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.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Women's Trip in St. George


6 Women + 6 Kids =


One heck of a party!!


Someone had a good sleep!!


Jade would not leave this abacus alone. I finally decided to buy her one.


The Fun Continues


Bow Party!! I live for these!


Two cool chicks


Jade loves to match her cousin Ally


One of my favorite things to do...stamp it up with my niece Ally :)

Life in Michigan


"Rub-a-dub-dub" Jade's in the tub!


Kaylee and I going to "Ladies Night Out"


Mike and Kaylee moved from Lethbridge as well. We love having them here!


A typical day for Devin

Mmm strawberries

We Love Our Visitors--Sorry Dad, We Didn't Have a Picture of You!

Only Ster



Jade and Grandma


The North American International Auto Show


Jade Loves Grad School


Jade and I at school


Our University


Sometimes Jade helps dad on criminal law


And sometimes she just reads her own books
Jade's first time eating solids...yummy rice cereal!

Mom and Jade love to go to the library together


Good Eats!

Our Little Family :)



Sunday, March 02, 2008

Little Princess

Pam and Garth found this dress for Jade in Florida- she loves it.


Last day with GG.


Dad, the food goes in my mouth.


Happy 25th Birthday mom.

Visit from Grandpa Garth

I don't know who is happier, Grandpa Garth or Jade



This was taken at "the river cafe" located in the GM building in Detroit.


This was on the 72nd floor of the GM building


Dad and Jade overlooking Windsor in the background.

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

The big apple