Today

Today is going to be an amazing day. Today is the day I will introduce the love of my life to my family. I guess a better way to phrase that is that today is also a very scary day...

I am not the type of girl to bring the new boy around the house just so the family has something to talk about... I am a very picky about who meets my family. Maybe it's because I have made so many mistakes and don't need another reason to hear "I told you so," and if they never meet him, he never existed, and life goes on as planned. At least that's the way it works in my head. I avoid the conversation like the plague... "so Sarah, dating anyone?" My reply is usually something to the point of "I would like to have my attorney present for any further questioning..."

Yes, it is that bad.

So with that said, I just have to inhale deeply and remind myself that this is a good thing. The fact that I even want to clue the family in on the whole thing has to say something, and when I see my family and they ask, "So, Sarah, who is this?" I can smile and introduce my Pierre. The man I have waited 33 years to meet. The man who stole my heart the first time he said my name. This amazing man who loves me for me, and no matter what my family has to say or think, nothing will ever change that.

I am his for eternity, and knowing that makes today an amazing day.

I have something to say!

I have some news.

I figure there aren't many people who actually read this thing anymore due to the fact that I never blog anymore. I'm just too dang busy. Work, Hannah, church callings, being in love...

Yep. You read it right. It's true. I found him. Actually, he found me, and I am so thankful that it happened.

Finally.

He is the most amazing man. What could be better than finding the man you want to spend eternity with? That's easy. It's when you find out that he loves you back.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have pictured this man. Caring, SMART, patient, adorably handsome, and the sexiest accent you can imagine... :)

Funny thing is, I haven't told hardly anyone. Been a little pre-occupied...

Anyway... I will post photos as soon as the week ends and my

TWO WEEK VACATION BEGINS!

But, hey, for those of you who actually read this, keep it on the down-low, I haven't told the parents yet.

I think that will be their Christmas present this year.

My new favorite...

Found this song, love it, love it, love it!

Come and Save Me

The sky keeps on changing colors

In the rain

Nothing ever seems

to stay the same

but I found you to my

Surprise

I found all I needed

In your eyes

Everyone keeps leaving

but you stayed

when I held you tonight

and let my heart go free

Hold me close

now until forever

I'll be unafraid

hold me close

give me back

my reason to believe

Come and save me

Love

nothing ever takes the place

of love

Breaks through all the madness

like a flood

you washed away my fears

and let my heart go free

Hold me close

now until forever

I'll be unafraid

hold me close

give me back

my reason to believe

Come and save me.

HELLO WORLD!

The votes are in... I am crazy.

I cannot believe how fast the last few months have flown by, and even more, I can't believe how life is changing. I should take a few minutes to clarify the rumors, lol, but I will wait for a future post for that when there are photos to attach.

Work is crazy, and I am counting down the days until I can take a vacation... but still a way to go. There have been a lot of changes at work, not all good, but changes nonetheless. Hopefully it will all turn out well.

Hannah is doing great. She is enjoying school and really likes the area we are living in. She is doing gymnastics this year instead of dance and loving it. I am a little sad I won't get to dress her up for a recital, but if this is what she wants then I will just be happy for her.

I am also in the process of qualifying for a home. I figure I am going to be in Salt Lake for a while, so it is time to quit paying someone's mortgage. There is a home here for sale in the ward that I live in, and my whole primary class is in the process of praying that I get it. How cute is that?!

So, I know the next question on all of your minds is the big one....
I'm still dating, and hopefully I can tell you all about it soon.

Well, I should go and get ready for work. I miss you all and can't wait until we can catch up again!

ABC... All about me

Can't sleep. Again.
Hopefully this will work out like counting sheep...?
A: Age-- Too tired to lie, so 33
B: Bed size-- queen
C: Chore I hate-- unloading dishwasher
D: Dog's name-- Rascal
E: Essential food item--Jalapeno cheetos
F: Favorite color-- blue
G: Gold or Silver-- can I like both???
H: Height -- again, I am too tired to lie, so 5'1"
I: I am--extremely tired, yet can't sleep. Go figure...
J: Job-- Instructor at a career college. Also trying to be a good mom. Not doing so well at the juggling act right now.
K: Kids--My amazing Hannah, almost 8, the love of my life!
L: Living situation--Right now, just me and Hannah, but soon to be a roommate to help with the bills.
M: Mom--Earlene. Should come to my house more often and tend for me so I can save some dough on the sitters! Lol, no, I miss her.
N: Nickname(s)--Dukey, Shorty, Dutchess, Sarah-bo-berra, Sarita, pretty much anything that sounds stupid, they have used it.
O: Overnight hospital stays--8 nights with my c-section, one gall bladder episode, and one (well I guess I should say "two") breast reduction
P: Pet Peeve--liars, especially when you know dang sure they are lying and they do it anyway, like you are stupid
Q: Quote from a movie: "What do you think the chances are of..........you and me....ending up together?
Not good.
You mean like not good one out of a hundred?
I'd say more like one in a million.
(Pause)
So you're telling me there's a chance.... YEAH!!!! (my fav. part)
R: Right or Left handed-- right
S: Siblings--Pat, Abby, and Heather
T:Time I wake up--6:30
U: Unique thing about my car: I use the vase on my beetle for a fish not a flower (plastic, not real duh!)
V: Vegetables I hate--soggy ones
W: Ways I run late--other people make me late and that is annoying
X: X-rays: teeth, ankle, and back
Y: Who left out the Y???
Z: Zoo favorite--train ride. It's the quickest way to see it all without pushing a stroller up all of those dang hills.

Well, I am pooped. Now I'll just dream of zoos and soggy veggies. G'night all.

Major update!

Needless to say, I am a little slow on the blogging. Anyone who knows me knows I am a procrastinator. Parts of this post should have been done a month ago... So this is ONE MAJOR UPDATE!!!

I should have posted a month ago after I got back from Vegas. I was lucky enough to win a trip (March 26) on Dad's b-day. I hadn't really planned on winning, so I called him up to rub it in that I had won, and thought, heck, I ought to just invite him to go... it'll be one heck of a birthday gift! So I did, and it was a blast!Our package included the following: Airfare, accomodations at the MGM Grande, 2 tickets to the ACM's, tickets to the after party jam, Brooks and Dunn TV special taping, and the Summer in 3D movie with Kenny Chesney. (He even took a moment to come out on stage and introduce the film)I know you can't tell from my crappy picture, but I promise that is him with the hat on in the spotlight...We spent a minute or two up in Heber last weekend for a quick trip to see cousins who were in town for the funeral of their Grandma. It was great to see them, just a crappy way to plan a get-together.

A good looking bunch of boys...And the girls...

As soon as we could, we hit the road and made a quick trip to Montana to see TJ for his B-day...

We saw the new Shrek movie, did some auto repairs (not planned) and hung out for a while. TJ and I even got to spend a little one on one time cuddled up on the couch with a silly movie. I sure have missed him! I can't believe he is 11 already, the time has just flown!

"Someone" forgot to buy the candles, so we just pretended to blow them out

His new nerf gun, and the showing off of his collection...

That Monday evening, Hannah informed me at around 9 pm that she wanted to do the talent show at school the next day. Trying to keep myself from grumbling too much, we went to the closet and found an old costume from a few years ago, let out the sides a bit, and found some music to dance to. She was happy enough. The next day she preformed and did a great job! I know, all moms say it, but Hannah WAS the best one there... ;). It was one of those moments I wondered where she got the "I'm ok to be in front of a crowd" gene, cause she didn't get it from me.

Julia, Ana, Hannah, and Afton after the talent show.

On the 27th, we had Hannah's end of year dance recital. I will eventually get my videos to upload, but until then, this will have to do!
Hannah and her flowers, she loves to get them after a recital and pose with them... What a funny girl.

The next night, we attended the Stevens-Henager graduation. It was kind-of fun to be able to sit on the stage and watch the people we have spent so much time with accomplish such a great goal... Also makes me a little bit more excited for next year when we will know more of the students.

Me, Lindsey H (another instructor), and Barbie

Katie, Me, and Lindsey H.

WHEW!!! I think I am glad the month is over!

May 20, 2010

Nothing really special about today. It IS payday, which I am very thankful for, but other than that, the 20th of May has always just been another day for me.
I think that is going to change. At 3:30 I am picking up my "baby" girl, and we are headed out to find a baptism dress for her. This is a bitter-sweet day for me. I cannot believe my little girl is turning eight, but at the same time, I cherish every moment we have shared together along this journey.
Last night we took out her blessing gown. She was amazed at how small she was. She took out the booties and held them to her feet and giggled. I tried not to cry.
Well, I will end this emotional journey for now, but rest assured, there is much more to come.

I Joined - Have you?

Getting started...

Needless to say, today has not been great. I had great intentions of getting up and cleaning the whole entire house... the laundry is halfway done and I am playing on the computer now. Go figure.
I have been asked to speak in Sacrament meeting on Mother's day, and am beginning to stress a bit. WHY ME??? Isn't it enough that I will be there? I also have a primary class to teach and am singing with the choir... Ugh. The worst part is that I said yes.
I suppose I shouldn't complain. So that is why I shirked my duties on housekeeping and camped out over here at the computer. I needed some inspiration. I also wanted to read some blogs and check email... I admit it!
I better get back to work now... tonight we are headed off to the Temple with some friends, Hannah is headed to her Dad's for the weekend, and I think I may have some time to do some catch up blogging if I can get the stinkin' house finished first,and then possibly get my talk started. WHEW! Days off are so exhausting!

Dear Blog...

Dear Blog,
I'm still here. I know I have been rather quiet lately. It's not that I don't have anything to say to you, it's just that lately we have been living two different lives. I miss you. I really do. I think back fondly to those long days at the Holiday Inn... just me and you for hours on end. I used to blog my little heart out over the most random stuff! And the Internet surfing we used to do!!! Wow! Those were the days!
I don't want to say that I have outgrown you... I miss you and so want to reacquaint myself with you! I've done some amazingly fun things lately...a dream trip to Vegas, some great things with work, some hilarious mother-daughter moments... all without pictures, of course, because you know me, always something happening and no camera to be found. And you know what? You probably wouldn't even recognize Hannah. She is an amazing little girl...beautiful, smart, and busy worrying about her mother. Between my precious time with her, my job, a primary calling, and just trying to maintain some sanity in my life I have neglected you. So here is my vow to you: I am not going to promise to update you once a week. I can't even promise you once a month; but for now I will promise that when life gives me a second or two to reflect on some stuff and get it into words appropriate for the rest of the world you will be one of the last ones to know!
Love,
Me
P.S. Tell my "blog buddies" I miss them, too! I still sneak on here and read their posts, just don't hang around long enough to comment. I promise to work on that one too.

Spring Recital

Nothing says "spring" like a 7 year old dressed in a pink tutu. Hannah always gets pretty excited to perform for the spring recital. This year was a little crazy with the weather, so not too many people were able to attend, but be sure, you'll get your invite for the year end review.

Hannah likes to practice her "hard moves" before the show. She tries so hard to balance that she just tips over. I don't know what to do with her. Here we are after the show.

The video wouldn't upload, so I'll try again later.

We always go out after the show, and Hannah chose Joe's crab shack this year... Loved the sign, and my sweet 7 year old made it a point to take the camera and take this picture for me. People were starting at the little ballerina with the camera and who knows what was going through their heads...

March 6, 2010

March 6th was a pretty special day.

We arrived in Lehi to attend a baptism and baby blessing, but much to our surprise, we were greeted with this amazing site. We were lucky enough to be sharing the building with a family of 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Carlos Aragon.

The streets were lined with flags, there were members of the military everywhere...it was quite the sight.

My cousin was a little nervous that the plans would be changed due to the funeral arrangements. According to the bishop, "a funeral trumps everything else", so we were afraid we would be moved. We were happy to be able to finish up before they were ready to begin.

Josh Walker was baptized by his father right after his baby sister, Kinley Maynes, was blessed.

It was amazing how strong the spirit was in the building. I will never forget how clearly I was able to see how lucky we are to live here, free to practice our religious beliefs, and to see the price that was paid by this young man, and also by our Savior, so that we can be here surrounded by family and friends.

A lot to be said about such a day.

A day in the sun!

Saturday was a great day.

We were lucky enough to have some friends stay the weekend with us.
We spent Saturday to the Hogle Zoo... it was sunny and warm and not too busy.

Hannah's new favorite animal.

my favorite part of the zoo was the train ride...I wish it were longer! Little Chinchilla...Hannah got to pet it but I was slow with the camera.

A new addition at the zoo... So cute!


Taygen loves Zebras...well, he loves anything that resembles a horse!

Another Friday.

Is it just me, or is this year flying by? I feel like I closed my eyes right before Christmas, and awoke to the alarm ringing out that "Hey, it's the end of February, get it together!"

So let me tell you a little about the day to day down here. There are three types of days for us.
Day one goes like this: Up and out the door at 8, drop Hannah at school, in my classroom ready to start class at 8:30. I teach my first class until 11, have a half hour break (if that is what they call it) and back in the classroom until 2. I get home about 3 and pick Hannah up at 3:30. We go straight home and do homework, read, and make dinner. Next is the drive to get Sarah, the best sitter in the world! I have her here around 5, she eats dinner with Hannah and I go back to work. My next class used to go from 6-10, but due to some politics and just plain idiotic plan, I teach from 5:30-10:30. Yep. 10:30 PM. Sarah's mom comes and picks her up so I don't have to drag Hannah out of bed, and I get in bed about midnight and get up and do it all again four days a week.
Fridays are special. I only have to go to work every other Friday, so I either get Hannah off and go back to bed , or get up and do laundry. On the ones I have to work, I go in from 9-12.
Weekends are the best. We try to sleep in, usually try and do some bonding, but Hannah is at her dad's house every other weekend, so some weekends are pretty lonely around here.

So now you have my excuse for no blogging lately. And to make it even worse, my schedule changes every 4 weeks due to what classes have to be taught and if they need me days or nights. It sucks, because it feels like you start a new job every four weeks. This month is kind of a rare case, and I am praying that next one will be easier with at least 2 nights off. I guess we wait and see.

Well, today was a work Friday. Staff meeting and then my monthly meeting with the Dean of Education. I actually look forward to these meetings because it is my chance for a pep talk and to see what my students are thinking. Today's went great! My reviews were awesome and it really makes it worth it when you get a little positive feedback. Now if my pay would just reflect the opinions of my students....

The sun was shining today and the temperatures set off my spring fever. I cleaned the car out in the sunshine and talked myself out of jumping in the car and heading south for the weekend. Tawnya is going to be here tomorrow morning and spend the weekend with us, hopefully a fun time with the kids if the weekend cooperates.

Well, enough of my day to day, but I did think it was about time I explained myself and how it was going. I'll blog again soon!

What a rush!

I had a major adrenaline rush today. I don't care much for it. Some people love it, I could do without it.

I am minding my own business, teaching my class, watching the clock, praying the next 30 go fast so I can go home and take my shoes off for an hour before I have to go pick Hannah up from school. One of the assistants in the program comes running into my class and says calmly... "Sarah, we need you in the hall." I head to the door and she then says, "It's an emergency," and runs down the hall. I catch on that it is an EMERGENCY and run behind her. We get to the lobby and there is a woman unconscious in the elevator. HOLY CRAP! My heart starts to pound... I'm thinking (Airway, Breathing, Circulation....) and my mind is racing... Her lips are blue, her pulse is thready and I am trying not to lose my cool! To make a long story short, we call for 911, Jill, one of our RN's runs in to assist, the respiratory dept stops by to lend a hand (and much needed oxygen tank), and as soon as those First Responders hit the door from the fire department-I was out that dang shaft and back to my class! (Happy to be there instead of where I was!)

I had to go sit down and collect myself. I was shaky and...whoa..., you know? There is a reason I didn't stick to nursing. There is a reason I am not an EMT or working in an ER... Adrenaline make me crazy! That was 1:30 today... it's 11:30 at night and I still am wired.

On to happier things, Hannah got to attend Greg's wedding today. I hear it was beautiful! Wish I could have been there! She modeled her "look" for me, and donned the "Hollywood" glasses to complete the outfit. I love that little girl!

Hannah called me tonight and said,

"Guess what I got from the wedding, Mom?"

"What did you get?"

"I caught the bouquet!!!"

I laughed! My little girl caught the bouquet... what a rush for her! She deserves it!

Well, here is the proof! Hopefully I won't wait too long to post again... I have a feeling I'll get better at this.

Big changes this weekend....

Happy Birthday to ME!

Sorry I haven't had time to blog lately... It was one of my new years resolutions, but you know how long those things last.

Well, the b-day weekend was awesome! We had a great weekend with the whole family... Bowling, dinner (my entire family made it this year, all 17 of us!), cousins sleepover, chatting, vising the new baby, and a few minutes vegging in front of the TV with a good movie.

It is Monday and I am back to reality with a dozen deadlines before our audit and lots of needy students! I took this photo the other night at a friends house cause at the time it was hysterical. Now I am starting to feel sorry for the little guy in the bowl. I guess I am just a little too empathetic to his little situation lately!

So other than setting a new years resolution I have decided weekly goals are better for me so there they are:

My goals for this week are these:

1.Survive until Friday.

2.Get to the temple this weekend.

3.Stop stressing.

Any ideas on how to accomplish #1 and 3???