to explain it more so stay tuned.

JUNE
http://lds.org/ensign/2011/06/the-heart-and-a-willing-mind?lang=eng

"If we love the Lord with all our heart, we are willing to give Him everything we possess. Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) said: “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. … The many other things we give to God … are actually things He has already given us, and He has loaned them to us. But when we begin to submit ourselves by letting our wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him. … There is a part of us that is ultimately sovereign, the mind and heart. … And when we submit to His will, then we’ve really given Him the one thing He asks of us.” ENOUGH SAID! I just wish it was as easy to do than it is to say! Since the beginning of 2011 I've been working on submitting my will to the Father...it is not easy! But this article helped me to understand how to do it a little better.

So I will do the other 7 in the next post. I wanted to get at least a little done now. Hope you enjoy!

My Dear Madisen

2011-01-23T21:07:00.000-06:00

It's been awhile since I updated you on my sweet Madisen. And I need to write down this stuff before I forget.

FAVORITES

Food -- Just about anything right now. I'm having a hard time keeping her full. But I would have to say that she loves cheese, grapes and Dora fruit snacks. She will eat those anytime, anywhere and sometimes even at the same time. Blueberries are a close second. But really she is pretty easy to feed.

She is getting pretty good at using a spoon, but doesn't prefer it. I still can't put a plate in front of her because she always flips it over. And I hate to admit this, but she still loves her bottle. It's a big struggle between me and her to get rid of it, but I think I'm just now starting to win. She only has a bottle when she sleeps, but there is no liquid in it. But she doesn't care. She'll take an empty bottle over a full cup any time.

I constantly worry about her eating lifestyle. Brent thinks I'm just stupid for trying to get her addicted to healthy foods, but I'm pretty serious about it. He keeps telling me that she is not on a diet, but I don't see it that way. I feed her those foods so she doesn't need to be on a diet later. He is no help to me....he always gives her candy, chocolate, and soda. Oh well....I guess I'm lucky that she is around me more than him. I just don't want her fat like me.

Toys -- Madisen doesn't really prefer one toy over another...but I can say that she loves her books. I really didn't push her into books at all. In fact I kind of kept them on the shelf mostly because I was afraid that she would tear them apart. But I can't keep her hands off of them, so I gave in and put them on a shelf so she can reach. She loves her books. More than I ever imagined. There have been many many days that I can't find her and I see her in her room reading her books. She is so cute about it too. She'll sit with her feet out in front of her and the book on her lap just flipping through the pictures. She never gets sick of old books either. Her favorite book is "Dora" of course and she opens that one about 3 times a day.

Not long ago she loved to play with her ball. But that doesn't seem to impress her anymore. She likes to climb on things like her little chairs or pull things with strings like shoes. Anything that is light and bigger than her, she likes to carry around. She has 2 stuffed animals that are much larger than her and she likes to carry them around the room and then sit on them.

One interesting thing that she likes to do is sit on the floor right in front of the couch and throw her head back so it bounces off the couch cushion. She'll do this over and over until her head gets dizzy.

I have to mention that she loves to play with the dogs too. She feeds them every day, puts them in their cage, dumps their water out and pulls their hair. She loves the dogs and even tried to ride Einstein. She even tries to get them to play with her toys. She still can't "pet" them, she ends up just slapping them. But they love her and it's so fun to watch them together.

She is just now starting to like music and dance. But not often. She loves to clap just to make noise and always does the "touchdown" signal to make daddy and I happy.

I can't forget to mention her "purse" which is really anything that she can put her arm through. She carries it around like a purse. Such a girl...

Routine -- She loves bath time. I'm not sure if it's the water she loves more, or the being naked.

She also loves when I take her to the library. She will run to every shelf looking for books. She is even known by some of the librarians. She loves to run up and down the aisles too.

DISLIKES

1. Brushing teeth although she loves to eat the toothpaste.
2. Getting dressed. She would much rather be naked.
3. The doctor. But what baby does like him?
4. The car seat. Never did and I'm afraid she never will. Something about being strapped down.

MOTOR SKILLS

Madisen has always been advanced in her motor skills. Right now she is running and climbing all over everything. I guess that's pretty common for a 15 month old, but Madisen can also unscrew a cap, pull any lid off, open any drawer no matter the size or shape, open ziploc bags, jump over objects, throw a ball, unzip her PJ's, unsnap her onesie and put on her own clothes. And she loves to play with her mobil over her bed. She can turn it on/off and switch between songs. I am constantly amazed at how smart she is.

SPEECH

Her is a list of words she can say right now

1. Her most favorite phrase of all time is "ALL GONE." She says this every time something is empty, leaves the room or gets thrown away or falls. I hear "all gone" about a million times a day.
2. "nite nite" She can tell me when she is tired. I love it!!!
3. " ba ba" Her bottle...she can't get rid of it
4. "Dada" everyone is dada. Even mommy and strangers.
5. "Touchdown" I wonder where she learned that one
6. "Thank you" She is just starting to say this so it's a little broken. But she is getting better at it.
7. "Mama" She can say it, but rarely does

Words she knows but can't say
1. Shoes and socks
2. Book
3. go and come and bring
4. Throw away
5. Chair
6. Bath
7. Ball
8. Phone
9. Touch
10. Most easy body parts (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, feet, leg, arm, hand, belly)
11. High Five
12. Bye Bye
13. Hello

She is the sweetest most amazing baby ever. I thank the Lord every day for the opportunity to be with her all day and raise her. She is such an easy going happy baby. She loves everyone and makes everyone happy to be around. I really can't believe how lucky I am to be her mommy.

Blogs of Note

2010-10-02T22:50:00.002-05:00

So I've decided that my new goal is to get nominated as the blogger "blog of note." I've been doing a lot of research on this and have found that most blogs of notes have about 8 things in common. So I'm going to try to do each one of these 8 things and pray that the blogger employees find it interesting.

1. Each BON actually have posts....so that means I have to be more consistent and start posting a lot more.

2. Each BON has pictures. So I have to get my picture finger moving....

3. Each BON is uniquely decorated. I have no idea how to do this. I just use the free backgrounds from blogger or from "TCBOTB" So I need to start learning HTML or something!!

4. Each BON have a theme....still thinking about my theme. Why can't my theme be "randomness."?

5. Each BON has followers....heck I don't even have a clue how to get followers....must think about this one.

6. Each BON has people that leave comments....don't know how to get that too. Don't get me wrong...I love the people that do leave comments (all 2 of them) but I must get more.....somehow.

7. Each BON is interesting. I tend to think that my thoughts are interesting, but maybe I should write about what other people find interesting. But then that wouldn't be MY blog. Tough decision.

8. Each BON has a lot of gadgets and lists and lots of other things that I have no idea how to add. Maybe I should take a class on all the new gadgets and how to put them on my blog, cuz I'm just not that tech savvy.

That's all I can see that I need to work on....I have a lot to do. But I'm going to do it. I have to get a new hobby and stop wasting so much time doing stupid things, so this is my new "thing" I'm determined to get this honor. Wish me luck, and let your friends know about my blog.

Thanks

TV??????

2010-09-24T22:17:00.004-05:00

So I have to just come out and admit it....I watch TV. Yep. I absolutely hate watching TV, in fact most (more like all) of the shows are just immoral or just plain stupid. So why can't I stop watching it? Every day I have a lonnnnngggg list of things I need to do, but I just sit and watch TV instead. I've never really been like this before. I'm not sure why I've changed. But I have.

So in my quest to find a new life, get some hobbies and find my passion, I'm going to start turning off the TV....

But just so you aren't curious, here is a list of my favorite (I mean past favorite) shows: (in no particular order)

1. Project Runway....I love the drama and the characters this season....super addicting.
2. Oprah...I've never been so addicted to Oprah as I have this past month. Maybe it's because I live so close to Chicago now.
3. Million Dollar Password.....I keep thinking I'd be good at this game. I wish it was still on, I would try out and win.
4. The Soup....hilarious!!!! That's all I can say about it.
5. House...how does this mean old Dr. get away with it?
6. Mad Men....ohhhhh I love this show!!!
7. Glee....ohhhhh I love love love this show!!!!
8. Fringe....super weird but super good.
9. The Biggest Loser.....inspiring
10. The Singing Bee....fun and I always know all the words

And the show I absolutely HATE!!!!!

Jersey Shore!

Big News!!!

2010-08-28T21:07:00.002-05:00

I honestly cannot believe how fast my baby has grown. But today, just 2 days after turning 10 months old, she started to walk!!! She's been trying and playing with it for a few weeks now. While I was at my mom's house a few weeks ago, she stood on her own for a long time. And then, like they always do, little by little she started to take more and more daring steps.

Until tonight, I got up from the couch and headed to the kitchen and she started to fuss like she always does when I leave the room. I looked back and she had this determined look on her face and just walked right over to me. It must have been a good 6-8 feet she walked. When she got to me, I started to celebrate real loud with lots of clapping and jumping, that she got scared and started to cry. Well that made me start to cry as well.

I'm so proud of her. She is just so determined and curious. I'm sure all you moms know what I'm talking about. But I just can't help but feel bittersweet about this. I'm so happy, but just wish that she would stop growing. I got a good video of her walking later on but I can't figure out how to get it out of the camera and on to the computer. So when I do, I'll post it here.

I'm already itching for another baby, but I know that the new one would just grow up too. So I'll forget about that feeling and just enjoy watching Madisen learn about this great big new world of walking.

Is it sad that I just started crying again?

Passion

2010-08-06T18:33:00.004-05:00

I'm on the hunt for a new job. It's tedious work and just plain exhausting. Especially when the unemployment rate is 20% in this town. Any decent job that is worth looking at has about 200 applicants. I guess I could just go to Taco Bell and get paid, but I freaking have a Masters degree for gosh sake...I deserve to be paid like I do.

Anyhow, all this job searching made me think of passion today. I wish I were talking about bedroom passion, but I'm not. I'm trying to figure out what my passion in life is. I believe that no matter what profession you choose, you should have passion for it. I'm sure you've meet those people who just absolutely LOVE what they do. I meet a lady, years ago in the Wal Mart fabric store. She knew everything about fabric, yard, zippers, patterns and everything else in that section. It was so clear that she was happy to help other people share in her like for fabric. She OBSESSED over all things fabric.

When I was in school it took me years to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up. It wasn't long after I taught a sunday school class that I knew what I should major in. Many, many years later I was sitting in my own classroom proud of myself for what I accomplished. I taught for 6 years in an elementary classroom. And not one time did I think I had the passion, or obsession as that lady from Wal Mart did. I didn't smile when I walked into the classroom or even get excited to wake up. And when my beautiful daughter came into my life, it made me not want to go even more.

So I went back to college thinking that I needed a change of scenery. Another classroom. I'm now certified to teach any student from age 3 to 93. I was hoping to start teaching college courses. But I've learned the hard way this week, that in order to teach at the college level, I need to have a degree in the exact subject (i.e. math english etc.). A general education Masters degree does nothing. I thought I'd be more mad about this. But I'm not.

So I'm back to "What do I want to be when I grow up?" I'm just not passionate about teaching any more. But for the life of me...I can't think of anything I am passionate about.

Last week in my new ward the relief society president asked me to fill out a paper that describe myself. The question was what hobbies I enjoyed. I left it blank. Seriously??? I mean I'm just realizing that I have no passion and now I have no hobbies? Am I really that boring?

I really need help. What can I do with an education degree that doesn't involve a classroom? And what hobbies are interesting that I can start? Oh and can you figure this all out for me before my husband leaves me? He is really mad that I don't have a job yet.

What are you passionate about?

Oatmeal with a side of Toenail

2010-07-31T09:13:00.003-05:00

Yesterday my husband and I were talking about old nicknames people used to call us. I wonder if any of my high school friends remember calling me these names.

1. Oatmeal...this one was the worse. I cannot believe people associated me with mushy food
2. Toenail....OK maybe this one was the worse.
3. Turbo Tongue...Awful and mean
4. Bishop's daughter....even though I WAS the bishop's daughter, they meant it in a mean way

That's all I can think of now, but I do remember being called many other things. I think it's funny now and I harbor no ill feelings for those that did call me these (aka JOEL BEAVERS!!!) Just thought I'd share. What were some of your high school nicknames? I wonder what Madisen's will be.

Good News

2010-01-05T19:43:00.002-06:00

First week with Weight Watchers...minus 4.2 pounds!!!!! Now I know that everyone that starts a diet will always loose a lot in the first week. But seriously, this is a LOT, LOT more than I expected. For New Year's Eve I had just about every kind of sugary item available, and I had plenty of them. And I got about 1 hour of exercise total for the whole week. So I was not expecting to loose so much. Just think what I can do, when I'm REALLY trying.

I'm really liking Weight Watchers. It's a LOT of counting and measuring, which I'm not too thrilled about. It takes too much time. However, I'm trying to make the plan work for me so that I can successfully do this. There are a lot of options with weight watchers, so I'm going to stick with it. If I take a few minutes every day, then I can do it.

Brent and I are looking for an affordable eliptical machine....when we get one of those....there will be NO STOPPING ME!!!!!

Here we go!!

2009-12-29T22:52:00.002-06:00

Well as most of you may know, I've had a weight issue for most of my adult life. Actually that is a lie...I've had a weight problem for ALLL of my adult life. I started gaining weight as soon as I moved out of my parents house. And ever since I've gotten married, I've gained 40 pounds. That's more than 10 pounds a year. And it doesn't seem to be getting any better. In fact I can see it getting worse.

Recently I have been thinking of my most beautiful daughter. Many, many people have told me just how beautiful she is. In fact one friend even told me to enter her into a few contests. I just can't help but think that if Brent and I continue to eat like we do, beautiful Madisen will have no choice but to eat the same. I do not want Madisen to have the same weight issues that her parents have. I would just die to see her struggle with this aweful demon.

So I'm DETERMINED to change. But somehow I just don't. You would be shocked to know about what I've been eating in the past 2 weeks. I've started a diet just about every day. I've cried about it and talked to just about everyone I know. I have the motivation...I just need the drive.

So today...I joined weight watchers. I have NOOOO expectations of this. In fact I kind of think that I might just quit within the first few weeks. But I HAVE to start somewhere. At the meeting tonight, they said that on average it takes someone 7 times to become successful with weight watchers. So I'm taking the first step. My goal is small and simple...to sign up. So I did it!! I actually accomplished my goal. I can't do the big goals anymore. So I'm going to do small ones on a daily basis. I can't start the whole points system yet and I can't write it all down or count it all out. If I do, then I'll end up failing. So I'm just learning about the program.

I'm not really sure what else to do. I really don't want weight loss surgery. Needles and staples and alternating my stomache is just not something I'm interested in doing.

Silly Brent gave me a little more motivation today...He told me that he doesn't think I can lose the weight. I guess I'll have to show him. It might take me 2 years...but I'm going to show him and my daughter that it is possible. I have to!!!! Wish me luck.

I'm a Mommy now!

2009-10-31T19:01:00.004-05:00

It's hard to believe, but our little Madisen is here! This past week has been such a joy to meet her and to get to know her. Brent and I both are just so amazed at how much the Lord has blessed us. Madisen just completes our family and brings such a beautiful spirity into our home.

I'll explain the whole story as short as I can. After talking with the Dr. and just feeling completly miserable we decided to go ahead and induce labor. We checked in the hospital at 5:30AM and was dressed and in a bed by 6. After 2 nurse changes we started getting things rolling around 630. The nurses were pretty mean to me with the IV's and I have 3 bruises on my arm to prove it. But that really was the worse part of the day. I was given the first dose of pitocin (which I was told was the smallest amount) and started contracting about 1 minute later.

I was under the impression that I would be contracting all day and that the contractions would GRADUALLY get worse. Well this was not so. The contractions started out mild and I was sure I could handle them, but at about 7AM the contractions were so bad that I wasn't able to breath. I was shocked at how fast and hard they came on. The Dr. told me that she had a mild setative that would help ease the pain. So I took it. Well it wasn't mild. I had NO choice but to go to sleep.

While I was so relaxed I decided to get the epidural so that I wouldn't move. It worked perfectly and Brent was such a great help during the whole process. After the epidural I was knocked out completly. I guess I had to have Brent move me around because I wasn't even consious.

About 3 hours later the nurse became quite worried. She kept messing with the monitors on my belly and woke me up about 5 times to move me around. I still wasn't sure what was going on, but I knew something was up because she told me she was going to call the Dr. Apparently they couldn't find the baby's heartbeat and felt no movements. The nurse checked me and said that I was at 7 cm. The Dr. got there within a few minutes. The plan was to put a small monitor on the baby's head. As the Dr. was checking for the baby's head she got a strange look on her face. She called for more nurses and told them to get the table ready. Madisen had already proceeded down the birth canal and was within minutes of being born. As they rushed around like mad women trying to get everything ready, Brent had to start waking me up completly and preping me to push.

The nurse put on an oxygen mask on me and that made me have the WORSE cotton mouth. So I didn't want to push until I got some ice. But the Dr. litterally yelled "THERE IS NO TIME FOR ICE, YOU NEED TO PUSH!!!" So I did about 3 times and baby Madisen was born at 12:17PM!

Everything else was such a blur. Brent was taking pictures and nurses were all around me scrambling around. But the minute I got Madisen in my arms, I fell apart. It was a very special moment. I couldn't believe that Brent and I made such a beautiful miracle. And I couldn't believe that she was here.

We were in the hospital for 2 days and passed all tests with flying colors. The next few days at home have been litterally up and down. I have gotten a taste of the baby blues and find myself crying for no reason. We've had some trouble with our nightly routine and feeding (I had no idea that breast feeding was so hard) But we are surviving. I'm terrified of being alone without Brent here to help. He is one awesome father and has helped TREMENDOUSLY!! But he has to go back to work on Monday. My mother will be here on Wednesday to help out so that is a comfort.

Here are a few pictures of our baby girl.

BRENT GOT BAPTISED!!!

2009-08-09T23:12:00.003-05:00

Well as you know this has been one heck of an awesome week for us Johnson's. To start...Friday afternoon Brent and I were just going about our business cleaning and organizing. Brent then got a phone call and all I heard was "Awesome, We'll be there!!!" When Brent hung up I said "where are we going and for what?" Brent then couldn't control his smile and told me that we had to go to the airport. He still wouldn't tell me who we were picking up. He tried to surprise me by getting me to the airport before I knew it, but Brent didn't know how to get there. So he had to tell me. But I didn't know it was Dad until I saw him. I had a pretty good idea it was him, but it was still a great surprise.

The night before I told Brent that it was tradition to go to your favorite restaurant for you baptism. So after we picked up Dad we went straight to the sea food place that Brent loves so much. It's a GIGANTIC buffet of every kind of sea food you can think of. I usually don't get the buffet but I just had to have some crab. So we all stuffed ourselves in crab and fish. It was super yummy!!!! We were there for a few hours talking and enjoying the food. It was such a fun time. I love hanging out with Dad. He is so wise and loving.

After dinner we came home and watched some sports. Dad was really into it too. At least he pretended to be. It made Brent feel good. I had some homework that was due, so I couldn't really do any manly bonding with them.

The next day was AWESOME!!!! We woke up early (well early for us!!) and took dad to the military museum! It was so neat to watch dad and Brent figure out all the cool military in's and out's. This particular museum is right on the ship dock and has an actual battle ship that we could tour. It was the USS Wisconsin that has been discommissioned, but still in full armour. We got to walk all around the deck and learn about how the MASSIVE ancors work. We also stood next to the GIGANTIC missles and firarms. We took pictures and I'll have them up on airset later tonight! Dad was in super heaven telling us about his military service and how it related to the stuff we were learning.

I wish we could have let dad stay longer, but we had one last appointment with the missionaries that we had to rush home to. It was so neat introducing Dad to the missionary that changed Brent's mind. They taught us about satan and his "game plan" and how to avoid it. After the lesson they all went to the church (I stayed home again to work on my talk..more on that later) to start filling up the font and to fit dad for some whites.

By the time they got back, Brent was overly excited!!! He was mad that we had to wait until 6PM. He kept saying the whole time..."I wish we could just go NOW!!" When he is excited about something, he gets pretty impatient. Anyhow it finally got to be time to start getting ready. I about fainted when I saw Brent walk out of the room in all white. The tears started right then. I couldn't stop hugging him and never really got to fixing my hair.

When we got to the church the ward mission leader directed us to everything and how it will all go down. The font was full and ready to go. Slowly everyone started coming. Many of them just couldn't get over seeing Brent in white. By the time we got through the opening prayer I was in tears. Brent was wearing such a big smile, it just confirmed to me even more how much he wanted to do this. The first talk was given by our next door neighbor and good friend of Brent's. He did such an awesome job. He talked about Christ's baptism and how important it is that Brent is following His example. He then did the neatest thing, he talked about how the gospel relates to football. Mike is a big football fan too and did a GREAT job at comparing life to football. We hear a lot of people try to compare them, but I think Mike did a great job. It was very spiritual. He spoke of "touchdowns" in life and he said that his baptism was a touchdown and in October he'll have another touchdown when he holds his baby girl. But the biggest touchdown will be when he takes his baby girl and his bride to the temple. I of course lost it...I couldn't stop the tears.

Anyhow. After the talk they excused Brent, Dad and I to go to the font. I got a front row seat right next to the witnesses. Brent almost fell going down the stairs but luckly caught himself. Dad and him practiced before hand but Brent forgot everything of course because he was so nervous. He went down wrong in the water and left his hand out of the water. He was so worried about Dad dropping him that he didn't bend his legs. Dad almost lost his own balance. But the second time, Brent told himself to let go and just relax. Well that did it, he remembered how to go under and made it all the way down. It was funny because when they told Brent that he didn't make it the first time he took another deep breath ready to go down. He didn't realize that Dad had to say the prayer again.

After the baptism we listened to the missionaries talk about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. I really don't remember this part, because I was so caught up in the spirit of the day. I was just thiking of Brent and his journey and thanking God of our little miracle. In fact I was so carried away with the whole thing that when I saw Brent and Dad come back in the room, I ran across the room and hugged him to death. I'm so proud of him and so happy that he made this decision.

Elder Shock (the elder that helped Brent for the past 6 months) gave the talk about the Holy Ghost. Poor guy was also so excited for Brent that he got a little flustred. But did a great job comparing the spirit to a flash of light or a beam of light, which ever we make of it. The bishop then welcomed Brent into the ward and even spoke to me and thanked me for being such a great example in Brent's life. He also warned us that this was the begining and that we have a goal of making it to the temple. He promised that he would support our decisions and would help us make it to the temple and to getting Brent the priesthood.

We then sang a song and said the prayer. It was over as fast as it began. But that is how Brent wanted it. He didn't want a big deal and he didn't want it to last a long time. I was surprised that not that many people showed up. I figured that if one person knew then they'd all show up. But we had about 20 people there total. It was beautiful and very reverent. I have NO DOUBT the spirit was there and the Lord was pleased with Brent.

After the baptism we invited a few friends over for cookies and (of course) cheese. Brent saved the good Wisconsin cheese for this occasion. It was yummy. Our friends couldn't stay long but it was sure fun to celebrate with them and to bring their spirit into our home. The missionaries had a special tradition with all their "baptisms" and continued it with Brent. They all bought the same exact ty and then signed the back of them in a silver permant marker. So now Brent has their signatures on his ty and they have his. That was neat. Elder Shock is from Utah and said that if we get sealed in a Utah temple then he would be there. I can't wait!!

Oh I forgot to say something.....After they closed the curtin to the baptismal font my baby girl couldn't stop kicking me. I really think little Madison knew what was going on. She usually kicks at certain times of the day and I've been able to see her "schedule" and that moment was not a normal time for her to be kicking. Is it possible that Madison knew what her daddy did? I think so.

We spent the rest of the night hanging out with Dad and conversing about how awesome the evening was and preparing my talk.

This morning we went to church early (OK early for us at least). The bishop asked me the week before to talk in church about Brent's conversion story and how fellowshipping helped convert him. When they announced that they had a confirmation for Brent Johnson I could see the whole ward get all wide eyed! I was on the stand so I saw everyone gasped. The confirmation was better than I thought. Brent's blessing mostly talked of his upcoming callings and how he will be able to fulfil all his callings including his responsibility of being a father. His blessing also confirmed that Brent was doing the right thing and that the Lord had many blessings in store for him. It was a short but beautiful blessing. Dad kept his composure which I can't say the same for me.

I then got to talk and spoke of just how much being a friend helped Brent convert. I thanked the ward for inviting Brent to play basketball, tennis and turkey football because I know that's how he got his first good impression of the church. I said that they must have known that the key to his heart is through sports. I told a few other stories of other people I knew or read about and how important friendship was for them. I bore my testimony to Brent and told him that the countdown is on. We have 364 days!! I spoke for about 25 minutes but I must have done good because there wasn't a dry eye in the room.

Strangly enough the Bishop asked Dad to also bear his testimony after I spoke. He spoke of how Brent promised him to look into the church and how thankful Dad was that he kept his promise. He testified of keeping promises is as important as keeping covenants. It was a neat comparison. I think I went through 3 kleenex. After sacrament meeting we had THE ENTIRE WARD come and hug us. I felt like we were in a wedding line. Brent jokes that all the "old ladies" wouldn't let go of him. It was so neat to finally have the secret out!!!

After chuch we (Brent, Dad and I) all made a delicious lunch and we had our first "family" meal prayer as a mormon family. I almost started crying again, but I actualy controled it. The rest of the evening was Yatzee and other board games. Right now Brent and Dad are watching the very first scrimmage game of the season. The first sign that football is almost here!! They love it. Including dad.

Anyhow this is super long. But I wanted to get the whole story. I really appreicate all the cards, calls and love from each of you. This has been a GREAT weekend!!!

Summer Trip part 2

2009-07-29T22:47:00.004-05:00

Sorry it’s taken me so long to get to part 2. Brent and I have been very busy with summer projects that we’ve wanted to complete before we go back to school. But more on that later. Back to our trip and fun categories.

SCENERY
BEST: Colorado Wolf Creek Mountain Pass. If you know anything about me I HATE driving through mountain passes. The twists and turns and ups and downs…it’s just all scary. However, this mountain pass was absolutely GEORGOUS!! The trees were so tall and majestic. I can’t believe the cool crisp air and the peacefulness of the whole scenery. We stopped to take a picture but it the picture gave it NOOO justice. It was just too beautiful for words or film.

WORST: It kills me to say this but, New Mexico wins the worst scenery. But it’s not where my mom and dad live. On our way back to Virginia we drove from Albuquerque to Amarillo, TX. That drive was dreadful. It was super flat, and extremely boring. There were some weird trees but their height was nothing to write about. They looked more like large bushes. But they were a pale green and dry. The dirt was almost grey instead of brown. It was hot and just plain dull.

HONORABLE MENTION: I have to plug Iowa and Minnesota. BEAUTIFUL!! I can’t wait till Brent and I move up there. The rolling, green hills are seriously what I’ve dreamed about living in since I was little.

BATHROOMS
BEST: Interesting enough the best bathroom that we hit on our trip was by far my own father’s. Him and my mother had to add a new toilet to their bathroom because their old one was…well old. But the new toilet they purchased was longer and larger than the old one, so it didn’t fit. Normal parents would just return the big toilet and get the correct size….but not my parents. They put the toilet in but at a diagonal. It is completely strange and funny. But oddly enough, it’s comfortable.

WORSE: There were SOOOO many to choose from but by a small margin, Tennessee wins the worse category. It was a small town between Nashville and Knoxville. The gas station looked big and clean on the outside, but the bathrooms were CRAP! Small, dirty, dark and the toilet wasn’t even bolted to the floor. The sink leaked everywhere and they had no paper towels. I hated being there. I thought for sure I was going to get the swine flu while I was in there. EWWWW

CONSTRUCTION
BEST: Driving 4000 miles around the US we were bound to hit some construction. But it was easy to rate. The construction on the road from NM to Durango, CO was long but very well managed. We got through the one lane quickly and with no hassles. And surprisingly, we saw people actually working instead of just a bunch of equipment.

WORSE: There was tie. In Scranton, PA we hit one lane traffic and no one knew why. There was no construction, no block, and no wide loads. They just shut down the lane for no reason. And we were stuck for at least an hour. FRUSTRATING!! The next worse construction was in OK. Lots of bumps, lots of detours, and confusing signs. And to make it worse, there was no one around and just a bunch of equipment just sitting around. We actually had to drive on incomplete roads for miles. I hated it.

ODDS AND ENDS
Just to finish part 2 I wanted to give a few little interesting things we noticed

1. Worse city roads to navigate—Amarillo, TX. The roads didn’t go straight and the map didn’t make any sense.
2. Worse traffic—Washington, DC (duh it’s always a traffic jam there)
3. Dumbest thing we saw on the freeway-- 2 girls and a guy fighting in TN. Yes they were actually fist fighting and yelling so hard we could hear them in the car. One girl pushed the boy into traffic and he just barely missed a car. It was our first sign that we were heading back into the Ghetto.
4. Funniest thing we saw on the freeway—The world’s largest cross in TX. Literally in the middle of no where some church built this GIAGANTIC cross. You could see it for miles each direction. The sign said it was 7 stories high. Super funny
5. Most impressive sight—The millions of wind farms in MN and IA. Just awesome to see such massive windmills powering towns.
6. Best shopping—Mall of America, MN. Ummm..it’s the nations largest mall…nuff said.
7. Best cheese curds—another tie. Carr Valley Cheese, WI and the Beir Stube in Hastings, MN. It’s true that you just can’t buy or eat better cheese than what comes from the Midwest. YUMM
8. Best tour-- The Gordon experience touring the new Green Chamberlain Science Building at Beloit College, WI. I wanted to see where Brent went to college and we meet up with one of Brent’s roommates and he gave us a tour of the new building on campus. The most detailed tour I’ve ever been on.
9. Worse weather---While stuck in traffic in PA it was down pouring rain. The drops were so big when they hit the windshield…crazy. But surprisingly this was the only bad weather we had the whole trip.
10. Best tool for the road--- By far it would have to be our iphones. We used those things for navigation, music, internet trivia, games and entertainment for long, boring roads.

OK that’s all I have for tonight. But strangely enough…I still have a lot more to write. So stay tuned for part 3. Thanks for reading. For those of you on Facebook you can see all our pictures on my page.

Summer Trip 2009 Part 1

2009-07-20T20:33:00.003-05:00

OK so I actually have news to post. Brent and I just finished our US tour 2009 and it has been a GREAT trip. We packed so much into this trip this year that I've decided to write about some categories. That's why it has to be in 3 parts.

Category one....STATISTICS
Brent and I traveled for 24 days
hit 20 different states
3 time zones (2 of them we hit twice)
over 4000 miles
2 oil changes
Saw forests, mountains, hills, deserts, grasslands, prairy, farmland, lakes and rivers
killed 2 birds and COUNTLESS bugs
Stayed in 6 motels (all from Priceline, more on that later)
used WAYYY too many public restrooms (again more on that later)
and of course drove through MILES of construction

STOPS
BEST STOPS: The best stops are of course our families house. We visited both Brent's and I's family. For Brent's family we were in Minnesotta but did go to Wisconsin to visit his grandma. For my family we were in New Mexico. But I will get to these stops later. As for the actual traveling I would have to say that the best stop was in Mishawaka, Indiana. We found this cute little town on the outside of South Bend on the way to Minnesotta. It was a great place to shop, eat, and sleep. We wanted to visit Notre Dame but we got there too late. So we made plans to see the College Football Hall of Fame, but again we got there too late. So we just spent our time touring the little city. It was a fun time!

WORSE STOP: Walsenburg, Colorado. We stopped here for a gas and bathroom break on our way to my parent's house and boy was it a mistake. The freeway was closed for construction and they rerouted the entire traffic through this little town. So there was TONS of traffic on small tiny roads. To make it worse, the train came through town while we were there and backed up traffic even more. The first gas station we stopped at had all their gas pumps turned off for some stupid reason and didn't tell any of the customers. So we sat there trying to pump gas and getting very frustrated. So finally we left and went to a 7-2-11. GROSS. Brent pmped gas (super expensive too) while I took a potty break. This place gets the second grosses (sp?) bathroom. It was on seat for both boys and girls. I was in a long line and unfortunatly the boy in front of me was sloppy and so I had to clean up after him. EWWWW. We quickly got out of there!!!

HOTELS
BEST: Little Rock, Arkansas. By far the best place I've ever stayed. We were treated like rock stars and slept in THE most comfortable bed. They had a beautiful little swimming pool that was right next to an awesome bar/restaurant. So we were swimming to some great music. The pool was under a gigantic atrium that had lots of windows and a wonderful outside feeling. To make it even better, it was only $50.

WORSE: North Platte, Nebraska. We paid over $70 for this aweful place. The beds were terrible (they only had full size available so Brent and I had to sleep seperate) and the bathroom was yucky. It had lots of mold and smelled. The pool was too small and cold. It was just a bad place to be.

RESTAURANTS
BEST: The Big Texan, Amarillo, Texas. This place was so fun. Brent has been wanting to go to this restaurant ever since I've meet him. It was featured on Food Network and is home of the 72 ounce steak challenge. Challengers are suppose to eat 4 pounds of steak, a potatoe, a salad, 4 shrimp, and a roll in under an hour. Very stupid. Neither Brent nor I wanted to do it, but we did want to watch other people do it. The guy that was trying was defeated. Poor guy couldn't finish it and ended up paying over $72 for the meal. The place was a great tourist stop and had a BIG dinning room decorated all texas style and kind of had a old western feeling too it. Everyone was dressed in cowboy outfits and talked in a THICK texan accent. They had a gift store there too that included a live snake and the world's largest rocking chair. The best part however, was the limo. They picked us up from our hotel in an old limo with large bull horns on the front. Super funny. Watch for pictures.

WORSE: Tequilla's, Mishawaka, Illinois. I know I said that this was our favorite little stop, but the restaurant was a big let down. The hotel attendant recommend it to us so we were excited to go. But the food was all bad. The waitress was aweful and the prices were too expensive. We were kind of in and out pretty quick. So sad.

HONORABLE MENTION: There are a few more places that we thought we'd mention. While we were at the wedding rehersal in New York, we ate at a very authentic Italian restaurant. It was soo yummy. I'm sorry I don't remember the name of the place, but it had the best sausage, pasta and bread. We also wanted to mention the Whiskey Creek Restaurant in North Platte. It's a chain BBQ restaurant, but both Brent and I loved it. The BBQ sauce was super good. And the atmosphere was so fun. It was the first time I saw "western" people and I felt at home.

ATTRACTIONS
BEST: The Sacred Grove. On our way out of New York headed to Mennesotta we stopped to see the Sacred Grove and Palmyra Temple. It was such a spiritual experience, especially knowing that I was there with Brent. The temple was closed so we walked around the grounds. Even though it was hot, the day was so special. There is definatly a spirit there that is hard to ignore. While I was there I wanted to quiz Brent to see just how much stuff he knew about the mormons and he surprisingly got every question right. I even asked him questions that I figured would be really hard. But apparently he has been paying more attenion than I thought. I'm so happy.

WORSE: Purgatory Ski Resourt, Durango, Colorado. So this place has all the ingrediants for a perfect attraction. During the summer you can take a Gondola ride up the mountain to see the beautiful Rocky mountains. This is our second year going here. But both times, they cancled the ride due to lightening. It's an hours drive from my parents house so it is such a bummer to drive all that way just to get turned down.

HONORABLE MENTION: On the 4th of July we went to a horse race track in MN. It was a miserably hot day but in between horse races they had fun little weiner dog races. We got to meet and pet all the dogs and then watch them race. It was sooooo cute and funny. The dog that won was so determined to win. It was just so fun. It made me miss my own puppies, but it was a fun time.

MONEY
BEST DEAL: Buffalo Bill Trading Post, North Platte, Nebraska. We found so many cool gifts and fun things to buy. We got 3 christmas gifts here that were a great deal. It was a very LARGE trading posts that boasts about being Buffalo Bill's own store.

WASTE OF MONEY: Treasure Island Casino, Redwing, Minnesotta. Brent and I went here with his family for some afternoon gambling. We lost a total of $80. But the lunch was AWESOME!!

Return tomorrow for fmore catergories and hopefully some pictures.

94.9

2009-06-02T18:40:00.002-05:00

What is up with our local radio station 94.9? It's like we have our own little soap opera right here in Hampton Roads. OK for those of you outside VA I'll explain. Ever since I got here in 2004 I have been listening to Chuck, Jenna (husband and wife) and WoWo in the morning. Last January (2008) I decided I wanted to listen to my new CD in the morning rather than the radio. I did this for about a month or so. When I turn back on the raido....everything changed.

Chuck was looking for an apartment and talking of meeting new girls and Jenna was now broadcasting in the afternoon. After some shock I got over it and continued to enjoy the show. About a month or so later they welcomed Heather to the morning show. It was like this until just recently. Without any notice Heather was gone...I still don't know where she went. So it was just Chuck and WoWo.

And now...Chuck and WoWo just announced that they were moving to the afternoon and some wierdo named Fox is in the morning. Oh....and Jenna is now on a completly different station.

I'm so upset about all the changes that I just started listening to another station. Sad because I like that station. But it's all just too wierd. In just a year there were that many changes. Oh and I listened to Fox in the morning and he was so CRAZY. He talked about stupid subjects and did not hold my interest. In fact I don't even think that Fox is located here in VA. He never talks of places that are here. So it's some wierd broadcast.

Is this because of the economy? Is this Fox guy cheaper than Chuck and WoWo? Do they have to pay them less now that they are in the afternoon? If this is the reason then that is just aweful..

Update

2009-04-26T07:53:00.002-05:00

OK so it's been almost a month since I've posted. So I figured I better get an update on here. But sadly enough, there isn't too much to report.

My pregnancy is moving quickly. I'm starting to get a small belly. I just bought my first pair of maternity pants. But I can still mostly fit into my old pants. I have not gained any weight yet but the Dr. said that I should worry about that yet. I believe I'm over the whole morning sickness now. Which is good, because it got pretty bad for awhile. I'm now officially 13 weeks along.

Brent is still doing fantastic. This week he was officially awarded the Teacher of the Year by our superintendent. It was a nice ceremony. Brent is still looking for jobs in the MidWest. He hasn't really heard from any district yet. But we are hopeful. He amazes me every day of his desire and commitment to his job and just life in general.

This summer we have a lot planned. We will be gone for a month again visiting New Mexico, New York, Colorado, Utah, and Wisconsin. I am hoping that everything goes well. We'd like to bring the dogs with us again, but I'm not sure we can. So if anyone would like to babysit 2 adorable dogs for us we'd be willing to pay. We are planning on leaving around the 19th of June and returning the middle of July. So it will be a great summer.

OK so that's the latest. I'm sorry it's taken so long to update. But life is pretty boring around here.

My Daddy

2009-03-06T20:50:00.003-06:00

OK so I know that I've posted several things about my wonderful dad, but I just can't help myself. On the very same day that I found out I was pregnant, my dad had a heart attack. In fact is was about 2 minutes after I called to tell them the news. For 3 weeks now I've been denying that the whole thing happend. I didn't want to even think or talk about it. I was in such a denial phase that I didn't even call home to check on him.

Today my dad called me because he was worried about me. I immediately started to cry and broke down. The whole ordeal was so terrifying. However, he did have several little miracles. First of all, my parents live in the middle of no where. So the closest ambulance was 30 minutes away. On the 911 call my mom was making a young EMT that lived a mile away heard the call over the radio. He was not scheduled to work that day, but got in his car and went to help my dad. If it wasn't for him, the ambulance would have been too late and he most likely wouldn't have made it.

Dad went straight into surgery but the dr.'s found no injury to his heart. They only cleared 2 veins. Dad was only in the hospital for about 2 days. He revovered so quickly and had no problems with anything else. He did decide that he would stop working so much and pay attention to his diet more. So he now works half days (he should be retired...but refuses). So really I have a lot to be thankful for. My dad is rock. In the past 2 years he has fought and won against cancer and now he survived a heartattack.

But each time he's in the hospital I get pushed more and more into denyal. I guess this post is just so I can admit that my dad is getting old, and that I better start preparing myself for when that aweful day does finally arrive. I just can't stand to think that. I love you daddy.

WHAT??????

2009-02-23T19:23:00.002-06:00

I wish I had a picture for you but my camera is lost but I promise you that the pregnancy test said positive!!!!!

YEP I'm pregnant FINALLY!!!!!!! After 21 months of trying we are finally blessed. It's been a great day. I think I'm due sometime in October. But I won't see the dr until March 9th. So we'll see.

If I had a baby picture I'd put it up but I don't. Sorry.

Stuck

2009-02-15T21:02:00.002-06:00

I've always thought that people who get stuck were just funny. Like the wierdos who drive through some mud and try to make it out. But my story of getting stuck was more than funny. It was hillarious. But at the time it was pretty scary. I got stuck in an elevator...funny I know.

I usually go see a chiropractor once a week and was on my way to his office on the 5th floor. I got in alone and rode up as normal. As it stopped on the floor the doors tried to open but got stuck. They opened a slight bit so I could see a sliver of light. I yelled through the opening and asked if someone could help me open the door manually.

I still wasn't panicing at this point because I thought I could still get out. There was a man there who did help pry it open. I pushed the "open door" button while he tried pulling on it. Just then out of no where, the doors closed and I started heading back down. On the 3rd floor somone must have pushed the button to go down. So as the elevator stopped on the 3rd floor the same thing happened. The doors only opened a slight bit and the other woman tried to help me pry it open.

But then they shut and I went up again to the 6th floor.....same thing. No open doors. 3rd floor again...no open doors. So now I start to panic. I was already getting sick from the up and down motion and had no cell service. I was just about to pick up the phone in the elevator when the doors just opened by themselves. I quickly jumped out and warned everyone I could not to get in the elevator.

I only wish the story ended there....but it doesn't. Since I was on the wrong floor I decided to take the stairs. I was late for my appointment so I basically ran up the 2 flights of stairs. Out of breath I tried to open the door to the 5th floor. As luck would have it....the stair doors are locked from the inside. Only someone from the outside can open them. So I pound on the door and ask someone to let me out....again with my luck. No one was there. So I race down a flight and try the same thing on the 4th floor.....no one there either. Back to the 3rd floor. I realized that I didn't actually shut the door behind me when I got in the stairwell so I got out.

But now I'm stuck. I didn't want to take the stairs again and I didn't want to take the elevator. So I called my Dr.'s and told them the whole story. So they told me to go back up the stairs and they would be there to let me in. By now I was completly out of breath...but I made it to the appointment and was safe.

How did I get home you ask.....I walked all the way accross the building to the other side and took a different elevator down.

Political Rambles

2009-02-10T20:20:00.003-06:00

I've been brewing a couple of opinions in my head lately and I think that I have to get it all out so I can start worring about something else. But before I start let me just say that I know NOTHING about politics or even about the economy....all I know is what has effected me and my close friends and family. I am NOT making an educated statement....I do not research my ideas and rarely watch the news. So what I am about to say is seriously MY OPINION and not truth or fact. It fact it's probably not even based on fact.

OK first of all....I'd like to start with the problem with people and families. I think that either most or all of our social problems and problems with families start with one word.....SELFISHNESS. Seriously. I first started noticing it in my own marriage. Brent and I have worked very hard to make each other happy. But I often find myself wanting to please me and my wants and needs. I'd rather make Brent comply with what I want than give in to what he wants. It's hard....very hard. But we are both working at this and trying to give in a little more.

But then I noticed that my 5th grade students were also acting very selfish. Now granted they are 10 and most 10 year olds are selfish. But what I was noticing was beyond the normal 10 year old behavior. My students now are so selfish that they will not only cheat to get a good grade, they will litterally FIGHT when they think someone is looking at them. I have students that will love one person in one hour and hate them the very next hour all because they wouldn't follow their demands. Or I have another student who will resort to YELLING at the top of her lungs so that she can be the only one dominating the conversation. Most students wont even pick up a piece of paper for me that I dropped. Or loan a pencil to another student. And don't even get me started on how many students want me to make an exception for them and they swear not to tell anyone else. The selfishness in my class is OVERWHELMING!!!!

So then I started thinking about who taught them this selfish behavior.....their parents. I'm not a parent yet...but I do know that you have to litteraly give up your life for you children. Parents today allow others (including day care and teachers) to raise their kids for them. Or, in some cases, allow the kids to raise themselves. My students set their own bed time, make their own meals, and admit to NEVER having time to talk to their parents. And only 3 of my 27 students have a dad. So why are parents so self consumed that they don't have time for their kids.

And you can't tell me that girls who get an abortion aren't selfish. Or the person who goes into MAJOR debt buying clothes that make her look good. OK here's one.....the idiot that thought they could afford an extreemly large house and the banks that told them they could. And why do they need this huge house? Especially when they are under 30?????

OK so on to the next point. I am totally and completly against Obama's stimulus package. It's absolutly ridiculous. And don't freek out.....but I think we need to do nothing. Let us go into a recession. WHY NOT? Sure it will be hard. It will be very hard. Many will lose jobs and homes and most EVERYTHING. But remember my first point? People today are so selfish that it is ruining families.

Think about this....if we went into recession, families will be forced to live on nothing. Families will have to rely on eachother. We will have to spend more time together and less time out to eat or out partying or out doing anything. We will be forced to do more for eachother and hopefully more for others.

I'm not sure if I make any sense at all...but I'm just saying that as hard as it may sound or actually be, I think letting the economy fail might just be God's way of fixing the family. So let it happen.

I Hate....

2009-02-06T20:39:00.003-06:00

making decisions. I do. I always worry about every little thing about the decisions. Even as easy as where to go out to eat. If I choose Subway will that be too cheap or would the person I'm with think that I think they are fat. If I don't choose Subway will that person think I'm fat? If I go to a sit down restaurant will it cost too much. If I'm with a friend will Brent be mad that I'm spending too much money. Will the customer service be OK?

Well as you can see I can easily drive myself crazy. Recently I have run into that time in my life when I need to make one of those BIG decisions. I am currently enrolled in a Masters program to major in Adult Education. I would like to use this degree to teach in a small community college away from 5th graders and principals. Well I found out that my degree program was meant more for business trainers and had little to do with community colleges. If I wanted to teach at a CC then I would have to be specialized in what I am wanting to teach...like math or sociology or whatever.

My problem is that I don't want to teach one specific thing....I just want to teach without all the drama and pressure and ridiculous responsibilities. So I'm stuck with a decision. Do I continue with the the degree program in hopes that a CC will just let me teach instead of being specilized, or do I change majors all together and waste all that money I've already put into the degree? And if I change degrees then what would I change to? I'm not good at anything except teaching.

Anyhow...on to the point of this blog. So through all this I've been going crazy...litterally. I am worried about the future, worried about the economy getting worse and not getting a job, worried about money and worried about making this important decision. But my wonderful husband has been nothing but sensitive to my needs and worries. He is completly supportive and great.

Yesterday, at the peak of my stress, Brent left a letter on my car explaining that he supports any decision I make and that he just wants me to be happy...and then he said the sweetest thing. In the letter he said "I know you don't want to be anything more than a mom and that's probably why this decision is so hard for you. But one day you will be the happiest mom in the world and this decision will seem silly."

It's so true....All I want to be when I grow up is a mom. So I've decided to stick with my degree and one day hope that I'll get a job with it.

I absolutly love my husband for understanding me and my needs. Brent is the best man EVER. I cannot believe that the Lord led me to such a wonderful man. I don't deserve him.

Customer Service

2009-01-23T23:15:00.002-06:00

What ever happened to customer service???? I don't know if it's just Virginia or if the world is really this rude. Since I've moved here I've had very few shopping experiences that would be considered good customer service. And my experience today tops the list. I have never been treated so poorly for no reason in all my life. I literally felt like hitting someone. It all starts with a dough hook.....(I know strange, but keep reading)

For Christmas Brent and I got an AWESOME Kitchen Aid Mixer (thanks mom). Well Brent has been using it like crazy but got the itch to try to make homemade bread. In order to do this we need a special dough hook attachment. So we went to Walmart....wrong decision.

We couldn't find the attachment and decided to ask an associate. I asked a lady that was near the shelf and she didn't even look at me. In fact she didn't even talk to me. After I asked her about the attachments she took off to find someone else. When she found this person she literally yelled at him from across 2 or 3 isles. She said (and this is an exact quote) "THESE PEOPLE WANT HELP!!!" After repeating herself 3 times he came around the corner and the 2 associates had a FULL conversation about some box in the back before even looking at me. The man finally acknowledged me and I asked him about a dough hook. Before I even finished my sentence he said that they didn't sell attachments. So I told him that we got the mixer at walmart and that the display had a dough hook. He said the same thing and turned around to walk away before I could say anything else.

So I went back to Brent and told him of the lack of respect and care for our problem. So Brent decided he would give it a try and went to find another lady. This lady was the nicest of all but still not great because she said that she'd go find someone else to help us. Well she found the same man as before. So you can imagine how upset he was for being interrupted 2 different times by the same people. He again repeated that they don't sell the attachment and again refused to listen to our question. We just wanted to know if they would sell the display attachment to us. After he left we decided to go to customer service to see if they would sell the display to us.

At the customer service counter we found 4 (yes 4) associates that were all gathered together talking. It was very clear that we were waiting for them and I made eye contact with at least 2 people and they never even acknowledged us. So I started to try and get their attention. The response I got shocked me....she said (again this is another direct quote) "I don't know what you are doing here! We are closed!" So I took this as an opportunity to ask her if I could speak with a manager. Instead of going to get the manager she told me that the manager is around the corner and what her name is. Frustrated again I turned the corner with much anger.

After about 2-3 minutes I found this so called manager. She was talking with another lady and was holding a baby. She had no name tag and a dark coat on. Her pants were very baggy and ripped and torn. She also looked like she was about 16 years old. After I asked her if she was the manager she said "yeah" and looked at me like I was inconveniencing her. Her friend that she was talking to also rolled her eyes at me. When I asked her if she would sell the display to me, she literally snatched the hook out of my hands and said "we don't sell our displays. This is walmart property." Before I could say anything else she turned around and started talking to her friend again.

I found Brent again checking out at the register and started releasing my anger out on him. The cashier heard every word I was telling Brent and never once commented. After she was done ringing us up she didn't even say thank you.

What the heck is going on with customer service? I mean I know we don't live in the 50's any more but is our society that selfish and rude that we can't help a customer? Is it really OK to be rude to perfect strangers who are providing your paycheck? Is it really OK for cashiers to literally not say one word to you? Not even a simple hello? I hate stupid, mean, rude people. I HATE WALMART!!!!!!

And I have about 100 more stories like this. Don't even get me started on the McDonalds people. Or the Subway....or even the gas station people. And what about the grocery bag boy who tried to get me in bed with him while he was working. And his manager said NOTHING!!! Can anyone tell me a company that has good customer service???? It's seems like a rare thing now-a-days.

2009-01-14T20:17:00.007-06:00

2009 Churchland Primary

Teacher of the Year!!!

I always knew that Brent was an awesome man. I knew from the begining of our relationship that he had a special spirit for teaching. He is wonderful with children and knows exactly how to teach them Math. He has a keen sence of knowing how a student is struggling and what it will take to get them to learn the material. And finally after 4 years of teaching, someone else has recoginized how great he really is.

Congratulations!!

I love you babe. I'm so proud of you! You really are the best!

Christmas Break

2009-01-06T20:44:00.012-06:00

Our Christmas break was such a wonderful time. We left on the 20th toward Ohio to see my sister. It was such a perfect visit. We played games, ate good food, watched the kids run around and visited till 1 AM. We didn't do much outside the house because it was snowing the ENTIRE time we were there. Poor Paul had to shovel the driveway 3 times while we were there. My sister and I had a much needed catch up and forgiving conversation. I love you Telsie!

On the 24th we drove through the pouring snow in Chicago to get to Wisconsin. We stayed with Brent's grandma and had the typical, lovely Christmas. The whole family was there along with MILLIONS of gifts. It took us from 8AM to 5PM to open them all. In between gift opening we had a great dinner. I so appreicate all the gifts from Brent's family. They are the most gracious and loving family. THANK YOU!!!After Christmas we drove again to Minnesota to stay with Brent's mom and dad. We had a great time visiting with them. We did some more shopping, movies, dinner, and of course more games. One of my favorite parts was watching little Matthew (Brent's sister's baby) play with our puppies. Our puppies were so good the entire trip. Mia was of course the little princess and refused to go in the snow. But Brent wouldn't give up on her and trained her to love the snow. Einstein of course loved it. He and Mia are also still playing with all their new toys. The longest lasting toy we've ever had.

We came home on New Year's day and enjoyed a few days lounging around the house just relaxing before we went back to work.Thanks to all those who sent us gifts and cards for Christmas. It was a wonderful time and we really felt the spirit of the season. I loved all the cards...so creative this year.

New Coat

2008-11-23T20:44:00.000-06:00

Because it's been getting colder here in VA, we decided to buy little Mia a new coat. Although she is a long hair dog, she doesn't grow it very well. So I am constantly seeing her shivering. Well this new coat is super adorable. She hates it of course, but I think she is so cute. I know most of you are thinking that I'm pretty stupid for dressing up a dog. But I can't help myself. I think it's pretty funny. Plus I had to do something, poor thing is constantly cold.

I have to vent

2008-11-13T16:51:00.000-06:00

First I have to say that I'm sorry for not blogging for the past month. I really have no idea why I haven't, but I have just kinda gotten out of it. But today a few things happened so I decided it was time to start writing again.

I have to vent about this stupid economy. When all this market/bank/forclosure thing started I didn't think it would effect Brent and I very much. Boy was I wrong!!!! As you all know Brent graduated with his Masters in May. While he was in school we put his bachelor degree student loans in deferment. After he graduated, his bank where he had all loans (both bachelors and masters loans) said that his new monthly payment was $750. AHHHH however, they told us that we have a 6 month deferment before we had to pay it. During these past 6 months, Both Brent and I asked the bank if there was a way we could reduce the monthly payment. They told us that after our 6 month deferment then we could call back and consolidate the loans and receive a lower payment of $200-$300.

So...here it is 6 months later, we called to consolidate and they said that they are no longer consolidating loans because of the economy. I was so mad that I couldn't even breath. So we got on the phone trying to move the loans to another bank and found out that NOOOO banks are consolidating new loans nor are they lending out any new money.

I quickly got on the phone with my own bank and asked them to give us $500 on our line of credit just so we can make it through this months payment. And they said that although I was already preapproved for this line of credit, they put a freeze on all accounts and are not approving any loans.

So we called back Brent's bank and explained the situation. Lucky for us they extended his loans to a 25 year loan which lowered the bill to $400. But I'm still irratated that we cannot get a break.

We are not the stupid people who bought a house that we couldn't afford and had to foreclose. We are not the stupid banks who gave out those ridiculous loans. And we are not the stupid people that don't pay their bills. I proud myself in knowing I am responsible in all my bills. We pay everything on time. And most of the loans we have, we are paying more than is required. So why is it that we are being punished for everyone else's mistakes?

New Blog

2008-09-27T09:26:00.001-05:00

I just created a new blog all about my diet and health. I just went to the doctor again and she said that I have to lose weight. So I created a blog to document my progress. If you are interested please go check it out.

www.timillesonadiet.blogspot.com

80's Rocker

2008-09-21T20:49:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was my 31st birthday. Yep I'm old. But last year when I turned 30 I decided NOT to celebrate my big day. Well for the whole year I regreted that decision. So I said that since I didn't celebrate last year, then I'd go all out this year. And boy did I ever.

My friend Ross was hosting a "Rock Band" party and so we decided to combine his party with my birthday party. "Rock Band" is an XBox game where you get to act like a real rock band. Ross decided to throw a party to celebrate the second eddition of the game. He asked that everyone that show up dress up like their favorite rock star.

As you can see, Brent dressed up like an 80's wanna be rapper or pimp and I dressed up like Cindy Lauper. In this picture, I was wearing my glasses, but my real costume had super loooonnnnggg, pink eyelashes. They were just so big that I had to take them off. I wore a bright pink wig and I had the long star earrings and rolled up sleeves. I also wore parachute pants with rolled cuffs. I topped off the costume with big blue socks and high heals.

The party was so awesome. We sang rock songs all night long as loud as we could. There were about 13 people there and about 10 TONS of food. It was super fun and a night I will never forget. Ross dressed as an ACDC member. Brenda and Ellis dressed like an 80's couple and Steve dressed like John Pauper. That was about all that dressed up. But we had a lot of fun and actually ended the party around midnight. And we successfully made it though the night without having the cops called on us.

I can proudly salute my 31st year with a smile. And I am kissing 30 good bye. I hated 30 it was by far the worst year yet (as far as medical reasons are concerned). So I'm looking forward to a much better year.

Please bear with me

2008-08-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

I am in the long, tedious process of updating this blog. I just figured out how to add a third colum and iat took me about a week to perfect it. So now I am trying to rearrange everything. So just bear with me during my "construction" stage.

I did want to post a few new "news" worthy stories. First of all, (I'll start with the bad news first) the transfer that I was promised last July did not go through. So when I report to school tomorrow morning, I will be going back to the ucky Hodges Manor. I will be still teaching 5th grade all subjects. Normally this wouldn't be so bad, but I have a little devil for a principal. But today in church we learned about forgiving others. So I have tried to take on a new attitude about this year. I forgive all the HR people who wouldn't allow me to be transfered and I forgive my principal for all the CRAP I had to deal with the last 2 years. It's a new year and it's going to be the greatest EVER!!! And I hope they will forgive me for all the crap I do too.

And now for the good news....Brent's football team won their last scrimmage 56-0! So now they are ready, ready, ready to start their season. Their first official game is this Thursday at 7PM against their arch rival. They put the big rival game BEFORE school starts in hopes to skim the audience. But all those who would like to go with me to the game, let me know. The more the merrier. I think it's only $5 for an adult.

More good news.....The painting is DONE!!!! I finished all the front room, hallway, bathroom, and bedroom. Next summer I will paint the kitchen, second bathroom and backroom. It looks SOOOOO good. But now I have to find new art to hang up. So the walls are colorful, but blank.

And one last thing...To celebrate the close of yet another great summer we are throwing a GAME party. It will be this Friday at 7PM. Anyone that reads this is welcome to come. Bring as many friends as you would like. But if you do come, bring a treat (not a big one just a little snack or drink) and your favorite game. That way we have a plethera of games to choose from. I don't care if it's a card game or board game. AHHHHHH it's going to be great!!!! Hope to see everyone there.

Finally Some New Pictures

2008-08-12T21:58:00.001-05:00

I just put a new slideshow on here. These are pictures of our trip to NM and MN. We had such fun.

And here are some pictures of our newly painted house. But it's still not done. So I'll post some more when it's done.

Doctors, Dog, Decoration, Diet and Defense

2008-08-10T20:39:00.000-05:00

Well it's been a lonnnnnngggg time since I've written and I must say that I am very disapointed in myself. Forgive me? But a lot has happened so this should be a good blog.

DOCTORS
Well I was hoping that this part of the blog would be good news, but it isn't going to be that way. As you know Brent and I have been trying to have a baby for over a year now. This past Wednesday I went to the fertility specialists to see what else we need to do. I had a lot of different emotions going there but Brent was nice enough to come with me. My doctor was very sympathetic and assured me that she sees this all the time. She asked us a lot of questions and looked at our charts and calendars. She then said that she wanted me to take 2 different tests and Brent to take one as well. So I bravely put out my arm and gave blood once again. (And I must say that I did a FANTASTIC job at doing so. I made Brent leave the room and just thought of holding a little baby the whole time. I only freaked out once when she tried to move the needle.) After that I went up to the front desk to make an appointment for my other test and for Brents. The nurse at the front asked me to check with our insurance to make sure they covered the tests because most of the time they didn't. I didn't really think anything of it because our insurance is pretty good. Well I was wrong. Our insurance not only will not pay for the tests, but they won't even give me the option to get the plan to pay for it. I guess Portsmouth Public Schools won't pay for the "infertility" part of the insurance and so it is not even offered to me. So ANYTHING dealing with infertility we will have to pay out of pocket. And as you guessed...the tests are WELLLL over a thousand dollars each. So we did not make the appointments and are back at square one. I was hoping that the blood work would find something..but I got a call on Friday and they didn't find anything.

Our plan now is to just save up some money and keep trying with temperature charts and what ever else we can do. But saving money and being in debt is hard work. And we don't really want to refinance our house. That's not even an option for us. We are going to look into a flex account at work, but we are unsure.

DOGS
To make our pocketbook look even worse, our little Einsten got sick again last week. We thought that his disease HGE was a one time thing and he is OK. But once again we were wrong. It is a disease that will be with him forever. We learned alot about what sparks it to come on and how we can treat it better. Well he will have to be in the hospital every time he is sick, but if we get him in early it won't cost as much. The last time he was in the hospital it costs us $1400 and this time only $400. But he is OK and we will continue to watch what he eats. Hopefully he will stay healthy for awhile.

DECORATION
Because of Einstein's bill and the fact that we want to save money, we decided against redecorating our kitchen. Instead we bought some cheap paint and I am in the process of painting our front room, hallway, bathroom, kitchen and bedroom. Most of all these rooms will be the same sage green color, but I have to say that the whole house looks awesome. I still am not done completly and the whole house is a mess trying to get everything moved.

DIET
Brent and I have both been very good about our diet. Brent has been working out with his football team and I have been not only painting but walking around the park every night. I don't dare weigh myself, but I know that both of us has lost some weight. Brent has lost more than me, but we said that if we both lose 50 lbs then we will buy ourselves a new king size bed. (that is if we can afford it.)

DEFENSE
Well as you know Brent's football season is in full swing. This past week he has been at football camp litterally 24 hours a day. He spent 2 nights and 3 days at the camp gearing up for the season. The camp had some good and bad news. 2 of their good starters quit because of lack of respect for the coaches and then 2 other starters got involved on the wrong side of the law are are now in jail for a full month. Yesterday they had their first scrimmage and although they did well they were struggling without 4 of their best players including the quarterback. Their kicker is a freshman and wasn't doing so well either, but it's a scrimmage and it didn't count so they are going to continue to do 2 a days until the seasons starts on the 29th. WISH THEM LUCK

Well that is all I have for now. I'm sorry that I haven't been good about posting or commenting, I need to get back into a groove. I'll try better

Minnesota Trip

2008-08-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

If you are reading this, you should read my previous blog first. We went to Utah before Minnesota, so read that one first. We spent about a week and a half in Minnesotta, most of which we were up in the mountains at a cabin on a lake. Brent's family rented the cabin for a week. When we first got there we settled in and finally got to meet Matthew, Brent's nephew. He is of course adorable and charming.

Every day and night while we were up there we took the boat out and went fishing. On our first trip out, I caught my very first fish. (I've never been fishing before. Can you believe that?) See picture. It wasn't the kind of fish that we were trying to eat, so I had to throw it back. But it felt good to reel it in.

The first part of the week we had some bad weather and only caught little or no good fish. But by the time the rain left we were all catching some Walleye. I of course was the last one to catch a Walleye but at least I did. It was a very enjoyable experience and I learned a lot. Can you believe that I even started hooking my own minnow? I did. It was gross but I did it.

The rest of the week when we weren't fishing we were playing with baby Matthew or hanging with grandma and grandpa. Erin and Brad brought their Wii and we played a few rounds of bowling. And I just have to say that for the first time in my life.....I beat Brent. Yep!! We had a lot of fun laughing at mom and dad playing the game too. Good times.

Every night while we were at the cabin we played a dice game called Greedy. My sister in law taught it to me and I taught Brent's family. We had a lot of fun stealing eachother's points and leaving the whole game to chance. I believe that everyone that played was guilty of being Greedy.

After that great week was over, we went back to mom and dad's house. They just bought a new condo, so we got to see it. It is a beautiful house. While we were there I got to experience the most awesome storm I've ever seen. There was lightening literally every second. It was SUPER dark and windy. In fact that same storm produced a tornado the day before. It was so eery but awesome.

Mom and dad also taught me a new game called URKER. But I was so confused that I did horible at it. We also went shopping and took a tour of their little town.

The trip was great and it was so nice to see everyone. I think between my family and Brent's we got to see everyone we wanted to. It was all worth it and full of memories. However, a month long vacation was a bit long and we were excited to be home. Especially to see our puppies. They looked good and were overwhelmingly excited to see us. I missed them so much. I missed our bed too. It felt good to be there.

So now we are back in the schedule of life and enjoying the rest of our summer. But I will leave the rest for another post.

Utah Trip

2008-08-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

OK I’m such a procrastinator. I’ve been home from our vacation for almost 2 weeks now and I still haven’t found the time to blog. But a lot has been going on. So just a warning, this might be a bit long. I've been trying to get a new slideshow, but it won't save for some reason. But I'm working on this blog all day.

I left the last blog when we were headed to Utah. Although we were only there for a few short days, we packed a whole week worth into it. We saw my two brothers and my sister. We spent the afternoon in Provo with my sister and her family. We went shopping and had a fun time.

That night we spent with my brother and learned just how “bad” he is. His little 3 year boy told me that his “daddy was really bad.” When I asked him why he said “because he spanks me A LOT.” After I laughed a bit I told him, “Mason usually when your daddy spanks you, it means YOU’VE been bad.” He then got a big AH HA face and said he understood. Super funny.

While I was there my friend Brenda called me and said that she had a job for me back in Portsmouth. She works at Simonsdale Elementary and had an opening for me. So from 1000 miles away, we worked out a transfer. I am so happy and blessed for this transfer. I just can’t stop smiling. I feel so lucky to actually be working at such a great school. THANK YOU BRENDA!!!

The next day we had breakfast with my sister and then went to SLC to my other brother’s house. We spent the day at the doctor’s office with my dad. He is OK and is doing just fine. Still cancer free.

We went to my Aunt and Uncle house that evening and spent time with them and some of my cousins. I think Brent was a little overwhelmed with the amount of family I have. But it was fun.

That night we stayed up late and played games with Ty and Shannon. Brent and Ty had many discussions and arguments about just about everything. It made for a very interesting night.

The next day we made our way to the SLC airport and flew out to Minnesota. I’ll write about that adventure in the next post so this one won’t be so terribly long.

What a fun filled week

2008-07-05T00:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. Brent and I have litterally been busy doing as much as we can in New Mexico before we leave. Our favorite thing so far that we did was going back to Durango. Brent and I were married there and we saw the reception hall and even drove up the mountain where we said "I do." The place is still just as beautiful as it was 2 years ago. We then went into town and walked around Main street. That town is so cool and has a lot of little shops that are so neat to browse though. We also went up the other mountain to Purgatory Ski Resort and slid down the Alpine slide. We had plans to take the Gondola ride up for a scenic ride, but it started raining and they closed it down. We were upset, but just being up in the mountains was breathtaking.

This week we also went to a really cool "hunters" museum. There is a famous hunter that lives here in Farmington and he had all his "catches" stuffed and put in a museum. He has hunted everything from butterflies to sharks and even a few bears. His museum had literally thousands of animals that he caught in his lifetime. Tigers, polar bears, seals, sting rays, whales, and giraffes. And when the tour was over, we got to see a live bear that actually stood up and growled at us. We even got close to a peacock. It was a great experience.

I also took my cute neices and nephews swimming at the aquatic center in Farmington. It was a blast to take them down the slide over and over. That same day Brent and I did a lot of yard work for my mom. We almost cut down an entire tree. We are pretty scraped up and bruised, but I know my mom and dad needed it. We then watched as they laid down some more cement on their sidewalk. It was great to be working with them again. How wierd is it that I missed doing yard work?

Today for the 4th of July we went and saw my grandmothers grave site. She died about a year and a half ago and I was unable to attend the funeral, so we went up to the cemetary. I had a lot of mixed feelings about the whole experience, but I know that she was laughing at us while we put American Flags on her grave.

Right after we saw my grandma, my mom and dad took us around Cedar Hill and showed us where my mom grew up. We got to see the little orchard where she picked apples and the ditch where she would swim around in. I learned so much about my mom and her family. It was a great time for me. I got to know that my mom was very much like me. And I also learned that my grandma and grandpa were very hard workers and very wise about their investments. Cedar Hill used to be just one or two houses and now it's flooded with people and places. And if you'd like to buy a plot of land it will cost around $250,000 just for the land.

Since we were learning so much about my mom we decided to go visit her dad. He is in a nursing home right now and really has no idea who anyone is including himself. He calls himself Ray and his name is Ford. But he was pretty talkative to us today and even waved to Brent. He shared his cookies with us and walked around the hall with us. The last time I visited with him, he pretty much just sat there and said very little. We told him that we just saw his wifes grave and he touched his heart. So I think he knows more than we give him credit for. So today was an emotional day. I cannot believe what great parents I have and what a rich heritage I come from. My grandparents both lived great lives and I'm very proud to be their grand daughter. I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Tonight we went to my dad's little business and watched the city fireworks. I just love being here with my family to share such great moments with them.

So that's the latest update. We will be leaving for Utah on Tuesday. I finally got pictures on my parents computer so I'll be putting a new slide show on here tomorrow.

Good Ol' New Mexico

2008-06-29T23:06:00.000-05:00

Last Thursday Brent and I flew to New Mexico to visit my mom and dad. The flight here was very long and bumppy. In fact there was so much turbulance that I got sick on the plane. Brent is still mad at me for that. He thinks that I make myself do things like that. What a silly boy. But after a 3 hour layover in Houston, we made it to Albuquerque. It was so great to see mom and dad. After they picked us up we went to lunch to catch up on some things. We then made the 2 hour trek to Farmington. That same night I went to visit my sister and had a little "root beer" making party.

The next day we went shopping for my mom and picked up a few things for dinner. Brent fell in love with the Safeway grocery store that they have here. It was an adventure shopping there and we spent almost an hour there just picking up 2-3 things. But it is a store unlike anything in VA. The rest of the day we went outside and played with 3 of my neices and nephews. It was fun playing on the trampoline with them and chasing them around the house. They are such cute kids and they said that they really miss their aunt Timi. Hannah was a little frightened with Brent because she has never meet him, but after playing Duck Duck Goose with him she fell in love. And now Hannah talks about "Big Duck" all the time.

Saturday we went up in the mountains with my sister to help her put on a 3D mock hunting shoot. Her and her husband own a hunting business and put these on a lot to help hunters practice before the real hunt happens. So we helped organizers the hunters and make their lunch. It was an allll day event and it was HOTTTTTT. So when we got back we were tired and dirty. But it was really interesting to learn so much about hunting and all the ins and outs of the rules.

Today was just a relaxing day. We went to church with mom and dad and I saw a lot of people that I haven't seen in years. It made me feel old and all grown up. The rest of the day we've been playing more board games and just enjoying good conversation.

We'll be in NM until July 8th when we go to Utah. So I will keep you updated on what we are doing. I've already taken a lot of pictures but can't seem to get them downloaded on my mom's computer. So be patient and I'll get some up tomorrow hopefully.

I really miss everyone back home. I hope everything is going good. I really miss my puppies and hope they are good too. I'm sure they are I just miss them. A big Thank you to James for remembering to do my lesson for me. I'm sure you did great. Thanks. And thanks to Mike and Amy for picking up our truck at the airport. I'm sorry for the fisaco. I hope that it didn't cost you more than $15. If so I promise to pay you back.

Well I better go. Dad and Brent just started a game of Yahtzee that I wanna play. I'll blog again soon.

Tagged again

2008-06-22T22:17:00.000-05:00

Recently I was tagged by my cousin Shanna. So here it is.
What’s your full name?
Timille Jo Garrett Johnson ( I know it’s long but I don’t believe in hyphen names and I didn’t want to drop Garrett. I’ve been a Garrett too long to just drop it. So I have 2 middle names. And Jo Johnson sounds funny)
His Name?
Brent Steven Johnson
How long have you been married?
2 years today!!!
How long did you date?
2 months before we got engaged and then 7 more months before the wedding
What was your first date?
Shoe shopping at Kohls (not a good experience. I don’t recommend shoe shopping as a date. Funny story though)
Who proposed?
He did in front of the whole faculty and staff at the school we work at.
Who eats more sweets?
I eat more candy….he eats more ice cream
Who said “I love you” first?
Well that’s hard to say. He did really but I stopped him before he got it all out. I didn’t want to hear him say it. But about a month later I said it to him and he then got to say it fully. So he knew first, but I technically said all 3 words first.
Who is taller?
He is by a perfect 4 inches
Who can sing better?
Well since I went and destroyed my voice box by teaching sooo much, He is now a better singer.
Who is smarter?
I’m smarter in every day things, but he out does me in trivia and academics.
Who does the laundry?
Our world is defiantly a lot better since I started doing the laundry. But he does the dishes.
Who pays the bills?
Ummmm the internet does. We have all our bills set up to draft automatically. But I’m the one who watches them and makes sure they all go through right.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed?
I do most of the time, but he rolls over me several times a night. He likes to take up the whole bed and I’m stuck in a corner most of the time.
Who mows the lawn?
He mows the front and I mow the back. Guess which lawn is bigger???? Mine He hates to mow the lawn, so I get the bigger half.
Who cooks?
We would both die if I cooked. I thank God every day that I married a chef. He’s so good at cooking that I’ve gained 30 pounds since we’ve got married. He’s actually starting to write his own cookbook
Who drives?
I do but only because I’m a terrible back seat driver. And I hate other people driving me around. Plus Brent has no idea where he is going half the time.
Who kissed who first?
Doesn’t it take two to kiss? We both just kinda moved in for it.
Who asked who out first?
Well he was trying to get me to call him for about 3 weeks and kept saying things like “we should hang out. So call me” So when I finally did we went shopping. So he started the whole thing, but I called him first.
Who has more siblings?
I do by a long shot…..I come from a large Mormon family. He has 1 sister and zero cousins. Can you believe that? No cousins…..I have over 30 on both sides.
Who wears the pants?
We both do really. He has his things and I have mine that we “rule” over
What does he do that makes you feel incredible?
He married me. How much more incredible do I need? And he makes me feel the same way I did on our wedding day every day.
What is your favorite restaurant?
We both love PF Changs. But can only afford to go there once a year.
How many kids do you have?
None for now. But hopefully soon. Keep us in your prayers, we are seeing a fertility specialists next month.

2 WONDERFUL years

2008-06-22T21:15:00.000-05:00

Today is Brent and I's 2 year anniversary. It's been a perfect 2 years. We are so happy and can't ask for a better life. We decided to write down our favorite part from the past 2 years. Brent said our trip to Mt. Rushmore was his favorite and I said that all the times we danced in the kitchen after we got home from work was mine. But really we had many many many great times to choose from.

I was thinking about Brent recently and just how lucky I am be married to him. He not only makes me happy every day, he truely is my best friend. I don't want to do anything without him. Even going to the grocery store is a bummer without him. I love eating dinner with him and fighting over who's turn it is to do the dishes. I love how he secretly loves my music and I love finding new things about him every day. I love how he loves XBox over and over again. That tells me that he is faithful. (I gotta find the good in everything right?)

We were hoping to have a little baby by this time, but God has better things planned for us. So here's to Brent and another fantastic year!!! I love you over and over and over.

Guest Editor blog

2008-06-15T20:17:00.000-05:00

Well I have been coaxed into writing today on this magnificent blog. May I start this blog with a plea to comment, as Timille will no doubt be looking for replies. I am so glad to have the school year done and look forward to sleeping in this week. I am also elated that I am finished with my masters and find myself wondering what I should do with myself sometimes now that I have free time. *complaint alert* I took a full day test yesterday to complete my certification to be a pricipal. Not only did this test cost 500$ but it consisted of only writing senarios so as the day progressed my hand felt like roadkill. Anyway it is now over and I look forward to being a principal someday soon. I feel unique in the knowledge that being a teacher/ principal is what I am supposed to do on this Earth.
Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers in the family and especially to mine. I feel incredibly indebted to my father who was instrumental in helping me understand myself and the workings of this crazy world. I hope to be a father in the near future and hope that I can do as good of a job of raising my children as my parents did.
Football season is well in swing again as offseason workouts and summer camps are quickly approaching. I am anticipating a great season and will keep all of you up to date on the progress of the CHurchland Truckers.

"Teach us to delight in simple things"

Brent

I love my daddy

2008-06-15T18:13:00.000-05:00

HAPPY FATHERS DAY DADDY!!!! There are so many memories that I could write about and about a billion more things I could write about concerning my father. But because there isn't that much room, I will condense it to a top ten list. (I got this idea from a few of my blogging friends, so thanks for letting me steal your ideas)

TOP TEN REASONS WHY I LOVE MY DAD!

10. He's the best listener.

9. He has a big sense of humor and can make anyone laugh. And when we laugh at him, he laughs back.

8. He always knows best. No matter the situation Dad will know what to do.

7. He's a hard worker. I've never known anyone to work as much or as hard as him. And not just at his job. He works hard for the stake president, my mom, his family and his own dreams. And he believes that if it's worth doing, then it's worth doing well. I live by that still today.

6. He loves my mom. It's nice to see a father care so much for his childrens' mother. He would do anything for my mom. He is a true man.

5. He's a great teacher. My dad not only taught me how to run the new VCR and tie my shoe, but he taught me how to be honest, couragous, and bold...all by example.

4. He's not scared of anything. Not even the scary alarm clock, that I still can't look at to this day.

3. He is passionate about everything. The beauty of the world, the small and simple parts to a computer and even the meaningless numbers on a map.

2. He is a surviver. He beat cancer what more can I say.

and the #1 reason why I love my dad... He always took time for his family. Even when he was stressed out with all his responsibilites, he still took time to take us each to the movies or to play a game with us. He even woke up extra early so he could come home earlier to eat dinner with us. And at dinner, he only listened to our stories. He was completly selfless. I love you dad!!!

I love my mommy

2008-06-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

There are a gazillion reasons why I love my mommy, but only one reason keeps coming to mind lately. Before I go on to explain it, let me share with you what she emailed me a few days ago. She writes:

"When I was five I did not know that I had a handicap. I was perfectly content with my soft, fuzzy world even if I had to squint hard to see the ducks on the pond my father tried to get me to enjoy. Or the dozens of rabbits that darted in front of our car that I missed seeing. Or stars - what in the world was all the excitement about? I could not see anything in the night sky! Situations like that were just part of my every day life, and were easily ignored. Then I went to school and my myopia was discovered and new glasses fitted.
A bright new world opened up. Chickens had legs! Pictures on the walls were actually interesting, my sister had a mole on her face, and there actually was a real person who waved at us from that noisy "train" that lumbered by our home! Now I knew what cobwebs were, I could see the source of those beautiful sounds coming from the "birds" in the trees, and there really were such a things as words in a book! Wow upon wonders! My life would never be the same again. Nor did I want it to be.

Today perhaps I cannot recognize my spiritual handicaps. Perhaps I can be fitted with lenses of truth and a bright new world will be opened to me. I realize that it won't be as easy as going to the eye doctor; I will have to study and ponder and be open to spiritual things. I will have to be patient and exercise faith, I will need to find love and joy and beauty in every piece of life. I will have to use every spiritual tool the Lord has made available to me. But I desire this. I want to see the cobwebs, the stars, and the birds of His gospel. I want Christ to press clay and spittle onto my myopic spiritual eyes and be filled with the light of the Spirit. I want to know Him and how He works. And when I do, my life will never be the same. Nor will I want it to be."

Growing up I've heard this story a lot and I've always known the love my mom has for the Lord. It is evident in her everyday behavior how much she lives for Him. I just want her and the rest of the world to know how much I appreicate her testimony. It was her example and strong beliefs that got me through the bad times of my life. And it was the same that brought me to gain my own testimony and love for the Lord. I only hope that I can be the same for my children. I love you mom, thank you for your testimony and for sharing it with me every day.

Brent is looking HOOOOTTTTTT!!!!

2008-06-04T20:15:00.000-05:00

So Brent had his first interview with Hampton City Schools. He put on his new suit and completly stopped my heart. He looks so good. I'm so proud of how much he has accomplished and acheived.

Unfortunatly after the interview we heard that he did not get the position, but I'm still showing him off. And take note of his BIG diploma. He is just wonderful!!!

Happy Birthday Brenty

2008-06-02T18:48:00.000-05:00

My baby turned 30 today. I've been waiting for him to break down and complain about how old he is. But no crisis yet. Thank you to all the happy wishes and cards sent in. His stomache and wallet is full and he is well rested. I love this time of the year when Brent and I are the same age.

Today we had fun celebrating. We played a round of golf, went shoe shopping and ordered a new pair of glasses. We then went to VB to eat at Brent's favorite restaurant, Captn' Georges. It was a stressfree day and very relaxing.

Here's to another great 30 years for both of us!!!

Anniversary

2008-05-29T20:45:00.000-05:00

I was just thinking of Memorial Day today and how we just finished celebrating and honoring our soldiers. Living in this area I meet a lot of our military. It's completly interesting to learn about how it all works and exactly what they and their families have to endure. I am thankful for them and their willingness to help make our lives what they are.

However, Memorial Day means a little something else to me. 10 years ago on the 26th I was involved in one of the worst car accidents. Even though it was a tramatic experience and became a very stressful situation, I have to contribute this crash as my lifes turning point. I wish that the pictures I have were digital so I could download them (and I don't know how to use my scanner) but believe me it was a pure miracle that I walked out of that car. (actually pulled out) I had a messed up hip and many scars but I was for the most part healthy.

Exactly one month before my accident 4 friends of mine who I was going to school with were also in an accident and unfortunatly none of them made it. So I had just attended their funerals when I was in the crash. That in itself was an ordeal. They were not close friends but I missed them and their death effected me

When I was sitting next to my totalled car on the side of the road I couldn't help but break out into tears. The first and only thought that I had was "Why did God save me and not those wonderful young girls?" To this day I still do not know the answer to that question. But I vowed right there to live better. I decided that God was making it clear that I need to be on this earth. So I need to make it clear to him how thankful I am to him. It was only 8 months later (on the 26th no less) that I left for my mission to serve Him.

And so today, 10 years after my promise to Him, I have to take a look back at my life and see how I did. I can think of many things that I am not proud of and probably some things I still need to repent of. Of course I can think of things that I have improved and did right. But what gets me, is that even though I have not kept my word completly, He still is showing me how much he cares. I am so blessed and cared for. I am amazed. I have a great life and am very happy. I have a family and husband that love and support me. I have a job and cute house. I have no reason to complain and every reason to thank God.

I also contribute that accident to where I am now. If I didn't go on a mission, I never would have discovered my love of teaching. If I wasn't in that accident I most likely would still be in Utah working for Southwest Airlines and probably never would have meet Brent. I never would have ended up in Arizona attending one of the best universities ever.

Isn't it funny how I can attribute everything to one day in May?

Beaches and Parades

2008-05-26T19:50:00.000-05:00

This weekend Brent and I had a lot of fun. During our 4 days off we went to the movies (Indiana Jones isn't all that...), played a game of poker, went to the beach, tried to buy a new car and watched a parade. Although it wasn't the best vacation ever, it certanly was the cheapest.

The ultimate best part was when I finally convienced Brent to go to the beach with me. Can you believe that he has lived here almost 4 years and has never touched the water? So we grabbed some friends and our sunglasses and headed East. The weather was absolutly georgeous. There was a slight wind and lots of sun. We went up the beach a little past all the tourist areas and found a perfect spot. We then took a little nap and got some rays. After that, I dragged Brent into the water. He wouldn't go in past his knees, but at least he got wet. We then made a big hole in the sand, finished a Suduku puzzled and built a sand castle. We were going to play football and freezbe, but just didn't. I also had big plans to go boogie board...but the waves were just too little.

Can I just tell you again how incredibly lucky we are to be living near the beach? I just love it. It is so beautiful and peaceful...I don't know how I lived in the desert for so long. I am hoping that I can start to go more often so I can get a tan before I go see my family.

Today was the Memorial Day Parade in Portsmouth. It really was better than I had expected..but it was held in Portsmouth...so it wasn't all that. Both Brent and I saw some of our students performing and a few friends as well. The parade of course was honoring the Military and there was plenty of that. A group from every branch of the military was there. It was actually pretty awesome. I believe the best part was holding the new baby tho. Our friends just had a baby and she was wide awake and so adorable. It was fun to hold her. We then got some ice cream and came home for a nice quiet evening.

Brent started applying for AP positions in MN and WI. He was also looking at houses and noticed that they are ALOT less than here. So maybe it is a possibility that we will be moving this year. I have mixed feelings about it. But we'll see. No need to worry about it now.

Brent's 30th birthday is next Monday. If any of you can tell me what to get a man that already has everything...let me know. Well thats about all for now.....Next blog will be about the baby shower I'm throwing this Saturday.

Bosses

2008-05-22T20:18:00.000-05:00

Today was bosses day at the school. Last Monday I got a letter in my mailbox explaining that the staff at my school wanted to do something special for bosses day. The letter included a detailed list of ideas that I "HAD" to pay for. Basically we were going to buy our two principals a lunch in a neighboring town at a fancy restaurant. And then they wanted us to pitch in for a limo ride for the two of them to ride to the restaurant in.

First of all....I don't even like my boss. And second of all...paying $5 a person for all of this crap really rubbed me the wrong way. There are over 70 staff members in our school. You do the math and figure out just how much it cost everyone.

However....the worst part was when the office called us all over the intercom and told me to "rush" my kids outside so they could wave good bye to them. The entire driveway in front of the school was lined with students and teachers all waving good bye to them. When they walked out of the school building and got in the limo...it was like a celebrity walked by. Everyone was screaming and yelling. There were about 30 cameras and videos. Some students even held up signs and posters. It was absolutely crazy. It was the LARGEST kiss butt method I have ever seen.

Call me jealous...but when it was teacher appreciation day...all I got was a candy bar in my mailbox with a cheesy poem attached. And I know for a fact that my two principals had nothing to do with the candy bar. I know they sent out one of the reading specialists to actually go buy the candy bar and attach it to the poem and put it in the mailbox. I'm sure they paid for it, but that's about as far as their concern for teacher appreciation.

OK...I also understand that my principals do work hard. And I know that they deserve something. But this was a bit extravagant.

Friends

2008-05-18T17:09:00.001-05:00

Today I was given the best compliment ever. I was called a friend and thanked for it. I was so touched by her comment that I had to litterally hold back the tears. It's wierd because I've only known her for a very short time. But I've been thinking about the compliment and about friends in general.

Being in a "big" city with no family, I have to rely on friends. When I first moved here I clinged on to the great teachers that I worked with. They became my family and helped me make the big change from West to East. In fact all of the great teachers were in the same situation as me. They were all from different parts of the world and came here with no one.

About a year and a half later I married one of those teacher friends and moved to the Portsmouth ward. I have never in my life meet so many wonderful people. I have been in many wards and found lots of friends in each. But this ward is special. I feel like they are truely my family. I have redefined my meaning of friend, because these great people showed me a different kind of friend. In the past most of my friends have been nothing but gossip friends and people I can hang out with. Here, my friends love, care and respect me. They accept me, even if I have a non-member husband. In fact I think they love him more than me.

So tonight I just wanted to thank Heidi for being one of those friends. I can only hope that I can be just as good a friend as she is. The Lord knew I needed friends, and I love Him for that.

Tag I'm it

2008-05-13T20:52:00.000-05:00

Recently I was tagged by my friend Amy to complete a little survey. So here it goes....Hope you enjoy it.

8 things i’m passionate about
1)My marriage
2) My religion
3) My Family
4) My puppies
5) Little babies
6) Saving the Earth
7) Music (playing and listening)
8) Finding miracles in my life every day

8 songs i can listen to over and over again and never get sick of
1) Broken Road -Rascal Flatts
2) Better Life-- Keith Urban,
3) I Can See Clearly Now -- Johnny Nash
4) What a Wonderful World -- Louis Armstrong
5) My Immortal--Evanescence
6) Here's to you -- Rascal Flatts
7) Before He Cheats --Carrie Underwood
8) Watermark--Enya

the past 8 books i’ve read
1) Just finished Secret School
2) Dear Mr. Hinshaw
3) James and the Giant Peach
4) Watsons go to Birmingham
5) The BFG
6) My Sunday School Lesson Manual
7) Book of Mormon
8) Tom Sawyer

8 things i say often
1) I love you
2) Sit down and be quiet
3) Wait till I tell your mother
4) Do not talk in the hallway
5) Do your best
6) Mia Mia Mia
7) I'm tired
8) Ouch that hurts

8 things that attract me to a friend
1) open minded
2) reliable
3) trustworthy
4) fun
5) they treat me and my husband good
6) open and honest
7) similar interests
8) sense of humor

8 random things about me
1) i secretly want to be the "Teacher of the Year"
2) I'm a lumberjill and proud of it (if you don't know what that means, then you won't get it)
3) i hate needles
4) i want to be a mom more than anything
5) i love my old car that I don't own anymore
6) i love oreos
7) I play the piano...but I'm not good at it
8) I think I'm better than I am

8 things i want to do before i die
1) Get married in the Temple
2) Have 2 kids
3) Get a Masters Degree
4) Finish seeing all 50 states (only 10 more to go)
5) Lose weight....
6) Live in a log cabin
7) Learn to dance
8) Write a short story

8 things i’ve learned this past year
1) Doing something is different than thinking about doing it
2) Never leave the decision making up to me
3) My life is on Heavenly Fathers time line
4) Being 30 really is no fun
5) If you really want something...you'll go get it
6) Nothing is ever free. You have to WORK for it
7) My husband is almost always right
8) My yard won't fix itself

8 people i'm tagging - good luck ladies....this one was tough

Mom Garrett
Mom Johnson
Erin
Tara
Tresta
Telsie
Heidi
Shannon
Jenny (OK that's 9 I guess I can't count)

oops

2008-05-13T20:04:00.000-05:00

OK I guess the music thing didn't work. I've been trying to figure out the problem and can't. So I guess I'll have to ask for help. Anyone know how to add playlist.com to this blog...let me know. Not much really happened today. Just a normal Tuesday. I'm getting super into this. It's addicting.

Music

2008-05-12T20:21:00.000-05:00

Cool I just figured out how to add music to this thing. Hope you enjoy it. I know it's a bit heavy on Rascal Flatts....but I love them. I also added a few of Einstein's and Mia's favorites.

Brent is heavy on the XBox tonight...so I figured I'd blog. I'm also trying to get an application done so I can get a new computer and projector in my classroom. If I can, I'll convience them to get me a smartboard too. Wish me luck. The big state test is this week as well. But it's all good because my kids are gonna rock that test. I have the best 5th grade in all the land.

Still no news on the new job oppertunity for Brent but keep your fingers crossed. I hope he gets it because he'd have to wear a suit every day... and dammmmn he looks good in a suit. (see pict)

I have added a new survey on this page as wellllll so post your thoughts on my new hairdo.

Thanks

A new begining

2008-05-11T18:55:00.000-05:00

A few days ago I attended a party and everyone started talking about their blogs. I was too embarrassed to mention mine so I just listened. However, little did I know one of my friends passed out my URL to others in the group. So I started getting made fun of for my lack of "blogging" efforts. So I took charge. I've been working on this thing for the past hour. It used to be a blog with all my rants and raves about everything I hated. So I changed everything including the actual content. I decided this should be a blog about me and my husband and our two puppies. I added a few funny extras and changed the look.

This evening we are spending a night in front of the TV with our puppies. We just finished calling our mothers to wish them a happy mothers day. We have 2 great moms. Sadly they are too far away from us to see them often. But every June/July we get a chance to see them.

Tomorrow starts the dreded week of SOLs. It's pretty easy to sit and watch the students take the test, but extreemly stressful not knowing what they are putting down. Wish us luck.

We'll fill you in on the results.

Impressions

2007-11-08T19:35:00.000-06:00

Why is it that when you are trying your hardest to impress someone, they are never impressed? Why do some people have preconcieved notions that are impossible to get rid of? It's like once they form a judgement about you they are done. My boss is one of these people.

Somewhere, somehow she decided that I was not a good enough teacher for her precious school. And no matter how long I stay back, or what extra job I do, it's never good enough. I feel like I go far beyond what is required of a teacher. I know for a fact that teachers in other schools around the US would faint at what crap I have to do and put up with. Yet, I go in early EVERY morning with a smile and a great lesson planned.

I hate to complain about my job. At least I have one right? But I'm sick of this. And what's sad is that I just don't want to teach anymore. It's just not worth it. So today I took an online test to see what other careers I would be elegible for with my degree. Wish me luck.

The Dentist or Age?

2007-10-27T21:09:00.000-05:00

Recently my husband and I went to the dentist for a normal cleaning. Normally I love going to the dentist. In fact I live for going to the dentist. I love it. I love hearing phrases like "What beautiful teeth you have" and "You have no cavities" from my doctor. But most of all I pride myself in knowing that I have a "beautiful smile." I know I do because I've had several people tell me that and because I work so hard at having such a perfect set of pearls. I floss, rinse and brush at least twice a day. Sometimes more. I also whiten my teeth about once a year. Let me also say that I am not a smoker nor do I drink coffee or tea or any other drink that could stain my teeth. I NEVER miss a checkup. I'm faithful to my dentist. I visit him at least 2 times a year.

This year however, was a little different. Because my husband and I were just married, we had to switch our insurance and our plans. Which pushed my biannual visit to just a yearly visit. So yes I suppose that was my first mistake. But I figured going a year without a cleaning was OK as long as I was flossing, rinsing and brushing.

NOT THIS TIME!

My joy was severely crushed when the dentist told me that I have not just one cavity. That would be doable. 2 cavities would be scary...but still OK. But this is what I heard, "Mrs. Johnson you will have to come back 2 more times in order for us to fill all SIX cavities." Can you believe that???? I was not only stunned, but I was brought to tears. Literally. Brent had to come and hug me and explain that lots of people have cavities and that I shouldn't be upset.

To make the whole thing worse. Brent, who rarely flosses and has visited the dentist about 3 times in the last decade, had no cavities.

But here's what I'm thinking. I just recently turned 30 and have felt that my body has deteriorated since then. And Its only been a month. I used to be able to sing beautifully during church and amaze myself with how accurate my voice was. Now I can't hold a note for more than a second, and I can't carry a tune for the life of me.

I have also noticed that all of a sudden I have gained weight. I understand that my diet has changed a tad, but I've gained 30 pounds!! And don't even get me started on my mood swings. And no I'm not pregnant. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME???

So instead of blaming it on the dentist or my bad hygine habits, I'm blaming it on age. I hate being 30. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it!!! It's not fair that Brent is still 29. See, that's why he doens't have any cavities. Next year, he'll have 12. I just know it.

Well I have to go to bed now. But not before I brush and floss of course. I have to save the other teeth before I hit 40.

2007-01-04T19:53:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure why...but I'm kind of excited to start this. So lets begin....