Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Tag Alert--It's a long one :)

In response to Courtney’s Version 1.0 "tagging”:

10 years ago I was:
Getting ready to graduate from Grade 9. I was keeping my eyes open for a cute "Grade 9" grad dress, and I had already picked my date for the night (he was a super cute boy from another school). I had decided on him a year prior to the big night (Shocking, I know)!!

5 Things I must do before I go to bed tonight:
1) Take lunch to Devin
2) Organize visiting teaching
3) Take my dad out for a birthday supper
4) Paint several walls in my house
5) Fill several picture frames and hang them

My Favorite Treats:

*Any treats that are labeled "NEW"
*Fruit (especially strawberries, blackberries & raspberries--perhaps "berries" would have sufficed)
*Smoothies-berry smoothies
*Mars/Milky Way chocolate bars
*Kettle Corn
*Oreos and milk

What if I suddenly became a billionaire:
I'd pay off our "yet to be accrued" grad school and law school debt. If there was anything left (kind of joking), I would help out other people in financial need. I'd really like to donate a chunk to the 'Perpetual Education Fund'--I've always wanted to do that. Lastly, I'd probably invest the rest (because I'm kind of a tight wad).

Places I've lived:
Saskatoon, Sask
Lethbridge, AB
Provo, Utah
Auburn Hills, MI

10 Jobs I've had:
1) Gift Basket Maker
2) Lifeguard/Swimming Lesson Instructor/Pool Manager
3) Banquet Server
4) Restaurant Waitress
5) Personal Care Aid (for the Elderly)
6) Sylvan Learning Teacher
7) Piano Teacher
8) Tutor
9) Middle School Teacher
10) Full-time Mom (I'm still in training)

5 Things You Didn't Know About Me:
1)I’ve been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for almost 7 years. At the time of my baptism I didn’t think I could feel any more gratitude for my life. I was blessed to obtain a great education, and have wonderful family and friends. Little did I know of the blessings my Heavenly Father had in store for me. Since then I have been blessed to marry my best friend for time and all eternity, increase my talents as a student and teacher and have a beautiful little girl. I know that Heavenly Father answers our prayers and that my Savior lives. I will be forever grateful for my testimony of the living reality of Jesus Christ.
2) I'd love to serve a mission with Devin and organize/open schools in developing countries-I have a soft spot for the 'Perpetual Education Fund.'
3) I like to live/categorize each chapter of my life in stages-bear with me on this one. In other words, I enjoyed having the "University Years" with tons of room-mates and the student life, then I enjoyed the "Newly Wed" stage and the "Lakie teacher" stage. Now I'm enjoying the "New Mom" stage and "Grad student" stage. I get very upset if I think I'm going to miss a stage, or a stage is going to get cut short. I really struggle with change, so these "stages" are a big deal to me.
4) I've always wanted to take a dance class. Apparently I was in ballet in kindergarten and hated it (actually I remember hating it). Now I would want to take a hip-hop or jazz class. I've always worried I was too old for it, or that the moves would be too provocative, or the costumes too revealing. I looked into taking one at Oakland University this semester, but it was one Monday nights (didn't want to miss Family Home Evening). Perhaps next semester.
5) I put on a tougher front about motherhood than is really true. I love being a mom (perhaps one of the first times I've publicly admitted that), and I have tons of fun spending everyday with Jade. It is true that Jade and I are on a schedule, but we both enjoy getting lots done every day. Our three favorite things are: Going to the library, going on walks and going swimming. I love Jade's chill personality. I could learn a thing or two from her...

Lastly I’d admit that I love to work (paid or non-paid, indoor or outdoor, alone or with others)…but that’s something that everyone already knows about me :)

All bloggers are tagged!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

Montreal, Quebec



Mom and Mark in our carriage---we took a carriage ride around Old Montreal (mom has been wanting a carriage ride ever since New York). It was so fun...the carriage driver even stopped for us to pick up hot beverages for our ride :)



Our last night in Montreal...getting ready for a delicious supper. Thanks for a great trip mom and Mark :)

Montreal!!!

My sweet sister Amy---how I love her!

Someone once asked us if we were twins..."No, I'm actually 5 1/2 years older"


Grandma Kathy is lovin' life

Vieux-Montreal (Old Montreal)

We were caught in the middle of a HUGE snowstorm. It's been a long time since I've seen that much snow.