A Full Can of Crazy

The Big Announcement!

2011-09-15T11:32:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow!

2011-09-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

My students are freaking out wanting to know what musical we're doing this year! They all know that they'll find out at our first drama club meeting... tomorrow! So, when they begged me (for the millionth time) today to just tell them because they promised they could "keep a secret" (yeah, right!), I just couldn't resist...

Getting Up to Date!

2011-06-07T23:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in two months... oops!

Here are the general updates:

April absolutely FLEW by!!
School ended on May 23rd... best day ever!!
I'm NOT working another job this summer.
Instead, I am spending my time at the pool, the gym, and the snow cone shack!
I have been really good about making and keeping fitness goals so far!
I will be 24 in two days... and to celebrate, I'm seeing a Cirque de Soleil show in Vegas!
I fly home on Friday for two weeks, including a Houghtaling reunion at the beach!

And now a few recent pics and event details...

New Headshots!

Cousin time at the State Track Meet!

My cousin, Michael, took 1st in 3 events!

More cousin time for Michael's graduation!

My favorite 4 year-old!

The Abbott Family + ME

I am excited for the rest of summer, even though it is HOT, HOT, HOT down here!! Anyone brave enough to withstand the heat is welcome to come visit me any time! Maybe call first, but seriously... COME!!!

11 Year-Olds Will Believe Anything!

2011-04-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

I just have two questions...

What day is today??

And what subject do I teach???

That's what I thought.

No, sweet students.

I am not engaged.

But thanks for thinking this ring is pretty!

HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!!

Good news!

2011-03-22T21:14:00.000-07:00

As frustrating as dating can be sometimes, we can all take hope in the fact that there is someone out there for all of us...

Well... maybe MOST of us, anyway!!

A Letter

2011-03-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

Dear Upper Respiratory System,

We've been together a long time, and I have always tried to treat you with love and respect. I've never smoked. I drink water like it's going out of style. I take vitamins. I use a humidifier. I don't yell. I sleep a lot. And I wash my hands like a neat freak.

The past 6 months, however, I have not been feeling your love. It used to be the two of us against the world, holding strong, and helping the Immune System fight off germs... but it seems like you've given up. I've lost track of the number of colds I've had... not to mention a sinus infection, bronchitis, and pnuemonia... all since October.

And now you're doing it again. I mean... really?!? You couldn't have picked a better time than when I was on Spring Break? And I'm flying home tomorrow? And I am in a wedding this weekend?

Please consider this an official notice to cease and desist.

I'm tired of your attitude, I'm tired of your wimpiness, and I'm tired of your refusal to cooperate. Why can't you be a team player, even when I'm paying for medicines to help you pull your weight? You're causing too much pressure, and it hurts... and not just my sinuses... my throat, ears, head, and stomach are sick of you being such a snot. You need to know that it's not just affecting you.

It has to stop.

Now knock it off and get back to work. I can't do this without you!

"Keep Moving Forward"

2011-03-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

In class this week, we've been watching Disney's "Meet the Robinsons." It is an ADORABLE movie that just warms your heart and makes you feel good about life right while you're living it...

At the end of the movie, the main character (Louis) is in the future talking to his grown-up self (Cornelius). They have this little conversation:

Louis: "So, if I go back now, this will be my future?"
Cornelius: "Well, that depends on you. Nothing is set in stone. You've got to make the right choices... and keep moving forward."

I love the moments when we remember that there is a bright future in store! It may take its time getting here, but it is coming one way or another! All we have to do is make good choices and move on the best way we know how.

Walt Disney is quoted at the very end of the movie:

"Around here, we don't look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we're curious... and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths."

Thank you, Disney, for reminding me of what is on its way!! I can't wait!

Sisterly Love!

2011-03-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

Claire came out 2 weekends ago to visit and we had such a good time!

My friend, Brett, and I picked her up from the Las Vegas Airport!

We thought it would be fun to sneak up on her...

... and it was!

While Claire was here, we relaxed and had some chill time! She also came to school with me one day.

I taught her how to drive a stick. It was... fun.

And we met up with our awesome Aunt Liz & Uncle Greg for dinner!

I'm so glad she came! There's nothing like some sisterly love!

Wonderful Night!!

2011-02-24T21:30:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a wonderful performance! SO PROUD RIGHT NOW!

Have I mentioned I love my job??

(And those kids?!?)

IT'S TODAY!!!

2011-02-24T11:28:00.000-08:00

I hope we break a whole bunch of legs!

Tomorrow, tomorrow..

2011-02-23T20:46:00.001-08:00

... Seussical's tomorrow!

It's only A DAY AWAY!!!!

2 DAYS!!

2011-02-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

And things are crazy around here!!!

Trailer #3

2011-02-18T09:17:00.000-08:00

I am getting SO excited!

Seussical Trailer #2

2011-02-17T09:41:00.000-08:00

Here's another trailer!

The kids are loving these so far!

Seussical Trailer #1

2011-02-15T20:22:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peak of "Seussical Jr.!" ENJOY!

Who's excited?!?

I AM! I AM!

It's About That Time!!!

2011-01-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

... and I'm SO EXCITED!!!

Home Sweet Home...

2011-01-19T05:39:00.000-08:00

Wish I was in ATL for many reasons... This is one!

Gimme a Break Pt. 2

2011-01-10T18:35:00.000-08:00

The end of my break was ALSO quite spectacular!

I spent New Year's Eve at one of my great high school friend's house... Mandee has thrown a N.Y.E. party every year since high school, and it is ALWAYS a pleasure to catch up with old friends!

Jillian, Mandee, & I

Kelli & I

Apparently, I'm afraid of sparklers... Hmmm.

On New Year's Day, I flew back to Vegas and Peter picked me up. We spent a few hours shopping and eating and enjoying the town!

We were super spontaneous and went on the roller coaster at New York, NY.

And then, finally, I got to use my Christmas present and we went to Mandalay Bay to see "The Lion King!"

I was SO tired by the time we drove 2 hours back to St. George! That made it extra fun to find out that there were more surprises waiting for me!

Now it's time to get back to work and focus on my musical! 6 1/2 weeks and counting!

Gimme a Break Pt. 1

2011-01-10T18:10:00.000-08:00

I had a WONDERFUL Christmas Break! LOTS happened! So here's the Reader's Digest version!

I took Friday, the last day of school, off and went up to Salt Lake to go to a friend's work Christmas party! When I got up there, Peter gave me my Christmas present:

Art supplies for my classroom AND

TICKETS TO "THE LION KING!!!"

Then we went to the party... and saw Cali!

Then we left the party a little early and went to see the lights at Temple Square. SO PRETTY! While there, we saw one of my other cousins, Emily, or shall I say Sis. Sorenson... she's a missionary serving on Temple Square!

SO good to run into this lady!

The next day, it was back to St. George to finish packing for my big trip and then 2 plane rides to Tampa where I met my family for our cruise!! It was awesome! FUN, FRIENDS, FAMILY, AND FOOD! (And did I mention we're all super tan now!?!)

Feel free to check out my slideshow in the previous post, or for the avid reader, CLICK HERE to read the details on my sister's blog!

The next week was spent at home recovering from the massive amounts of food we ate the previous week!

One highlight was going out to lunch with the Wilcox ladies! I've known this family since before I can remember, and spending time with them is a rare pleasure!

Me & "Headow"

Erin, Claire, Me, Jennifer, & Heather

Our Darling Mamas!

We also went up to see my Aunt Lisa for a day! It was great to spend time with her! She's one amazing lady!

Claire loved Lisa's dog!

Me... not so much.

Us & Aunt Lisa

It was a great vacation! Stay tuned for more to come!

I Love Cruises! They're So Delicious!!!

2011-01-10T16:52:00.000-08:00

If you want a play-by-play of our cruise, CLICK HERE to see my sister, Erin's blog! She did SUCH a good job, I feel that I have been excused from my duties of blogging about it...

But I will post some pictures here... so sit back, and instead of reading, check out this fun slide show!

Word of Focus - 2011

2011-01-04T10:54:00.000-08:00

My cousin, Lindsey, chooses a word to focus on every year, and inspired me last year to do the same.

I picked "hope" as my Word of the Year for 2010. It was something I felt like I needed some help with, and that would be good for me to work on. I had no idea just how much that word would shape my year! Both choices I made and events outside of my control either strengthened my hope or challenged it.

I've always been a fairly optimistic person, and I came to realize that "looking on the bright side" is more than just waking up with a smile or seeing the glass as half full. Being hopeful requires you to actively choose a better attitude. It requires that optimism to be deeply rooted inside you. Like faith, it serves as a foundation for your thoughts, words, and actions.

This year, I've picked a word that is a weakness for me, hoping that by focusing on it throughout the coming year, I can make it a strength. These past two years have been so wonderful for me in so many ways, but they have also been difficult as I've worked to undo damage done the previous year. I am proud of myself for many things! I've come SO FAR, and most of the time, that tough year of my life just seems like a bad dream!

The past month or so, though, I've realized that I still have some work to to really get rid of some baggage (hopefully) once and for all!

I have a hard time with trust.

I think once you've really had your heart broken and your trust violated, that's a natural consequence. So is being terrified of being hurt (aren't we all, though). But being afraid is the opposite of having trust. Hence the need for me to focus on trust.

trust:

1. confident expectation of something; hope

2. to believe, have faith

3. reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, or surety of a person or thing

I think trust is tied closely to hope, and this year will give me the opportunity to build on what I learned last year, and I think will be really good for me!!

I hope to improve my ability to trust other people, and especially to increase my trust (and faith) in my Heavenly Father.

To that end, here is a quote from a talk that President Hinckley gave at his wife's funeral:

"Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers" (Ensign, Feb 2006, p. 63).

And one from Elder Holland:

"Some of you may wonder: Is there any future for me? What does a new year or a new semester, a new major or a new romancs, a new job or a new home hold for me? Will I be safe? Will like be sound? Can I trust in the Lord and in the future? Or would it be better to look back, to go back, to stay in the past? To all such of every generation, I call out, 'Remember Lot's wife.' Faith is for the future. Faith builds on the past but never longs to stay there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us and that Christ truly is the high priest of good things to come (Hebrews 9:11). Keep your eyes on your dreams, however distant and far away. Live to see the miracles of repentance and forgiveness, of trust and divine love that will transfrom your life today, tomorrow, and forever. That is a New Year's resolution I ask you to keep" (Ensign, Jan 2010, p. 22-27).

So here's to 2011! May it be a year of growth, goodness, and greater trust!!

My Christmas List!

2010-12-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

And in 3 DAYS, that dream will come true!!!!

And in 3 DAYS that dream will come true!

Christmas is Coming Early!

2010-12-03T07:31:00.000-08:00

Apparently, December is on board with the whole "being awesome" plan, and is really trying to make up for the crap November pulled... because it's been a GREAT month so far! Great classes, great rehearsals, great friends, great music, great fun, AND great presents!

I guess there's some Christmas magic at work because the 12 Days of Christmas have apparently gone December edition on me... and we're 3 for 3 on the gift front!

I doubt this will really last another 4 weeks, but in the meantime, feel free to sing along...

On the 1st day of December, my Miranda gave to me...

a candle and a box chocolate-y!

On the 2nd day of December, my Peter gave to me...

2 glitter TOMS

[and a candle and a box chocolate-y]

On the 3rd day of December, my Macie gave to me...

a 3-colored Seuss stuffed animal

[2 glitter TOMS]

[and a candle and a box chocolate-y]

I feel like I should think of someone to pass on a present/some holiday cheer to asap!

Thankful for Thanksgiving!

2010-11-30T08:22:00.000-08:00

November has been a really hard month for me! I feel like I've been repeatedly kicked while I'm down, so to speak. And I am so sick of it... between a break-up, a death in the community, a sinus infection, pnuemonia, cancer in the family, auditions for the musical, Scott joining the Army, a car wreck, and some really tough stuff at school, I've had about all I can handle.

It was a hard 4+ weeks, and I am SO thankful for Thanksgiving Break, and for the chance it gave me to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I needed the South! I needed my family! I needed Chick-fil-A! And I needed a break!

I got all of those things and more this past week! It was SO wonderful! Even better than I had hoped for!

I went to Dallas to my Aunt Karen's house. My parents and little sister came to meet us, as did my Uncle Glen and my grandparents! My cousin Lindsey even kept her 3 kids at Karen's an extra day just so I could see her before heading back home for Thanksgiving!

We went to the zoo, ate yummy food, played games, did a session at the temple, watched football, talked, sang, and had a blast!

Here are a few highlights:

Claire, Lindsey, & Me

Favorite Picture EVER!

My cousin Lindsey's cute kiddos!

Dad sharing a treat with a new friend!

Confession: I was a little scared of the giraffes.

Both ridiculous and embarrassing.

We have a family tradition that involves Dad paying us kids $1 to jump into cold water any time it's an option. My Grandpa and uncles thought this was a great idea and pitched in to raise the pot to $13. I was not allowed to participate because of my pneumonia, but Claire went for it!

This was my first time to the Dallas Temple! It was really beautiful and I loved being there with family! Going to a temple is always a wonderful experience, and this was no exception!

Me, my parents, grandparents, aunt, and uncle!

Mama, Me & Dad

Claire and I had the fun chance to really get to know each other more this trip! I left home 5 1/2 years ago, when she was still a little kid, and have not spent more than a month or so at a time with her since. Being so far away from her, especially in these crazy years she's going through, is tough! But she and I shared a room (and bed!) at Karen's, and we had so much fun! As much as I missed Erin and Scott, I was glad Claire and I were the only siblings there. She has grown up SO much and is an amazing little lady! I admire her spunk, her maturity, her positive outlook, and her love for little children! Love you, girly!

We painted our nails!

Saturday morning, my dad's cousin, Lucy, and my second cousins Tara and Sidney (and their families) came over for brunch! It was so fun to see everybody! Tara and I have had a few chances this past year to really get to know one another and I loved getting to see her, even if it was just for a couple hours!

Tara, Mama, me & Crumpa

Saturday afternoon, one of my favorite people, Sis. MacArthur, picked my up to take me to lunch and then drop me off at the airport. She was one of my Young Women's leaders back in the day and she and her family moved to Dallas a couple years ago! It was a very fun semi-spontaneous surprise and I loved the chance to reconnect!

Sis. MacArthur & her little girls!

Then, on top of everything else, I have had a wonderful three days since I've been home thanks to some great friends, both old and new!

So long, November! Thanks for redeeming yourself!

December... just warning you... You're gonna be GREAT!!!

"Am I Earring Thingsh?"

2010-11-20T09:48:00.000-08:00

Is she not the cutest thing you've ever seen?!?

Livin' the Dream

2010-11-17T21:20:00.000-08:00

Finished Seussical Jr. auditions today.

Made 2 kids cry during the auditions.

Posted the callback list tonight.

Made 1 mama mad (that I know of so far).

Got the nasty email to prove it.

Will post the cast list by Saturday morning.

Will make about 80 kids happy then.

Will crush about 70 kids' dreams.

Will make a lot of their mamas mad.

Probably getting more emails.

It's gonna be an interesting weekend.

Super [control] Freak!

2010-11-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

Life gets crazy sometimes...

Often, it's not what we had planned or even anticipated. We have so much less control than we'd like to believe... and as someone who thrives off a sense of control, I can, with some difficulty, admit what a scary realization that is!

Nothing scares me more than things beyond my control... I mean, there's NOTHING you can do about those things!

You can't fix them. Or check them off a list. Or accomplish them.

But I do know that, when things get tough or crazy, and I feel completely helpless, there is Someone who IS in control. And His plans are so much bigger and broader and BETTER than my own.

The peace and comfort that I feel simply by remembering that changes everything. Not because the circumstances are different, but because my perspective is different.

I mean, He even commands us not to freak out about those things, when He counsels us: "Peace, be still."

Elder Maxwell said: "Our total dependence on God requires us to completely relinquish our own will, our own plans to Him... 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' are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God's will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly our to give!"

Apparently, I need to learn how to let go and submit my will to His, trusting in His plans, and having faith that all will work out as He means for it to.

My dad shared this quote with me today: "Life is not the way it's 'supposed' to be - it's the way it IS. The way you cope with it makes the difference."

Attitude is everything.

And this is one control freak who is choosing to have a more peaceful attitude... because my attitude (my will & the way I choose to cope) is the only thing I truly CAN control!

Right now...

2010-11-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

I am loving THIS [not-so-] little boy...

... and feeling OH-SO-GRATEFUL for these girls...

... and REALLY missing this Mama!!!

Hurrah for Halloween!

2010-11-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

Note to self:

A nineteen dollar wig may NOT fit as advertised!

But with some scissors, a straightener, and some patience, you can make it work anyway! And you can ROCK IT as Barbie for Halloween!

Your students will LOVE your pink shoes, skirt, top, headband, earrings, and nail polish! But even more than that, they will love the fact that you keep your fingers together all day, smile constantly, walk without bending your knees, and talk in HER voice all day!

Well done, self! Well done!

This year's get-up might have been your best yet!

Although this little boy's is TOO CUTE to compete with:

"Did I do that!?!"

And don't forget THIS dashing young couple! They look like something straight out of a musical! Maybe that's because their costumes are?!?!?

Hope y'all had a hurrah-ble Halloween too!

Getting Excited!

2010-10-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

For the Love!

2010-10-11T07:26:00.000-07:00

So, I have a kid with Autism in one of my classes. He's pretty great. Every day is an adventure, to say the least! For the purposes of this story, we'll call his name "Trevor."

Last week, we were playing a game in class called Psychiatrist. In it, the entire class has a problem (the same problem) and two people are the psychiatrists, asking yes/no questions to figure out what's wrong with them. Problems are things like: you think you're the person on your right, or you think you are Oprah. Stuff like that.

Well, Trevor was getting really upset with our psychiatrists because it was taking them so long to figure our problem out. He kept shaking, or balling up his fists, and getting angry because he thought it was taking them way too long! I tried to calm him down a bit and we had a quiet chat as the game continued.

Here's what our conversation looked like:

Trevor: "Ugh! Seriously, guys! What's wrong with you?"

[Trevor buries his head in his hands and starts shaking.]

Me: "Trevor, calm down for just a sec. This is a tough game and they're trying really hard!"

Trevor: "It is NOT that hard! I mean... I know what our problem is!"

Me: "Well that's probably because you're in on the secret."

[Trevor thinks for a second then shakes his head.]

Trevor: "No. I don't think that's it."

Me: "Oh. Well then it's probably because they're just not as smart as you!"

[Trevor stops shaking long enough to consider that, and then resumes shaking, this time with fists clenched, hands even with his shoulders.]

Trevor: "Obviously!!"

[Ten seconds later.. the frustration is still building. The psychiatrists are SO CLOSE, and yet SO FAR from figuring it out. Trevor slams his hands down on the ground and yells.]

Trevor: "FOR THE LOVE OF HILLARY DUFF!!"

Oh. My. Loved that moment. LOVED IT.
New favorite catch phrase.

Silly Sleepover!

2010-09-22T07:43:00.000-07:00

I had't had a slumber party in about 10 years... until last Saturday, that is!

Bron has 5 girl cousins between the ages of 10 and 14. And we totally had a sleepover at my apartment! SO FUN!

We made cookies and painted nails!

And fell asleep watching 13 Going On 30!

These girls could not have been more fun! I think we'll do it again sometime soon!

Anyone else up for a sleepover?!?

Homecoming Made Me Homesick!

2010-09-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

People who know me (even a little) generally agree that I am not a sporty girl. I'm okay with that. The arts suit me!

But I do enjoy watching the occasional ball game. I think it helps me be more well-rounded, and I enjoy the excitement competition offers! I especially love high school sports, where kids, families, and communities are invested because of the kids, their love for the game, and the hopes that they share!

However, it is vital that I point out that there is a difference in football back home and here in UT... more so than with any other sport.

There's nothing like high school football in the South! It's king! Everyone goes all out! There are tailgaters, huge stadiums, packed stands... it's something I think everyone should experience!

This past Friday was Dixie High School's homecoming football game. Bron's dad is the principal there, and we went to the game!

The cheerleaders had a fundraiser going where they were trying to raise $1000 dollars to attend a competition. They made a deal that if they raised it by the end of the game, Larry (Bron's dad/their principal) would shave his head! Well, they got the money for sure! And Miss Terry (Bron's mama) did the honors!

I had so much fun at their homecoming game, but it really made me miss home... probably because it made me stop and remember the way things were! It's funny how fast time flies!

Bottom line?

I love Peachtree City! I love Fayette County! And, for now at least, I even LOVE football!!

Brooks + Brie = Bergesons

2010-09-21T09:06:00.000-07:00

So, last week was all full of "wuv, twu wuv," as Bron's brother, Brooks, got married to his DARLING fiance, Brie! Lots of food! Lots of family! And lots of new names and faces to try to connect!!! It was great!

The reception was held Thursday night and was a lot of fun! High five for delicious crepes!

You remember Brooke, right?!?

This is Lauren, Bron's sister-in-law, who is from NC and is a taste of home! LOVE having another Southern belle around! It's the best!!!

Friday morning, Brooks and Brie got married here in the St. George temple! It was a beautiful ceremony, and a beautiful day! SO happy for them both!

I love this picture of Bron & Brooklyn!

Aren't they a cute couple?!?

Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

2010-09-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

Lots to update about! It's been a busy week! Last Monday was Bron's niece, Ava's, birthday! She's five! She and her sister, Brooklyn, came swimming at my house that afternoon! We played in the splashpad and drank "pink potion" (a mix of pina colada and strawberry daquiri), and had a great time!

That night, we met Bron's family for some more birthday festivities at Fiesta Fun! Here's some of our adventures:

We opened presents and ate cake!

We raced on obstacle courses (and I won, thanks to a cheating Grandpa)!

We rode go karts!

Can you tell how unexcited I am?!?

LOVE this family and LOVE having little kids around!!

The Cat's Out of the Hat!

2010-09-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

...Or will be in 20 minutes when I introduce our school's musical to my kids using this cute movie that I made!!

What do you think??

Would YOU want to audition?!?

Family, Friends, & Football!

2010-09-07T08:18:00.000-07:00

I had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! I went up to Provo for the BYU opening football game vs. Washington. We won! And it was a very fun game to watch!

While I was up there, I was able to see a lot of people that I love and do a lot of fun things... Here are some of the highlights!

Friday after school, Brooke, Bron, and I drove up. We dropped Brooke off and I then introduced Bron to one of the greatest, longest-lasting love affairs of my life... Carrabba's. Lucky for us both, he also loved it! I think his words were: "One of the best meals I've ever eaten." Amen, Bron! Amen!

Then Bron and I went to see my Haynie girls for a little bit! Love, love, love, LOVE them!

On Saturday, Bron & I spent the day with his family shopping! I got to feel a little closer to home by eating some Chick-fil-A in the mall food court! It was fun!

Then, we changed clothes and headed over to campus for the game! Bron & I stopped in at the Cougar United tailgate party! Shout out (again) to my cousin, Kendra who is the PRESIDENT of Cougar United: the BYU Student Fan Association! She's kind of a big deal!

After the party, Bron & I met up with his family to watch the game! SO FUN!

Sunday was a fun (and surprisingly fast-paced) day full of visits to family and friends!

Little Miss Moffat!

I took Bron to see Adam's grave! LOVE the peace I feel there!

We also spent some time with one of my longest-running besties...

"Headow!"

Some of the other people I love and got to see, but who I failed (epically) to get pictures with are: my fake little brother, Ross, my cousin Kendall, and my favorite other-family, Glen, Connie, Cailey, and Cali.

Yesterday, we drove back to St. George and hit up a couple BBQ's... one with my friend, Loralee, and her family, and the other with Bron's family.

It was a perfect break, and really felt longer than just a 3-day weekend! Awesome!

Are you excited yet?!?

2010-09-03T07:41:00.000-07:00

My season tickets and I can't WAIT for tomorrow's opener!

Ra ra ra ra ra! Ra ra ra ra ra! Ra ra ra ra ra!

GOOOOOOOO COUGARS!!!

Oh-so-silly!

2010-08-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

So... I've been enjoying some silly things lately!

Like these silly bands (presents from my students)...

Especially this one... Can you tell who it is?

And these silly rings! SO TINY!

And these videos...
(Watch them in order... they're so worth it)!

I seriously can't stop quoting them! It's been a month or so, but we're still going strong!

And, just for good measure, here's something I'm loving even though it's not so silly...

I can fit into real shoes again! Oh happy day!!

Hallelujah for Homemade

2010-08-30T09:45:00.000-07:00

Meet the newest edition to my family.

Adopted from Harold & Sheri (pictured in previous post), this little beauty and I got to know each other yesterday.

I know it's still early, but I'm just gonna put this out there anyways...

Breadmaker, I love you.

Hugs from Haynies!

2010-08-30T09:36:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to see a few of my favorite people because of my trip up to Provo!

I spent the night with Glen and Connie Haynie... most specifically with Cailey, my cousin! We fell asleep talking in her bed and got ready together the next morning for old times sake! I lived with the Haynies for eight months during a very "fun" period of my life! They are incredible and have blessed me in more ways than they know!

Cailey & I

ANTM, anyone??

I just look mad!

Then on my way home to St. George, I had the brilliant idea to stop in and some other Haynie cousins! So I went to visit Harold (Glen's twin) and Sheri! Speaking of incredible... have you met these two?? None of their kids were home, but the three of us had a great visit!

Don't you LOVE Sheri's glasses?!?

Haynies, both pictured and NOT pictured... I love you! Thanks for making our shared genes so awesome!

Wedding Wonderfulness!

2010-08-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

Sarina and Christian are married!! FINALLY!!! I went up Friday right after school for the festivities and had SO MUCH FUN!

Here's a sampling of their celebration:

Aren't they just a beautiful couple!?!?!

I love, love, LOVE the back of her dress!

Sarina's niece, Presley, and I.

Presley is quite the dancer... and as you know, I myself love dancing as well! We were quite the dancing queens for the evening... and she was pretty much glued to my side the whole time! SO PRECIOUS!

Our Fabulous Foursome!

Have I mentioned that I love this lady??

I personally thinking their expressions are PRICELESS in this one!

Guess who caught the bouquet? Me!

And the garter? Mitch!

What are the odds?

Mitch and I are choosing to assume that we're not required to marry each other... only to get married next!

Let's chat for a minute... I have been to 2 weddings in the last 2 months... and I have caught both bouquets. I've never caught one before. Ever. And now I'm batting 1000. Perhaps a sign of things to come???

Who needs Cupid when you've got friends with good aim!

Fun in the Sun!

2010-08-22T16:12:00.000-07:00

First off, allow me to introduce my new friend, Brooke! I think an introduction is in order because you'll probably be seeing quite a bit of her around here...

Brooke teaches with me at Fossil Ridge and has become a fast friend! We have a lot in common and I have a blast every time she's around! She's amazing! I've been telling Heavenly Father for a few months now that I need a good GIRL friend here in St. George because Sarina's getting married (ON WEDNESDAY!!) And boy, did he deliver!!

Brooke and I are both paler than normal and we're sick of it, so we decided this was our weekend to get tan! In an effort to achieve that goal, Brooke and I made plans involving lots of sun and lots of fun!

Yesterday, we had quite the day! The morning started bright and early, heading out to the lake with a couple friends, Danny and Aaron! The water was perfect!

We let the boys wakeboard first, since I'm not allowed to with my ankle, and Brooke wasn't in a hurry to get up. That was great until, in the middle of Aaron's turn, the propellor started SMOKING! We stopped the boat, turned it off and discovered (surprise, surprise), that it wouldn't turn back on.

We weren't so happy about that.

But being the positive, resourceful young adults that we are, we called the park ranger and jumped off the boat and swam for a bit while we waited for them. An HOUR later, they showed up! Keep in mind that this lake is actually a reservoir and is not very big at all!

After the ranger did a safety inspection, he towed us back to the dock...

He made us all wear life jackets. Don't you love the one I picked!?!

All in all, we were at the lake for about 3 hours... with only about 30 minutes of actual boating time! While the morning was not what we expected, Brooke and I still had fun!

And determined to continue our fun, Brooke and I went to lunch back in St. George and then hit up the pool for another 3-ish hours!

Then we showered and got cute for a wedding reception. One of my favorite ladies (another teacher at my school) had her oldest daughter get married. We stopped in looking very cute and, totally on accident, coordinating very well with one another!

After the reception, we changed yet again and headed to Brooke's cousin's house for games... The girls totally whipped the boys in Taboo, and we all had a blast!

Today, we're both darker... although much more red than tan... I guess we'll just hope it doesn't peel!

Have I mentioned I'm grateful that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers?!? Even the ones we thought were silly to say in the first place?

Big News, Pictionary Style!!!

2010-08-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Update, Pt. 2

2010-08-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

So... after laying alone and bored on my couch for 2 1/2 weeks, living off of cookies brought by friends and microwave dinners, I got to go home!

I was horrible about taking pictures while I was there, and didn't get very many, but I did get a few!

Here are some pics of the people I love the most:

Claire is driving!

And that was an experience I was not prepared for!

(for the record, she's actually a really great driver!)

We are all SUCH big kids now!

Awwww!!

Erin's an awesome big sister!

I'm definitely a Daddy's girl!

Love these two more than I can say!

While I was home, I got to eat at many yummy restaurants... I think I had Chic-fil-A 7 times... in 9 days. Not even joking about those stats!!

I also got to see some good friends! Thanks Katie, Stephen, Jennifer, Ashley, and Hailey! I loved catching up with you! And I hope to catch more people over the holidays!

Now, one of the best (and most magical parts) of my trip was visiting Disney World for a couple days with my family!

We went to the Orlando Temple to do baptisms so Claire and our cousin Kendall, could come too! That was really special!

Us kids went to the parks one day! Special thanks to Kendall for free tickets and for joining us! And to my friend, Brooke, for joining us too! Brooke and Kendall are both doing the Disney College Program this summer! And finally, thanks to everyone who helped push me in my wheelchair! You are super troupers!

Once again, I failed to document our fun with pictures, except for a few that we took after Kendall and Brooke left us for the afternoon. Brooke is a "friend" of Aurora, and was the most beautiful, magical, and perfect "friend" I could have imagined! We stopped in to see Aurora and the other princesses, and it was one of the most magical experiences of my life... I totally teared up!

Isn't she perfect!?!

Of course, we loved the other princesses too! But having my friend be such a good "friend" was unequivocally awesome!!!

After our crazy day at the parks... (We were there open to close, 8am-3am and hit 3 parks (Claire & Justin hit all 4)... we were exhausted!

We slept in the next day and then hit up the pool as a family, choreographing a synchronized swimming routine! (Have I mentioned how awesome my family is lately??)

A couple more days at home, and then I flew back out west. Now I'm back in St. George, in my second week of my second year of teaching! And I am LOVING it still!

I'll post some pictures of my newly decorated classroom in a couple days... I don't want to overload on blogging after such a long hiatus!

P. S. This update is for you, Brother Purdy! Thanks for the call to repentance!

Update, Pt. 1

2010-08-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a crazy couple of months! So crazy, in fact, that I haven't posted anything since before school got out! And now school's back in session! So, here's a not-so-quick update of what's been going on in my life the past 3 months!

I worked full time over the summer as an Assistant Manager at Maurices, a super cute store in our mall! I actually loved it! It was more stressful than I had anticipated, but I love the store, the clothes, the girls, and the discount! I'd originally planned on staying on a couple nights a week because I love it so much, but have decided this week that working 75 hours a week is too much for me to handle. It's sad, but I think it will be for the best!

Back in June, my cousin Shannon got married! Mama and Erin came out for the wedding and we had a great long weekend!

I got to see my not-so-little-anymore men!

And my cousin, Lauren!

Look how pretty everyone is!

And, of course, before we left Provo, we visited Adam's grave!

I had a semi-spontaneous visit from my friends Jason & Mike for the Fourth of July! It was such a pleasant surprise! We went rock climbing, to the temple, to the fair/fireworks, etc. It was a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

The three of us about to climb!

I look SO hard core in this picture!

I love the temple!

Getting ready for fireworks!

The boys left Sunday and I went up to see my Haynie cousins in Cedar City! We had a sleepover and I went with them to the Cedar City Fourth of July parade the next day, which Uncle Harold was in, running for the school board!

I LOVE THESE GIRLS!!

A few days after that, my summer took a turn for the not-so-fun! I was playing night games and, very responsibly, thought it would be a good idea to ride on the running board of a truck while it drove a couple blocks up the hill. It was fine the first time, but my stupid luck ran out the second time and my foot slipped off, snapping my ankle on the pavement. As you can tell in the pictures below, it looked like my bone was sticking out, so we rushed me to the E.R.

My first hospital visit since birth!

(check out my swollen ankle)

The most painful part was probably when they took my shoe off. They had to move my ankle, and the swelling (and pain) instantly started to spread!

I had an alien ankle!

My foot, ankle, and leg kept swelling and swelling over the next week or so, until I was black, blue, and puffy all over from knee to toe. And I had a memory foam foot! No joke... if you poked my foot, it would stay indented for minutes! Absolutely disgusting!

This is about the fattest it got... but not the most bruised!

As far as the internal damage done... I saw an orthopedic surgeon and basically, I stretched the ligaments on the inside and outside of my ankle beyond the point of elasticity, where they will likely not shrink back to normal on their own. And I completely tore the ligament in the middle of my ankle... so badly that it took of chunks of bone with it! I will most likely need surgery, and the doctor will make the final decision within the next few weeks...

But the good news is that I am FINALLY walking again, after a month on crutches. And so far, I'm getting around just fine with my brace and air cast!

Stupid. Painful. Expensive. And definitely NOT worth it.

Just in case you were contemplating being as smart as I was.

Friends Photo Shoot

2010-05-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here's a video I made with the pictures from the photo shoot I mentioned a bit ago!

I think they turned out great, and I thought a video (courtesy of iMovie on my brand new Mac!!) would be the most fun way to share them...

Plus it gave me the chance to try out several programs on my new laptop I hadn't used yet!

Enjoy!

Grumpy Girl.

2010-05-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

The only thing better than getting your car out of the shop after two weeks and $2600 worth of repairs?

Having it towed back to the shop four days later.

Katie & The Kitten

2010-05-17T10:05:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl named Katie. Katie had a great life and was very happy, but she felt like something was missing. After a few weeks of trying to figure it out, Katie realized that she wanted a kitten.

But Katie was not a big animal person and wasn't 100% sure if that was a wise decision. So she decided that if she still wanted one in six weeks, she could have one.

Well, last Friday, Katie passed the six week mark and she got her kitten!

She was 7 1/2 weeks old and the runt in her litter. Katie decided to name her Tigerlily.

Katie was very excited to have her new kitten!

Katie and Tigerlily spent the whole weekend getting to know eachother...

They explored lots of exciting places in the apartment!

They played games and got a little crazy!

They even gave eachother back rubs!

They had so much fun that they had to take a few naps!

And before they knew it, they were best friends!

When Monday morning came and Katie had to go to work and knew she couldn't be with her kitten until very late that night, they were both very sad! They can't wait until Katie gets home so she can play with Tigerlily!

(And just for the record, these ladies are totally gonna live happily ever after!)

The end.

What a Woman!

2010-05-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

Today is Mother's Day, and I can't stop thinking about this incredible lady I know.

Her name is Andrea. She is smart, funny, patient, strong, compassionate, organized, and sassy.

She taught me many, many things... like the importance of loving dark chocolate, how to keep a budget, and that everything looks better tan!

She has been there for every success and every struggle I have ever encountered, and her love has been an anchor throughout my life.

She has shaped my life in ways she doesn't even know.

I am so greatful for this beautiful woman, for her wisdom, her kindness, and her goodness.

I am so glad she is my Mama!

Happy Mother's Day! I love you!

Borrowed Wisdom

2010-05-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

I have a great friend named Susie. We were RAs together years ago, in Heritage Halls. I haven't seen her in a long time, but I blog stalk her from time to time. I found the following post that she wrote back in October, but that I'd never read until tonight.

I can't help but be struck by her wisdom and the truth that she shares, and how applicable it is to where I'm at in my life right now. I needed to read this tonight. And since Susie expresses it so much better than I ever could, I'll just quote her... Here's the original post from her blog! ENJOY!

"Life. It’s full of choices.

But one of the things I’ve learned recently is that sometimes you have to step a little out into the dark before the light comes. What I mean by that is sometimes we have to choose without the complete assurance that we’re making the right decision.

I think of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade when Harrison Ford reaches the “leap of faith.” He has to step out off of a ledge, and it’s only after that he sees the platform. The same thing happens for some of the decisions in our lives, and usually the most important ones (which can be very frustrating).

So why is that? Well, in my opinion (and as I’ve alluded to in past entries) it’s not so much about whether we’re making the right decision, but that we’re making a right decision—we have to be proactive about the path our life is taking. If our fates were predetermined, then sure…we’d have to search for that one right decision. But a choice isn't about searching, it's about doing. We have been blessed with the gift of personal agency and thereby have become the masters of our own destinies. We make the decisions. We travel the paths. We create our own lives.

That’s not to say that we can’t have help or that we aren’t influenced by outside sources. But regardless, we’re here to choose and we have the ability to do it. What a wonderful thing!

But how terrifying, right? That lack of assurance when making a decision can paralyze us with fear (it does me, anyway). It would just be so nice and easy if the consequences of each decision was illuminated before us. However, that’s not how it works. It’s times like these when faith really needs to be applied. Faith in others. Faith in ourselves. Faith in God.

It’s now my opinion that sometimes, you just have to jump. Jump, and have faith that you’ll be able to handle the consequences that follow. Obviously, work out as much as you can—see as far into the darkness as your perspective will allow. But once you’ve done all you can do, don’t hold yourself back from progression with unnecessary fear. Instead, see the jump as an adventure and know that it’s usually you who turns a decision into the right one."

Thank you, Susie, for your faith and your testimony. And for the wonderful woman that you are. I love you and am greatful to know you!

Mocktail Party!

2010-05-07T13:36:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, my awesome friends threw me a Mocktail Party to celebrate One Year!

It was SO fun!

Sarina and I made some yummy hors d'oeuvres... Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Caprese on a Stick, and Chocolate Covered Strawberries! YUM!!!

Mitch was the "Bartender," and was serving up non-alcholohic strawberry daquiris, pometinis, and mojitos all night long!

As per the invitations, everybody was dressed "schnazzy," and we had a blast socializing and acting elegantly snobby! How posh! (And silly!)

I am thankful for great friends who made sure I can always count on for a wonderful time! I am a really, really lucky girl!

Oh. Sick.

2010-05-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

A student threw up all over the carpet in my classroom.

She did not make it to the trash.

There was a trail of it going all the way out the door.

It did not smell very good.

Contrary to every instinct I have, I did not throw up too.

I helped her to the bathroom.

I grabbed extra trash cans in case anyone else needed to follow her lead.

I came back in and calmed the rest of the class down.

Class went on (on the opposite side of the room).

The janitors came and cleaned it up.

I'm proud of myself for being an adult.

Now all that's left is a CAUTION sign on my floor, and a brainfull of visual images that made it nearly impossible to eat lunch.

Life Lately!

2010-05-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I posted, and a LOT has happened! Here's a quick update... more pictures and details are coming... but here's a taste of what I've been up to!

I finished this play:

Got a visit from these amazing people:

Hung out twice with these beautiful ladies:

Had a party to celebrate one year of this:

Played with these adorable girls:

Got hired as an Assistant Manager at this cute store:

Was suprised with an Unbirthday Party by these precious kids:

I had a fancy photo shoot with this great photographer:

And spent a few days feeling like this:

All in all, it's been a really great couple of weeks!

Obsessed.

2010-05-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for...

2010-04-27T23:00:00.000-07:00

one year!

HSM Jr. - Assembly Performance

2010-04-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, we had an assembly here at FRIS. My cast and techies performed "We're All in This Together" and did a great job! So... for those of you who won't get a chance to see the play, here's just a taste of what you're missing out on! Aren't they precious?!?

"He Can't Resist This!"

2010-04-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking everyone can benefit from Tracey's advice! So please, watch and learn, ladies! Watch and learn!!

Calm it down! Calm it down. Calm it down... Calm. It. Down.

Commence Freak-Out!

2010-04-14T05:37:00.000-07:00

TOmOrRoW! ToMoRrOW!

It'S ShOwTiMe ToMOrRoW!!!

ThAT's oNLy a DaY AwAY!!!!!!!!

(Brace yourself... Legs are about to be broken!!)

Thoughts on Love

2010-04-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

I found this quote the other day and have been thinking about it ever since. I thought I'd share! It's from C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves.

"There is no safe investment. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly be broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket — safe, dark, motionless, airless — it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable... We shall draw nearer to God, not by trying to avoid the sufferings inherent in all loves, but by accepting them and offering them to Him; throwing away all defensive armour. If our hearts need to be broken, and if He chooses this as a way in which they should break, so be it. What I know about love and believe about love and giving ones heart began in this."

I really believe that is true. The love we feel for others is a reflection of God's love for us, so it makes sense that, despite heartache or trials, He would want us to remain open to love. It takes a lot of faith to trust His wisdom enough to say that "if our hearts need to be broken, and if He chooses this as a way in which they should break, so be it." I have definitely had my heart broken before.

This past year has been one of healing in more ways than I could ever have imagined. As I have picked up and sorted through what seemed at the time like broken pieces of my life, I have certainly dealt with fear. Fear of being lied to. Fear of being betrayed. Fear of being hurt. And even fear of being alone. But, as Elder Boyd K. Packer said, "fear is the opposite of faith." And as my faith has grown this past year, those fears have been quieted.

Chances are, at some point in the future, I will be lied to, betrayed, and even hurt by someone I love. That's part of life. But I will never be alone. The Lord is my friend and companion, and He is always by my side, guiding my path. And I really do believe, as Alfred Lord Tennyson said, that it is "better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Through heartache, we grow. We gain compassion. We learn wisdom. We become better. And, if we're lucky, we walk away with our hope intact.

I've had huge opportunities for love this year too... I've developed wonderful, caring relationships with so many important people in my life: cousins, parents, friends, siblings, boyfriends, RS Sisters, coworkers, a roomate, and my students. Through these I have been blessed beyond measure! And I am truly grateful for the capacity I have to love. I'm grateful that God heals broken hearts. And mostly, I'm grateful for the love He offers me every single day.

It is changing my life!

9 Days 'Till Show Time

2010-04-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

...And apparently, I'm feeling like this:

I guess I didn't realize the stress was written across my face in such a disturbing way! Hahaha! That's definitely the last time I ever let a student steal my camera without my knowledge!!!

Quotables

2010-04-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

I heard a few quotes today from Marilyn Monroe that I really, really like! I thought I'd share them!

"Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together."
"I am just a small girl in a big world trying to find someone to love."
"I'm selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best."
"It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone."
"If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty."
"Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world."
"Ever notice how 'What the hell' is always the right answer?"
"You never know what life is like until you have lived it."

Who knew Marilyn had so much wit and wisdom to share!?!

It's Almost Show Time!!!

2010-03-30T15:25:00.001-07:00

Lucky in Love

2010-03-27T05:39:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe that these two have been married for a year already! Time sure flies!

But I am oh-so-glad that they are! Erin & Justin are so wonderful, and I for one am SO grateful to have Justin as a member of our family! I couldn't ask for a better match for my big sister and best friend!

In honor of Mr. and Mrs. Badger's 1st Anniversary, here is 1 thing that I love about them:

1. Justin and Erin are both really good listeners who make you feel important when you're talking.

HaPpY AnNiVeRsArY! I love you both very much!

I'm Dreaming of a Tan Christmas!

2010-03-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

...Probably because as of a couple days ago, I will officially spend this Christmas ON A CRUISE!!!

I am SO excited! The ship is the Carnival Legend, and it departs from Tampa on December 19th for 7 days... We'll visit Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Roatan, and Belize!!

So, while all of you are seeing (and staying) white nine months from now, I'll be on a boat. Drinking a pina colada. Wearing a bathing suit. Eating creme brulee. And gaining a bunch of weight.

Maybe you should have my parents adopt you so you can come too!?!

Chocolate Melting Cake Recipe

2010-03-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

So, apparently there have been a few requests for this lovely recipe. SO here it is! Enjoy!!!
Ingredients:

8 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 cup (2 sticks) butter
7 eggs
6 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup flour

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Melt chocolate and butter; cool 10 minutes.
In separate bowl, mix 4 eggs with sugar. Whisk. Add flour and whisk. Add remaining 3 eggs. Whisk.
Add egg mixture to chocolate mixture. Pour into ramekins.
Bake about 15-18 minutes (center will be melting, not set).
Make it pretty! Serve!
EAT!!!).

... And a Party!

2010-03-22T09:19:00.001-07:00

Long after dinner was over, we were up talking and laughing. As things sometimes do when a group of theatrical people are in large supply and lacking sleep, we got a little crazy. One thing let to another, and we ended up singing and dancing in my living room until quite late.

I believe it started when Mitch and I realized we'd both been in South Pacific our freshman years of high school. We started singing and dancing to our favorite tunes from the show. Sarina grabbed my camera.... and the rest is in the videos that follow!

After we filmed these dances (completely improvised, PS) and singing the correct songs, we watched them back on my camera while muting them and instead playing songs from my iTunes. We felt like these were the best matches.

WARNING: You know how, late at night, everything seems hilarious, when chances are, it's just plain stupid. I am 110% sure this is one of those things!! You have been warned...

"Honey Bun" from South Pacific meets Beyonce's "Single Ladies"

"Some Enchanted Evening" from South Pacific meets Celin Dion's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now"

Celine Dion's "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" meets "The Phantom of the Opera"

I really have no explanations other than that when we finally stopped, it was 1:30 in the morning... and that I haven't laughed that hard in a really, really, really long time!

Thanks for such a fun night, guys! I love that we are ridiculous!

Dinner...

2010-03-22T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last night, Sarina and I had some friends (Mitch, Brett, and Christian) over for dinner. It was awesome! We made yummy fajitas, with fancy rice and corn. Mmmm!!! And then for dessert, we made Carnival Cruise Line's "Chocolate Melting Cake." Oh my yummy!!

The boys were oh-so-helpful! They hung up our giant mirror for us that's been sitting in our dining room floor for seven months! So now, we're finally moved in!

And they were all great helping in the kitchen too, especially when it came time for dessert!

Mitch

Christian

Brett

Sarina & Christian... SUCH a sweet couple!

I am so lucky to have such an awesome roomate!

These boys look awesome in aprons, don't you think!?!

The end result was DELICIOUS!!!

As much fun as that was though, the party continued after dinner... (So much so that it deserves its own post).

Happy Days!

2010-03-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

So... Friday and today, my classes and I watched High School Musical (the sing-along version where the words show on the screen for all the songs), and we are having a blast! The kids are going crazy!

...Seriously, singing and dancing all over my classroom without being asked... even the "cool" kids! Way to get them pumped for our show that runs in less than a month!!! (Is that a scary thought, or what!?!)

Smart Kid

2010-03-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

And I quote...

"Miss Houghtaling, can I eat an Airheads Extreme in class if I brought one for you two?"

(extend hand holding peace offering)

"Why yes, Jordan, of course you can!"

(accept peace offering with a smile)

Well played, kid. Well played.

BrEaKiNG InTo SpRiNG!!!

2010-03-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

I am back from a great week off, and am bracing myself for school tomorrow! I love my job and I really love my students, but I wish I had another week off! It was SO good!

I'm too lazy to post a bunch of pictures with a play-by-play, so I made a slideshow instead! Here's a quick run-down of my vay-cays, though, so you'll have a clue what you're seeing...

I went to Boise for the first weekend of the break, and went snowmobiling for the first time with my friend, Brandon. It was SO much fun, and so different from anything I've ever done! A very fun start to my week!

Then I went to Cali with some friends (Amber, Jeremy, and Jeremy's brother, Josh). We spent Thursday in San Diego (went to the temple, Cheesecake Factory, and shopping), and then spent Friday and Saturday in Disneyland! I think this goes without saying... but that part of the week was MAGICAL!! I love everything related to Mickey! (Especially Mickey Bars, which I ate WAY too many of!)

I flew standby back to Utah on Sunday since I had to get back for school meetings today and my friends were staying a few more days. I got stuck in Salt Lake with no chance of making flights to SG. My friend, Brett, came to the rescue, and picked me up on his way home from Logan. Right before we got home, we passed a little park with fun statues and couldn't resist taking pictures!

This morning I had some meetings at the school. They were over by 11am, and I got to spend 4 1/2 hours at the pool laying out... in 70 degree weather! And now I have tan lines!!!! The perfect end to a great week! It was WONDERFUL!!!

I'm considering extending the vacation by calling in sick the rest of the week. What do you think? Is that gonna be too obvious?

Try Not to Be Too Jealous!

2010-03-10T15:14:00.000-08:00

In ONE HOUR, I will be leaving for the 2nd happiest place on earth! After spending tomorrow in San Diego, I'll be in Disneyland on Friday and Saturday, where the weather is predicted for a High of 72 and a low of 58. I come back on Sunday.

It's okay. If I weren't going, I would probably hate me too!

Focusing Forward

2010-03-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I get stuck. You know, like you are walking along and step in a big, wet, muddy puddle... and you wade through it, wipe your shoes off, set off walking again, and get a half mile down the path, when all of a sudden you feel that squishy feeling in between your toes that tells you your shoe is wet. You look down to see what appears to be the same puddle getting you gross all over again... And so the pattern continues. You trek forward. Your feet feel wet. Your shoes get ruined. You end up with some nasty blisters.

It gets frustrating; trying to move on, especially when forgetting is not a viable option. And I don't think we're always meant to forget. (Forgive, YES. Forget, I don't think so.)

I generally think of myself as a very hopeful and optomistic person. But it's hard when life gets complicated, not to look backwards and wish things were different. And as soon as you start doing that, it's almost impossible to be happy with the here-and-now.

My mama shared an awesome quote with me today that I felt like was especially applicable. (Don't you love how moms are always in tune with the Spirit and are prompted to offer help you didn't even realize you needed?!?)

This is from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's address at BYU's Devotional in January 2009:

"As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

I like that. "Faith is always pointed toward the future." I guess it's not really the past that I worry about, or even the present... it's the future. And I'm not sure why. The Lord has molded my life in more ways than I can count. And I know His work with me and His plan for me are not done yet. So why feel afraid? Why get upset?

Instead of worrying, I need to have faith in my future; have faith in Him. I need to trust that He knows what I need and that His love will never let me down. He hasn't let me down at any point in the past. He is guiding my present. And He will guide my future.

Remembering that during hard times is like wearing galoshes when you're walking through those puddles!

Anyone else have a quotable raincoat or umbrella I can borrow too?

Presents from Pupils!

2010-03-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

So... I have some amazing students! And this week has been full of thoughtful and unexpected surprises from them!

Monday, the kid who plays Zeke in HSM Jr. brought me creme brulee he had made me (with some help from his mama). Those of you who are familiar with the musical will recognize that this is especially cute since the character Zeke is a jock who secretly loves baking and "dreams of making the perfect creme brulee!" I have to say, bud, you're getting awfully close!!!

Then this morning, one of my students brought me a super cute metal sign that is now stuck to the front of my desk! How perfect! I guess she and her mom found it in Michael's and thought I had to have it! I agree... if I'd seen it myself, I probably would have bought it too!!

How fun to have such wonderful kids! And to be loved enough to get random presents! I LOVE MY JOB!!!

The Wait is Over!!

2010-03-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

The NINE boxes of Girl Scout cookies I ordered have arrived!! And I am VERY happy about that!

Gold's Gym, here I come!

Confession.

2010-03-03T05:47:00.000-08:00

I really can't believe I'm saying this, but I think that I, too, have a little bit of a crush on Justin Bieber! UGH! SO embarrasing!!

He's this 16 year-old singer that all my students are obsessed with. I made fun of him for so long. But last week, my kids burned me a few of his songs and made me listen to them.

Well, one thing led to another, and last night, I found this music video of his... and I watched it and giggled out loud... and now I'm hooked!

I'm thinking this is a sign that I need to spend less time with 12-year-olds!

Haircut Happiness!

2010-02-26T15:00:00.000-08:00

SO.... Wednesday, I got my hair cut and more low lights... and it ended up being quite a bit darker than it was before... I'm thinking that I basically LOVE it like this!!!

Anyone else get a cute cut lately??

Fantastic Family, Pt. 4

2010-02-26T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is the last post about my week with the girls, I promise!!!

So, Friday morning came around, and I was feeling (ahem) a little under the weather. Good thing I had my mama there to take care of me, huh!?!

Since I wasn't able to go to school, and the girls were flying out of Vegas early Saturday morning, we decided the smart thing to do was to go down the afternoon before. So we did!

We stopped at the St. George Temple to show it to Claire & Erin. It's closed for cleaning for 2 weeks, but wanted them to see it anyway! I really think this is a gorgeous temple! Especially when you see it against the red rock!

After our pit stop at the Temple, we headed down to Vegas. Our first stop? The Temple! Yep! That's 2 in 2 hours!! But this time, we did go in and do baptisms, since Claire was with us (and Atlanta's closed for 2 years, so my fmaily has to drive really far to go to one)!

Can we just pause for a moment to appreciate how gorgeous Claire is??

Don't you just wish you could hate her!?! Too bad she's so nice, and smart, and talented... Oh wait! Those are even better reasons!

Next stop: The Stratosphere!! Dad offered to pay for all of us to go on the rides at the top! Mama said no. Erin & Claire did one. And I did both that were open! It was SO high and SO fun! One was like Tower of Terror up on that pointy needle part. The other was like a revolving claw that tips you down towards the ground and then spins you out over the edge of the building. That's the one I did by myself! It was pretty freaky, but totally worth it!

After our adrenaline rush, we went to the Luxor to check into our room! We chilled for a bit and then took off to show Claire the city (she'd never been). We went to one of my favorite joints on the Strip: The Bellagio! Why?? (Do you even have to ask?!?!)

Gelato!!!

Then we watched the fountain show! Still pretty every time!

And then we walked back to the Luxor and got ready for bed! The girls left early the next morning to catch their flights (they hugged me, but I was still half asleep). And I slept in a little bit and then took off to come back home!

On my way, though, I stopped one of the 2 Starbucks in our hotel to get the perfect breakfast: hot cocoa and a chocolate croissant!

A Taste of Heaven!

I was one HAPPY girl!

The whole week was wonderful! I loved seeing my mom and sisters! I loved seeing cousins! I loved sharing my new home and world with the people I love who haven't been here yet! I loved making new memories and taking WAY too many pictures!

Ladies- Thank you for giving up your breaks to be with me! Thanks for spending time away from home, husbands, and friends, and for spending it with me instead! I love you! I am greatful for you! And I am so happy that our family will be together forever! I can't imagine it any other way!

Fantastic Family, Pt. 3

2010-02-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

After brunch at Denny's, we hit the road (yet again) to go back to St. George! On the way, Claire taught me how to crochet! She learned a couple weeks ago and is quite the excellent teacher! (On a side note, I'm almost done with a hat/scarf/mitten set, and will be posting about it soon.)

When we hit town, it was dinner time, so we introduced Claire to the In-famous In-N-Out. (It's more than famous!!) She'd never been before, and it was a success!

After In-N-Out we went to see Valentine's Day. I thought the parts that had Ashton Kutcher or Jennifer Garner (or Taylor Lautner... although I may deny that if ever asked) were good. But on the whole, I felt like it was disjointed and didn't flow enough... Cute enough to watch, though!

Tuesday I had to teach, but we had a fun night planned, so the day went quickly!! First, we had dinner at Cafe Rio (Claire had also never been there). I made her order the pork barbacoa. SO DELICIOUS!!!

Then we went ice skating (also a first for Claire)! I am both pleased and proud to announce that she did not fall at all!!! I wish I could say the same of my first time on the ice! Haha! Evan Lysacek better switch to pairs and pick one of us as a partner!

Mom didn't want to skate (she didn't want her 14-year-old to show her up, I think)... so she was kind enough to take pictures for us!

I LOVE THIS PICTURE OF CLAIRE & I!!

She eventually did skate without holding on to me!

Wednesday, Claire came to school with me! It was fun having her there! My students loved having her too... Especially the boys, who were very quick to point out that some of them are only a year younger than her, and that they're very mature for their ages. Yeah right! But they haven't stopped asking about her since!

For lunch, Mama dropped us off some Jack in the Box tacos, at Dad's request.

Wednesday night, we had my branch additional Relief Society meeting for the month. As the 1st Counselor (and the one over the meetings), I had to go early. Claire was a good sport and went to help me! It was Nail Night, and we both came away looking cute (and oh so girly)!

Claire's toes... I did the flowers!!!

After that, we got milkshakes with Mama and watched the Olympics. Then, about 11pm, when Claire had gone to bed and I was working on grading, Mama decided she had to go to WalMart for something. I was busy enough updating grades that I didn't think twice about it. She came back 45 minutes later with a surprise... ERIN!!! I think they both walked in and I said, "Hey Mom! Hey Erin! .... ERIN?!?!?!?" It was great! And, of course, we felt like a picture was required to mark the occasion!

No makeup, pajamas, retainers, and all!!

It was a wonderful surprise! I had no idea! Erin & Justin had been traveling on their week off, but Justin had to get back to work. So I guess Erin & Mama had planned the whole thing that day! I can't remember the last time all of us girls (and JUST us girls) were together! I loved it!

Fantastic Family, Pt. 2

2010-02-26T10:01:00.000-08:00

So, after the matinee of Chase's play on Saturday, we drove down to Monroe to see some cousins on the other side, the Abbotts!

I've had the priviledge of becoming really close with this family in the past year, or so, and I love them SO much!! Visiting them with Mama & Claire was particularly fun because Greg is Mama's oldest brother and the two of them are hilarious together!!

Sunday was Valentine's Day, and Liz (who is an AMAZING cook) made giant sugar cookies for us to decorate!!

My cousin, Shannon, got engaged a few weeks ago to Preston. They're getting married in August, and I'm so happy for the two of them! Getting to know him that weekend was a blast! He is an amazing guy and will be a great husband for Shannon and a great dad for Riley!! What a keeper!

The Happy Couple

Claire & I

We got to help my cousin, Michael, ask a girl to Prom, by decorating her room... So fun and such a flashback! He had all this princess stuff for her and a poster that said "I'd feel like a king if you'd be my princess at the Prom!" Again, I say, way to go, studly cousins!!

Shannon & I got a little carried away during the decorating!

Glitter-y Goodness!!

Don't you just love this little picture??

Hey, thanks! I took it!!!

On Monday morning, we did a pajama breakfast at Denny's! So yummy and such great company! Hooray for omlettes! And for people willing to go out in public while not "properly" clothed!

Preston & Shannon

Mama, Aubrey, & Aunt Liz

Uncle Greg, Claire, & I

Michael & Preston's little brother

Abbotts, I love you! Thanks for being related to me!!

Fantastic Family, Pt. 1

2010-02-26T09:45:00.000-08:00

I love, love, love trips and visits, and taking a ton of pictures, but I hate how it seems to take forever to load the pics onto my computer, edit them, and then upload and blog about the details of said visits!!! Especially when there's enough to require multiple posts (you have been warned)!

So... without further ado, here's the excitement I've had lately!!

Two weeks ago, Claire had Winter Break, and she and Mama flew out here from ATL to visit me! We had a blast! It was full of fun, food, and a few suprises!!

They flew in Las Vegas and drove up before school ended on Friday, the 12th. As soon as I got home, we jumped in the car and drove up to Bountiful to see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers at Woods Cross High School, where my cousin, Chase, played the lead (Adam)! I LOVED that movie as a kid, and was thrilled that the musical version is also precious!

We didn't think we'd make it, since it's close to a 5 hour drive, and we didn't leave until 2:30pm, but thanks to Mama "Leadfoot" Houghtaling, we pulled into the parking lot at 6:42... 18 minutes before the show started!

Crazy Cousins!

Chase & I... isn't he such a stud!?!

Cole & I... my Valentine 2 years running!!!

Kendall came up for the weekend, which was a suprise!

Claire was embarrassed about getting too close to Chase, so we taught her a thing or two about "kissing cousins!"

Quinn is the best country-dancing partner EVER!!!

We went to the show Friday night and to the Saturday matinee! But Saturday morning, Kendall & I went to run some errands... at one point, I SLAMMED my foot in her car door!!! OUCH!!

She was only a little less than supportive!

It really was so fun to get a chance to catch up with Kendall! She is SO amazing, and as a freshman at BYU, is juggling so much! I admire her "go-get-her"-ness and her love for those around her!

Bottom line... I LOVE THESE SMOOCHIE-WOOCHIE-CAPPELLUCCIS!!! What a wonderful start to my week with the fam!

Ouch!

2010-02-24T08:26:00.000-08:00

How do you end up with something this ugly and painful on your knee without any clue how it got there??

Fire, Fire Burning on the 2nd Floor! Oh-oh-oh-oh!!!

2010-02-08T08:34:00.000-08:00

So... yesterday afternoon was relatively peaceful and relaxing except when interrupted by the sounds of our building fire alarm going off. Sarina and I left our apartment in a very calm, cool, collected manner... we even remembered to grab our laptops, purses, and scriptures on our way out! Yay for getting things that matter!!

The alarm was really loud in our apartment... but outside, it was even LOUDER!!!

When we got outside, we called our apartment's after-hours maintenance line and 911. And then we wait for the fire department to come!

As we waited, we saw a man run in a towel around the edge of the building, see us... and then turn around and run back... we now officially call him Towel Boy! It was pretty funny!

Apparently, a second story apartment on the opposite corner of the building had their sprinklers go off... no real fire... but we got to wait it out outside anyways. We went for a walk to that side of the building and saw water gushing through the walls of the apartment and through the window of the apartment below.

Here's a little bit of the flooding (this was at the beginning... it got MUCH worse before it stopped):

When the fire department came, they finally shut off the sound and the water sprinkler. And we got to go back inside. They were there for about 2 1/2 hours getting the water off and cleaned out.

It was kind of exciting! Especially since none of our stuff got wet or ruined!

Absolutely Smitten!

2010-02-05T21:57:00.000-08:00

... with this gorgeous, GORGEOUS man!!!

SO talented! So handsome! So debonair! So wholesome! So funny! So suave! SO DREAMY!!!

Sigh!

I think I've been in love with Gene Kelly since I was five or six, when I saw Singing in the Rain for the first time... and now, watching it with my roomate tonight, I am convinced. I love him! And his light post... and his yellow rain coat... and his umbrella... and his nerd glasses... and his fedora... and his tap shoes... hhmmm!!

And, FYI, I'm realizing as we watch it tonight something I've never realized before... Gene Kelly isn't sighing, swooning, and singing because of Debby Reynolds... he's doing all of that (and dancing) because he is in love with me! How did I not realize that sooner?

I'm sure we will be very happy together!

P.S. "From where I stand, the sun is shining all over the place!"

One of Those Days!

2010-02-05T12:47:00.000-08:00

What do you do when literally half of your students are absent in one day, thereby making their group rehearsals as planned impossible and pointless?

You do what any good, mature, responsible teacher would do... You play a time-honored game that has remained a popular force for begging throughout the nearly 18 years you've been involved with public education. And you do it on purpose.

Because, as a student, you were denied the opportunity more than you can count, and you understand the awe and respect a child might feel for an adult who does not merely allow such an activity to occur, but demands that the students participate.

And by so doing, you become not only a legend... you become (and I quote), "the BEST and FUNNEST and MOST COOLEST teacher I've ever met!"

Hey, Heads-Up-Seven-Up!! Thanks for raising my awesomeness to a whole new level! I owe you one!!

Allow Me to Introduce...

2010-02-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

...my best friend this week:

Meet Airborne. My love. My hero. My go-to drug. And the reason I just got over this cold in 3 days.

I'll be honest: this stuff doesn't taste too great... but the PINK GRAPEFRUIT flavor is definitely the best!! AVOID orange like the plague!

I was skeptical at first, but a couple teachers and my Aunt Liz insisted I tried it... and now I am a believer!

It's like a monster vitamin that pumps you full of healthiness and, when taken at the first signs of under-the-weather-itis, is sucessful at helping you avoid getting really sick!! Like cheating death... with a little effervescent tablet!

I love you, Airborne! Thank you for helping support my immune system!

What Happened in Vegas...

2010-01-31T17:57:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my roomate Sarina Thomas and I went to Las Vegas. A month ago, we bought tickets to see "The Lion King." So we went down early to do some shopping and eat lunch, and made a whole day of it! The combination of our pre-planned activities and spontaneous additions made yesterday a PERFECT DAY! I can't think of anything I would have changed!

Our first stop in Vegas was to pick up our "Lion King" tickets! Sarina & I decided to take our pictures then, since the lobby was totally empty! I think we got some cute ones!

Next stop: THE BELLAGIO to see their pretty indoor gardens and eat gellato! Yum! Yum! YUM!!! LOVE IT!

Then... we went shopping at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. We decided to get 10 minute massages... and again, LOVED IT!!!

After some shopping, we walked down the strip to the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace. No walk down the strip is ever complete without a sighting of the King!

Again, always looking for photo ops, Sarina & I got some pictures in front of the BEAUTIFUL fountains at Caesar's.

Then we went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. It was phenominal! And my herb-crusted salmon looked so pretty, I just had to take a picture of it!

After lunch, Sarina and I realized we'd be pressed for time if we tried to walk/drive down to Mandalay Bay, where "The Lion King" was. So we took a cab! It was fun, and was made even more exciting by our cabbie constantly talking on his radio AND texting on his cell phone while driving!!!

SHOWTIME!! We had decided to go all out and got the expensive tickets on the 6th row, center aisle! I think it was totally worth it! The show was PHENOMINAL!!

Both of us had seen the show years ago, but I had forgotten just how amazing it was! I cried 6 or 7 times during the show, because of the beauty of it, and the messages I saw within the text and music. It was incredibly moving! And I was really grateful to have been there with Sarina, who as a fellow Drama Queen, also fully appreciated the experience, and cried, giggled, and got goosebumps with me! I can't imagine anyone better to share it with!

Our original plans for the day had ended with "The Lion King," but gratefully, while shopping in the Miracle Mile Shops, Sarina & I had decided to get tickets for the late show of "Phantom" at the Venician. We had a couple hours before that started, SO... instead of leaving to go home, we took another cab back to the Bellagio, where we'd parked, and got a great view of their famous fountain show!

The whole thing was really beautiful, and watching it with the mini-Eiffel Tower in the background, I understood how people find Vegas romantic!

After the water show, Sarina & I walked to our car and drove to the Venetian where we parked and went to pick up our tickets for "Phantom." Once again, we took advantage of the empty lobby to get our pictures in!

We still had quite a bit of time before the show, so we walked around the Venetian a little bit... and finally ate the cheesecake we'd gotten to go from the Cheesecake Factory earlier!

At 9, we went to be seated for "Phantom." Since it was a spontaneous addition to our planned trip, we had bought the cheap tickets for the show. However, when we got there, one of the ushers upgraded us to the EIGHTH ROW, center section!! SO LUCKY!! The theater was renovated for "Phantom" and was spectacular! The chandelier was ENORMOUS, the chairs looked antique, the walls all around were draped in fabric that then was pulled away when the main "DUH! Dun dun dun dun DUH!" theme is played at the beginning of the show! Amazing!

After "Phantom" we drove home, and with the time difference, we got in pretty late! BUT, in a move I find most impressive, both of us girls were on time AND pretty for 9 o'clock church this morning!

What a wonderful day! Yay for girl time! And for loving your roomate! And for delicious desserts! And for fabulous theatre! And for making wonderful memories!

An Overdue Apology

2010-01-25T09:52:00.000-08:00

Dear Long Hair,

I am sorry that I cut you. I know I said I was sick of you, and that I always did you the same way, and that I felt like I'd kept you the same for 10 years and needed a change... but I miss you. It took me almost 6 months to admit it, but it's true. I miss how pretty you looked when I curled you. I miss how shiny you were when you were straightened. I miss throwing you in a ponytail and not needing bobby pins to make you stay.

I am sorry. Please forgive me. And please, please, please, please, please, please, please grow back quickly!

Anne Bogart

2010-01-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

Anne Bogart, a world-famous author, director, and theatre practitioner, was the keynote speaker at the Utah Theatre Conference this past weekend. She is famous for her application of dance techniques to acting, known as Viewpoints. Anne is one of the most influential theatre-practitioners of our time, and has in countless ways, revolutionized the world of theatre. Hearing her speak was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity... and her insight and advice was incredible!

I understand that non-theatre people might not fully appreciate what it means to learn from her, but I felt like her thoughts applied not only to theatre, but to life in general!

Here's what she had to share (sorry if it's hard to make sense of my bullet points):

Follow the pulse!

As an actor and individual, you must follow your own unique impressions and impulses.

Be attentive to that "goosebump factor" and don't ignore it when it comes.

Never talk down to your audience... instead, enlighten them.
Enthusiasm is everything!
When something happens, you must follow it!

Make a mark!

Picasso said: "The first stroke on a page is always a mistake. All the rest are to correct it."
Don't be afraid of that first step.
The French word for "rehearsal" is "repetition."
What are you going to do that is worth watching?
Make a memory!

Watching something literally releases hormones in your brain that create memories...

Create the world you want to live in!

"Theatre is the one art form where the subject is always society."
We must ask the question: Can we get along? How?

We can and must create a model society within our rehearsals.

Theatre (verb): to remember.

Finish the sentence!

The reason for using phrases like "And I was like... You know... Umm..." is political

Thost who can't finish sentences are no threat to anyone.

"Being an artist means being articulate in the face of uncertainty."
"Find your words... The first won't always work out, but some eventually will/"
D. Schwartz said: "In dreams begin responsibilities."

What are you responsible for?

Don't describe yourself in low terms.

Use words that give value to what you do!

Be unreasonable!

Your actions must have some logic, but must be centered on something that seems unreasonably impossible.
"In every action you do, you have to take a leap of faith in the middle of it!"

Don't stop! "Form the experience while you're falling!"

Don't know too much! Allow yourself not to have all the answers!
A character will always be either smaller or bigger than you. Let it be bigger!

You'll expand as a person as you rise to the challenge of filling it.

Resist certainty.
The Steps to Creation are:

Show up.
Pay attention.
Tell the truth.
Don't hang on to what the results are.

Bring attention to where attention is needed!

A director must be the most discriminating and attentive audience a performance will ever have.
The act of watching something changes it.

Observer-created reality... the Cinderella test

The quality of one person's attention affects other peoples' perceptions.
Catharsis (verb): to shine light in dark places

We must select those dark places in the world around us and in life and shine light in order to encourage change.

We must expand the definition of what it means to be human.
Mother Theresa said to Morgan Janess (a director and Anne's friend):

"In my country we have famine of the body. In yours, you have famine of the soul. You must continue doing theatre."

Cultivate attitude!

The German word "halto" means attitude.
We can choose to feed forward (as in jumping up to hit a volleyball) or to feedback (as in our response to something)

Find the balance... Go out and get a sensation back!

We have the ultimate responsibility for our posture/attitude/mood.

We can either poison or make magical any situation.
YOU alone choose your opinion & attitude... IT MATTERS!

May we all have the will to go out and the grace to receive.
Don't look at the world from the middle distance.

Either look too close or too far away.
Pick the right perspective!

3 things required to really make something:

Passion
Something to say
Technique

I left her keynote address feeling so impowered and motivated! I love feeling like you've learned something that requires thought in order to digest it fully! Even now, retyping it to share, I can't help but marvel at her insights! This speech alone would have made the trip worth it! SO glad I went!

Pasek & Paul

2010-01-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

At UTA, I had the chance to meet and work with songwriting duo, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul! These guys are incredible, and are up-and-coming in the theatre world, developing music for tv shows, and being commissioned to create musical adaptations of stories like James and the Giant Peach for Broadway. They were SO great with the kids, and were so fun to work with!

I am now borderline obsessed with their music which can be found and downloaded HERE or watched HERE!

Warning: Some of their lyrics would need to be edited before you sing them.

But the melodies and stories behind their songs are SO refreshing and alive, it's hard not to enjoy them! And it's such an opportunity to meet with people like this who really are making it in the theatre industry, and who in five or ten years will be world-reknown! SO much potential! SO much talent! SO much fun!

And how lucky are these Utah high school students who get to have these experiences as teenagers?!? JEALOUS!!!

Students, Teachers... Student-Teacher.

2010-01-24T17:13:00.000-08:00

I also had the chance to see several of my students from when I student taught at Lehi High School a year ago (I can't believe it's been that long!!) It was SO good to see them, although it made me miss working with them and made me miss my other students who graduated last year and weren't at the conference! How great to see these ones, though! They made such a mark on my heart and in my life, and it was wonderful to relive some old memories and make new ones too!

My mentor teacher, Mindy, and I

My old students!

Paul & I

Mason & Kayli

Favorite Boys!!!

I also got the chance to see some of my old professors... It was wonderful to have the chance to thank them for the many things they taught me... as well as to ask their advice and opinions on some things I'm facing now as a real teacher!

Megan, George, Me, and Shawnda

Amy, Me, and Rodger

If anyone who ever reads this is considering studying Theatre and BYU, I would say DO IT! These wonderful teachers will mentor, support, and enlighten you! They will change your life as they have mine, and you will be so much the better for it!

In short... it was fantastic to see the people who have helped me become the teacher that I am! I love them! And am happy to have worked with them!

Conference & Cousins!

2010-01-24T16:52:00.000-08:00

I just got home to St. George from my trip up to Provo for the Utah Theatre Association Conference this weekend! The 3 day event was WONDERFUL! I learned SO much and feel so re-energized to go back to school and work with my students! I also feel so grateful for a job I don't just like, but am passionate about!

I will share some thoughts about things I learned at the conference once I can locate my notes and such... but for now I'll share some pictures!

In addition to learning about theatre and seeing many old friends/students/professors this weekend, I got to spend time with MANY family members! HOW FUN! I stayed with the Haynie girls (I guess Kendra is the only Haynie and the only one I'm actually related to by blood... the other ones just feel like family). But somehow, Kendra, Francie, Star, Taryn, and I did NOT get a single picture this weekend! BOO!!! Don't know how that happened, but I find it completely unacceptable! I am considering turning back around to remedy the situation! Regardless, though, I can't thank you enough for sharing your apartment, beds, shampoo, and even pajamas with me!

I did, however, get to see Glen, Connie, and Cailey, who I love SO SO SO much! I lived with them last Winter and Summer, and I have missed them VERY much! It was great to visit them, and especially to chat it up with Cailey (who will be 16 in about 2 months... anyone have a cute little brother?!?!?)

Have I mentioned that I love and miss this girl?!? We got so close in the 8 months we shared a bathroom... it's like having another little sister! SO glad we got to catch up!

Last night, I also had a chance to catch up with my Cappellucci cousins, plus Ashlee Prisbrey (who designed my new-and-improved blog, remember?!?) It was a busy night at the Cappellucci house... Kendall was at college, so I did NOT get to see her... Chase took off for Jr. Prom (looking studly, of course), Laurel went to go babysit... Quinn took a long bath and an early bedtime... and Cole & I went on a little date! After the big kids split for their activities, Kathy, Steve, Ashlee, the little boys, and I played a game, and then Cole & I went out! We got home and fell asleep on the Love Sac before nine! How lame of me!

Look how handsome these boys are! Am I lucky or what!?!?!

Laurel just keeps getting more beautiful!

Just LOVE these wonderful role models!

Cole & I ate Chipotle!! YUMMM!!!

I feel so blessed to be part of a tight-knit extended family! I can't imagine not knowing and loving these wonderful people, and I am SO grateful for the support and I love I feel from them on a regular basis! Thank you girls, Haynies, Cappelluccis, and Ashlee, for letting me spend time with you this weekend! I love you!

CrEdiT fOr CuTeNeSs!!!

2010-01-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

Special thanks to my cousin, Ashlee Prisbrey, for designing and creating my new blog template!! Ashlee is SO talented and so generous! And SOOO crafty... check out her cuteness HERE and HERE! I know she spent hours this week doing it for me, on top of an incredibly busy schedule... being a mom, cooking delicious food, adopting a pig, making adorable cakes, etc... I don't know how she does it all and manages to maintain her sanity! I hope I can achieve that same level of generous multi-tasking one day! But in the meantime, I just wanted to thank her, and make sure credit for the new-and-improved cuteness around here goes where it's due!

P.S. Did you notice how cute that signature is?!? Guess who made it... Yep! Ashlee!!

How Did I Not Post This?

2010-01-19T05:48:00.000-08:00

I was editing my school blog this morning and saw this old post and laughed really hard while watching it! I was shocked when I realized I never posted it on my personal blog. So here it is, 5 months late...

This was a suprise performance at our school's opening assembly... my one and only chance to make it in a boy band!

It was AWESOME!!! Coolest moment of my life! Enjoy!

Hooray For...

2010-01-18T07:50:00.000-08:00

checking things off my to-do list
eating brownies with chocolate ice cream
making new friends
getting a pedicure
trusting the Lord
having a clean house
being excited about something
missing my family
getting older
getting wiser
learning new things
remembering old friends
feeling content
being responsible
having dark pink bed sheets
dreaming big
smiling all the way to your ears
loving where I'm at
new beginnings
feeling expecially hopeful
making good, but difficult choices
setting goals
achieving goals
reading a good book
cooking a yummy dinner
knowing who I am
getting a bigger, better perspective
dancing in my living room
prayer
looking at old pictures
helping other people
Disney Scene-It
working out
waking up before your alarm
time to ponder
warmth when the forecast said cold
not needing to know everything
being excited for tomorrow
making plans
bubble baths
going to Disney Land for spring break
wonderful girls
belting in the car
candle-warmers
lazy days
a new pair of jeans
reading the scriptures
lotion
feeling proud of yourself

So many things to be happy about!

Let Your Light So Shine

2010-01-12T22:28:00.000-08:00

So... one of my students posted this comment on my teacher blog!

"Miss Houghtaling ..... you are just so purrty to me i mean there is just sometyhing abot you that shines and pulls the happiness out of me!!!! I may not be in your class but whenever i am around you i have the best time that i could ever have!!!! :)"

There's a legitimate chance this girl is just sucking up for a good part in the musical... but on the chance that she's being completely sincere... YAY!!! It means SO much to get little notes like this from the kids in an email or a sticky note or whatever. So many of these kids are facing some humongous challenges at home and really lack parental support and/or positive role models on top of that. I really feel a huge responsibility for setting a good example in the lives of my students! It's nice to know that they can sense that, even if they can't put it into words!!

In fact, this just made me think of Alma 17:11. "...Be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls."

Some days I think that should read "...Be patient in fourth and fifth periods..."

I've often heard that you can't measure the influence of a mother. Can you measure the influence of a teacher??

I want, more than anything, to be an instrument in the Lord's hands, to become who He wants me to be, and to help these kids! Not so that they can all become Theatre majors or Choir teachers one day... but so they can recognize and seek out the light that "shines" in those around them. So they can surround themselves by uplifting people. So they can make right choices and help others do the same. So they can be happy!!

Right now, I'm feeling very hopeful about that possibility!

I Make Children Cry.

2010-01-12T18:55:00.000-08:00

I just posted the callback list for High School Musical Jr.

I was SO blown away by the amazing talent I saw at auditions... 81 kids showed up! It was fantastic! SUCH a hard choice! I need to cut at least 20 for the show! Good thing I have a few days to decide who and how many!

Callbacks will be held Thursday, and I'll post the cast list Saturday morning!

But in the meantime, let's focus on the fact that I had one kid break down in the middle of his audition, and at least four more break into tears when they walked out the door. Plus however many cried reading the list tonight!

Does that make me a bully? If I make small children cry??

Thoughts For a New Year...

2010-01-09T11:54:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about the love the Lord has for us, and His desire to bless our lives and show us His love. At times, we all struggle to feel His presence and His peace. This can happen for many reasons. Perhaps we may be struggling with temptation, frustration, or even discouragement. How wonderful it is to know, then, that the Lord can help us overcome all of those obstacles, if we let Him.

I'm reading in Alma right now, and learned an important principle... After having persecuted the Church, Zeezrom has a change of heart and desires to repent. Alma goes to visit him, and offers him counsel. "And Alma said: If thou believest in the redemption of Christ, thou canst be healed" (Alma 15:8). The Lord has power to heal all wounds; those inflicted by other people or circumstances, as well as those brought about as a consequence of our own actions. I have gained a testimony of that, particularly in this past year. I know that if we exercise faith in the Atonement of the Lord, we will feel His peace.

As I work to develop my faith in Him, I am able to recognize His love more fully, and am more prepared to heed His invitation. "Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your heart, might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God" (Moroni 10:32).

One of the places I have come to know and love the Lord more fully is in the temple. As I have prepared to worship there, and am diligent in doing so, I really do come to know Him. Through that experience, I have gained a testimony that His grace is sufficient for me. It is enough not only to save us from our sins, but from our discouragements as well. As I am able to recognize His hand in my life in that way, I find it impossible to deny His power!

I love the Lord! I am grateful for the blessings He extends to me on a daily basis. The past year has been the most difficult AND most wonderful I've had so far. And I love the peace that comes from knowing that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, and who gave His Son for my sake. As I look to this new year, I do so with an increased desire to come to know Him, and a heart full of peace and hope.

In fact, a la my cousin Lindsey, I have selected "hope" as my word of the year for 2010. It's a word that I will try to focus on throughout the year... Here's what it means and why I picked it:

hope:

1. the feeling that events will turn out for the best.

2. a person or thing in which expectations are centered.

3. To wish for something with confident expectation of its fulfillment.

4. To have confidence; place trust.

5. the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help.

Support!

2009-12-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

So... all week in Choir, we've been discussing the importance of supporting our sound, using our diaphram, and sustaining our breath.

Yesterday in 5th Period, I sang a song for my students to illustrate that point. When I was finished, we had this conversation:

Student #1: "That was good because you held that last note really loud and really long!"

Me: "Thank you! Now, how was I am able to do that?"

Student #2 (let's call him Albert): "Because you had good breast support!"

Me: "Excuse me?!?"

Albert: "Breast support. You know... your breasts were supported!"

Me: "Um..."

Student #3: "Dude! She's our teacher!! Quit talking about her bra!"

Me: "Albert, did you mean BREATH support?"

Albert: "Breath? ...Breath? I THOUGHT YOU SAID BREAST!!!"

Needless to say, it took the 50 of us well over ten minutes to calm down. Seriously the funniest teaching moment I've had to date! I laughed so hard I cried... And then my Principal laughed so hard HE cried when I told him this morning, just in case some mom called in upset because her kid heard the words "bra" and "breast" in class!

I can only imagine what that poor little boy has been thinking all week... 'Man! I'll NEVER be a good singer! I've got no chance at all!'

And I'm also a little bit worried about how this kid's gonna live that down within the next 6 years of public education... There's no way his peers are gonna forget something that good!!

On a side note, half of the faculty have come up to me today to either compliment or thank me for my "support"!! Funny stories travel fast!

Moral of the story: Next time you teach twelve-year-olds, make sure that you, too, have good support! You just never know!

HSM Jr. Announcement!

2009-12-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

SO... for our musical, we are doing High School Musical Jr!

I announced it to the kids today, with the help of our art teacher. We decided the best, most fun way to announce it would be to sing/dance a song from the show. Which we did. And they LOVED it!! It was totally obnoxious, and therefore, totally fabulous!

CLICK HERE to watch the video of it! (It is totally worth visiting the extra webpage!!)