Cory and McKenzie

More Wedding Pics from our Photographers Blog

2011-08-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

Our photographer put some wedding pictures on her blog. She's amazing and you can link to her website/pricing/other projects too!
http://ewaphotography.blogspot.com/2011/08/mckenzie-cory-wedding.html
Thanks Erin!

Wedding Pictures

2011-07-25T18:58:00.000-07:00

Wedding Pictures are Here!

2011-07-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

Our wedding pictures are here...but we're running around doing stuff. When we get a second we'll post more!

Fourth of July & Nicklecade

2011-07-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures chronicling our life since the Fourth of July!

Cory and I helped Mike and Charisty at the West Jordan Stampede!

I made a cake for our Fourth of July BBQ!

Cory making hamburgers for the BBQ!

Our new washer and dryer was delivered on the Fourth too! Thanks Grandma Lynne & Grandpa Craig and everyone who gave us cash for the wedding! We love them!

Cory's parents and brother at the BBQ

Cory grilling and Mike hanging out.

Mike and Charisty enjoying the weather.

Dane caught a butterfly!

Cory and the boys playing frisbee.

Dane and Mom happy to be here!

Our ward had a crockpot cookoff contest. I won the dessert section and helped the girls take the victory! For my prize I got a hex wrench set! Whoo hoo!

Cory and I went to Nicklecade for a date night!

Cory likes the taxi driver game!

He won the jackpot!!

I've always wanted to drive a semi--but the game was broken!

Cory playing the Star Wars game!

We're loving being married!

Ultimate Crime Fighting Team

2011-07-19T09:28:00.001-07:00

My sister in law posted her Ultimate Crime Fighting Team and she posted Cory and I's too!
http://francisismycar.blogspot.com/2011/07/ultimate-crime-fighting-team.html

Almost 3 Weeks

2011-07-01T10:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I've been married for almost three weeks! The temple was beautiful and the carnival was everything I had ever hoped it would be! Also, Cory surprised me at our rehearsal dinner by having skype hooked up so I could talk with my grandparents in Cambodia. It was such a wonderful gift!

I couldn't stop crying! Here's a few more photos from our wedding day bliss!

We had to make 500 cupcakes!

Coming out of the temple! Oquirrh Mountain Temple is beautiful!

My and my besties!

Mike conducted a ring ceremony for us and our family who couldn't be in the temple with us.

going down the blow-up slide!

Yummy snow-cones!

cutting the cake

Leaving for our honeymoon!

I'll post more pictures as we get them! Yay for married life!

Wedding Prep

2011-05-08T21:26:00.000-07:00

Whew, what a crazy couple of weeks! My student teacher finished working in my classroom which is so sad! I got so much done with her there and now I'm scrambling. Soleil is an amazing teacher and has become such a good friend! Last week I had my bachelorette party at El Toro Viejo. It was so much fun! I'm grateful for good friends like Stephanie, Janalyn and Crista for throwing the party! I got some fun gifts including a week-long honeymoon kit from Morgan which was hilarious!

This weekend Morgan graduated from USU. I'm so proud of her! She received Most Outstanding Senior for the Health Education Department--she totally deserves it! We also packed up my apartment except for my bedroom and my parents took it down to Salt Lake. Morgan was able to set her stuff up and now the apartment is hers! That makes everything feel like it's coming! One month, three days till the wedding. I CAN'T WAIT!

Apartment Hunting...and yes, it felt like hunting!

2011-04-19T08:55:00.000-07:00

Cory and I found a place to live! I could not be more relieved. Here is a little run-down of how our apartment hunting went.
I scoured ksl.com and other online sites to find appropriate appartments in our price range. Then I transferred each apartment/house to a 3x5 notecard complete with a section for ratings. Ratings would go from 1-5 in the areas of location, kitchen, bathroom, cost and overall. I sorted these notecards by zipcode and address to make our hunting easier. Then we had to wait until a weekend when the weather wasn't awful to drive around the Salt Lake valley.

So finally the weekend came. Cory had to go to a service project for a class so we decided that I would take the west side of the valley and look at apartments there. Ugh, how awful. First off, I am so spoiled living in Logan. My apartment is huge considering what I pay for it, which is very reasonable! So in looking at all the other places the only thing that kept running through my head was too small, too expensive, too grimy, bad location. I'm so picky. The only place I really liked was in subsidised housing and because I have a degree and a full time job and Cory works too, we make too much money to live there.

Cory finished up at the project and I picked him up to continue looking. We searched downtown, Sugarhouse and Midvale. Nothing I liked. One place smelt so badly of cat pee I thought I would die. Another place that was okay on price and location was so tiny! I felt very dejected. Cory was sweet and let me pick where we had lunch so we went to my favorite--Paradise Bakery! After my favorite salad and a sandwich and, I admit, two cookies, I was ready to go again. No luck.

My dad had heard of a condominium that would be for rent soon through one of his employees. We called the guy but didn't hear back. Finally, we gave up. We decided to try again once the wedding was closer. But I was so stressed out about it. I wanted a for sure place to live so I didn't feel like I was in limbo. We went back to Cory's house. Then Cory's phone rang. It was the landlord for the condo. He and Cory talked for a good 10 minutes and we decided to go over and see the apartment (my dad had given us the wrong address before). When we walked in, it felt perfect! Good sized family room, the kitchen wasn't too small. There was room for a stacking washer/dryer, 2 beds 2 baths and a little balcony. And best of all, the current tennant was moving out May 15 so we could move in two weeks later.

Cory and I loved it, but we decided to say a prayer to make sure this was the place for us. We drove back to his house, got on our knees and Cory prayed. We received the confirmation that this was the place for us. Cory called the landlord and he said the place was ours! No crazy applications or background checks since he knows my dad!

I am so relieved! The location is great, Cory can get to the U in 20 minutes and it's central enough for wherever I get a job (that's the next big stressor!). Now it's all in the waiting, and packing. Yuck.

Engagment Pictures

2011-04-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been crazy since Cory and I got engaged. Wedding plans are going so well! We're having a CARNIVAL instead of a reception which is super exciting! Cotton candy, bounce houses, popcorn and other carnival games!

I just got our engagement photos so I thought I'd post some. We took them at Lagoon which was such a fun experience. We took pictures in the morning and rode rides all afternoon!

June 11, 2011

2011-03-18T15:15:00.000-07:00

I'M GETTING MARRIED! On June 11, 2011, I get to marry Cory Robinson in the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple. I am so excited I cannot even stand it! We are having a carnival celebration instead of a reception so that means no dressing up and boring lines! We're having cotton candy and popcorn and BOUNCE HOUSES! It is going to be amazing! Cory and I have known each other for 2 1/2 years, but started dating more seriously in December. I am so in love with him and have been blown away by my feelings for him! Cory picked out the ring all on his own--here's a picture!

December-January

2011-02-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

I am such a horrible blogger. The holidays screwed me all up. Here are the updates-Reader's Digest version:

1. Thanksgiving was held at my house this year. Well, let me rephrase that--we had Thanksgiving at my APARTMENT. Everything went well except for me getting bronchitis and having to go to the hospital Thanksgiving morning.

2. December flew by with me being packed at school and getting ready for Christmas. Santa was good to me this year and brought me a new luggage set. It's so cute and is perfect for my travelling needs.

3. I loved spending time with my family over Christmas but it was really hard to be away from my grandparents. Luckily we got to talk with them over Skype. It was hard not to be able to give them a hug but we had a good time talking. They even sent us presents from Cambodia! I got a beautiful purple silk purse!

4. For New Year's, my cousin Jordan and his wife came over and we made candy sushi and watched a movie. Here's a picture of our super cute sushi.

5. I was able to go ice fishing with some friends. I was the first one to catch a fish! :-) It was freezing but really fun. And I brought a date which was even better!

Catch Up

2010-11-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

So I haven't blogged since September. I'm a slacker. So here's the readers digest version.

1. Got a calling in church. I'm one of the ward organists. I love Sunday callings.

2. I went sky diving. Yes, sky diving. Falling 120 miles per hour--AMAZING!

3. School is crazy, but it's better than being bored with my job.

4. Halloween! I was Kat Von D. Smokin' hot if I say so myself. Ha ha!

5. I love spending time with my sister! Favorite night this last few months was the night when we went to the store and bought whatever we wanted and ate it all for dinner. Bacon, cinnamon rolls, garlic bread, lemondade/pepsi, apples and dip. Sounds gross but was delicious!

6. I caught up with an old friend that I haven't seen in 7 years! It was really nice!

Following the leader

2010-09-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

So I decided to take my good friend Blake's advice and write myself an encouragement letter. I'm hoping it inspires some of you to do the same; it seems to be quite insightful. Here it goes:

Dear McKenzie Rae:

Congratulations! You have made some great strides this last month. You started back to school and didn't cry for a whole two weeks! You're eating more fruits and veggies and trying to cut out the sweets. Way to go on deciding to go sky diving and inviting a cute boy to go with you to boot!

For the next month, get back into the exercising mode. You loved doing that this summer and although school is crazy, take some time for you. Get involved in your ward and try to be friendly. Also, READ YOUR SCRIPTURES EVERY DAY!! No excuses. Cut back on the TV.

Don't be so hard on yourself. Take everything one day at a time and rejoice in the good moments. Laugh. A lot. Don't forget to email grandma & grandpa to tell them how much you love them and send them pictures! Save your money for Cambodia and New Zealand.

Keep thinking about grad school. Make some plans but don't be afraid to change them. Never pass up an opportunity.

Text Morgan funny quotes and Blake horrible fashion mistakes and always call your mom with the funny things your students say.
Love, me.

My Five

2010-09-05T18:38:00.000-07:00

So my family has this quirk. We each have a list. This list contains five people that we can abandon all morals for. Inappropriate, maybe. Hillarious, yes. I was talking to my sister last night, discussing our "five," and I thought, I should share this. It's funny, it's odd, it reveals a lot about me. So here it is:

The first man on my list will ALWAYS be number one. While others may float in and out of the rankings, Michael Vartan will always hold me in his grasp. No questions. Want to know why?

Yum. I'm thinking about becoming a Mets fan just because of this picture.

Man number two, Jensen Ackles. Supernatural is a great show because of his smokin' bod and great wit. He makes my heart burn. And no, it's not indegestion.David Boreanaz is beautiful. I watch Bones reruns just to watch him. I'll admit, I've even watched a few episodes of 'Angel' just to stare at him.

Next: Cory Monteith. So hot. Amazing voice. Great story.

And last but not least, Joel McHale. He's hilarious and he's sexy. If you haven't seen Community, you should watch it. The Soup is also a personal fav.

That's it. Those are the men I am enamored with. Infatuation doesn't even describe it. So now I ask you, who are your five?

It got better.

2010-08-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday got better. For me. My awful luck spread to my sister. Her car ran out of gas...at a four way stop.

My Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day

2010-08-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

I'm challenging Alexander for his terrible horrible no good very bad day. Here it is:

1-Woke up late for Zumba. So I rushed around the house like a mad woman brushing my teeth while washing my face and slipping my gym clothes on.
2-As I'm rushing out the door I can't find my keys. I know there around somewhere but I don't have time to scour my house for them. So I grabbed my spare set from my secret hiding place and run out the door.
3-I arrive at Zumba only slightly behind and proceed to jump in to the first dance. Halfway through I trip. Over myself. Because I am not coordinated. It doesn't help that there are mirrors in the room so I'm sure everyone saw me. But I suck it up and keep going.
4-I run home so I can get showered and finish up some things for a meeting I have with the district director of special education. I grab my keys and while proceeding to open my door I realize that my spare set of car keys doesn't have my house key. Great. Hopefully I was in such a rush I didn't lock my door. No such luck. It's locked. This reminds me I need to work on my B&E skills.
5-I reach into my purse to call my sister who has my spare house key. Oh, wait for it....NO PHONE! It's in the house. With my house key.
6-I drive up to campus to see if my sister is home. She's not. I drive to the Lundstrom center and find her car. But she's in a massive meeting and I can't see her through the crowd of people. And I'm not about to walk in and search for her as I look like a sweaty and red from embarassment and lack of oxygen. So I wait. For 20 minutes. I decided to leave a note on her car which read:
HELP! I'm locked out of my apartment. Please come rescue me. I'll be camped out at home. Love your stupid sister.
7-I figure her meeting will be going for a little while so I head to the library to pick up the books I have on hold. I'm too late, they've returned most of them to the shelves or given them to other people. This is just the icing on the cake. I try to hold in my tears as I search for some new books. And as I do I run into someone who was roommates with my ex and didn't like me much. Great. He sees me all nasty. I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but it rubs me wrong all the same.
8-I find some books and head home. It's too cold from all the darn rain to sit out and read so I sit in my car. For 2 hours. And I'm starving. I wanted to go ask my neighbors to borrow their phone, but one set was out and the other apartment houses an oriental woman who avoids me at all costs and has not spoken to me since I moved in over a year ago.
9-Finally my neighbors came home, and gratefully my sister picked up when I called her. I picked up my keys and got into the house.

My day sucked. All before 1:00. If it doesn't get better, I'm not getting up tomorrow.

Shark Week

2010-08-01T13:17:00.001-07:00

Discovery channel has a drug called Shark Week. You sit down thinking that you'll watch for a few minutes and the next thing you know, the couch is molded to your body and your eyes are flitting back and forth watching out for sharks. And it's not just for one day...but a whole week- hence the name Shark Week. I love it.

There are some very odd facts that are presented in shark week. It never hurts to soak up useless information or watch insane people. Here are some of my responses to the interesting information and exhibits of ridiculousness I have observed.

-- "There have been 125 documented unprovoked attacks [in this area]. There have also been 78 provoked attacks. I'm going to provoke the bull sharks and see what happens." Seriously- why would anyone provoke a shark? Let's get some chopped tuna and wave it around in front of me while I'm NOT in a cage just to see what happens. Smart. No wonder you're a marine biologist that is on TV, you couldn't get a respectable job anywhere.
-- Bull sharks have a testosterone level of 900. The average male has a testosterone level of 40. Men, let the envy begin.
-- Flapping your feet like a seal is never a good move. Especially in murky water. You don't have to be a genius to figure that out.
-- "I decided to go for a sunset swim by myself." When you hear that on a shark-week show, you know what's coming.

However, the survival stories are amazing. And most of the people are eager to get back in the water once they've healed. I'm enthralled by the awesome power of these animals. Great Whites are like rockets that can hit you with a two-ton force. Some sharks can even lower the salt water levels in their bodies to migrate to different waters. Although I'm not eager to jump in the water where sharks are known to hang out, I'm happy to watch their majesty from the comfort of my own home.

Beware of Cardboard

2010-07-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Enough said...well, shown.

Seattle

2010-07-27T18:15:00.001-07:00

Seattle was great...long...but great. I was able to go to the Summer Institute at Morningside Academy, a lab school started by Kent Johnson. While I didn't spend much time in the school in the first week, I was able to work in a classroom the second week. With my group of fellow teachers, we were able to visit Pike Place Market, go up the Space Needle and some of us went to Victoria, British Columbia for a side trip! Here are some pics of the trip. Getting ready to eat at the Crab Pot

This lady drew the Mona Lisa with CHALK!

Hanging out in China Town in Victoria, BC. We took a pedicab tour!

Feeding a peacock! They love peanuts.

You get 15 seconds to laugh...

2010-06-30T20:21:00.000-07:00

So I went to the Eclipse premier with Janalyn and some of her other girlfriends. I have to admit it was really fun! Janalyn's friend rented out the ENTIRE theatre! And she had a party beforehand! You get 15 seconds to laugh at my silliness of going to the midnight showing.

We went to the Beehive Grill for some dinner before heading to the party where we got our pics taken with...

It was fun to be a silly girl for a night!

Also, this last weekend my family went to Miller Motor Sports Park. My brother works there so we get a deal! We had fun hanging out with the family and watching trucks flip around.

However, I do have a question...what is the deal with the oversized beer cans? Don't they come in regular sizes anymore? I was enthralled with the culture at the races, and a big part was the beer. My sister was really angry at the guys speeding around on their golf carts with their many oversized cans. I thought it was interesting how everything in our culture is getting bigger and bigger. Soon people will be carrying around gallon-sized beer cans and no one will bat an eye.

Running from Justice

2010-06-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

So there used to be a show on Fox called Prison Break. When I had my wisdom teeth removed, we rented the first season to keep me occupied and I was hooked! I watched the following seasons with a ferver only fellow fans could appreciate. Alas, the show is no longer on television, but Netflix has made my dreams come true by putting the seasons online for me to watch to my hearts content.

However, there is one drawback to my refound love. Whenever I hear sirens, I feel as if I am a fugitive running away from the law. When I'm driving at night, I'm consistently looking over my shoulder to see if a black SUV is following too closely. I'm determined to make my way to Panama where I can live with my family free of worry. My heart races when the doorbell rings and I'm constantly thinking what my next move will be. Then I realize...

McKenzie, you live in Logan. You teach special ed and have never committed a crime short of a traffic violation. Calm down. But it's these bad boys that make me rush for my computer to watch the next episode and when you look at them, I'm sure you'll start acting foolish, just like me.

Carnival Night

2010-06-16T21:06:00.000-07:00

So every Wednesday a group of us meet together for a 'themed' dinner. We've done Mexican, Crepe-night, and tonight was CARNIVAL NIGHT! My cotton-candy machine inspired the theme and we had a ton of fun. We had hot dogs, soft pretzals, popcorn, balloons, nachos, raspberry lemonade, cotton candy, and churros. It was delicious!

And, to top it all off, a girl taught us how to breathe fire! Here is a clip of me breathing just a little bit of fire. But I'm determined to get better at it!

Trying to stay busy.

2010-06-12T20:05:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to stay busy! Here are a few photos of what I have been up to lately.

My surprise birthday cake at David and his roommates BBQ.

I sewed a pillow for a girl in my ward.

My family came up for my birthday. We used my cotton-candy machine my parent's bought me.

My cousin stayed the weekend with me and we sewed her an apron!

My cousin, Jordan, got married! This is my family at the temple and he and his beautiful bride.

I also started my micropigmentology training! I've been practicing away and I start applying on models next week. Institute starts and I'm glad to start getting busy!

How cute is this?

2010-06-03T09:20:00.000-07:00

So I've decided to become better at sewing this summer. Look what I made!

Cute huh?

Why, oh why?

2010-06-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

So I'm determined to get in shape. I don't have much else to do this summer, so I'm trying to hit the gym daily and eat healthier. It's true that teachers have the worst eating habits; andI'm trying to change my patterns now while I have time so hopefully the habit will continue come fall.

As I've been at the gym more often than usual, I've discovered something that distrubs me. Boys. If you could answer this question for me, I'd be extremely grateful. Why do you find it necessary to wear skater shoes, Vans or anything besides athletic shoes to the gym. There is no way that those shoes provide any type of support as you are running on the treadmill, grunting under huge weights or strutting through the gym. It it too much to put on a pair of Nike's? I promise, no one will think of you any less of a 'home-boy' or a bad-A. Please, someone, end my confusion and tell me why, oh why, boys are determined to work out in untied shoes.

School's Out for Summer!

2010-05-27T19:42:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it! School is out! Today was my last day and as I left the classroom I felt so weird. I was so glad everything was done for the year; anxious to start again next year; and sad that it's over at the same time. I can't believe it! I am no longer a first year teacher! Next year will be even better (the smart-board I'm getting is a nice perk too!)

Also, drum roll please...I'm starting my micropigmentology classes on the 9th whoo hoo! Check out my other blog to learn more about it if you haven't already!

I'm excited for the summer to start, to study for the GRE, take my classes, go to SEATTLE, and spend some time fishing and working on little projects.

Celebrate with me... School's Out for Summer!

Spring Break

2010-04-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

So it has taken me ages to get my pics from spring break up, but here are some of them! Chelsea, Blake and I had a blast in Disneyland. It was so much fun to take someone who had never been before (Chelsea). The new Toy Story ride is AMAZING!!! It was definetely worth the wait. Blake and I went to Disneyland two years ago, and I hope I get to go in two years again! By then, the "Cars Land" will be open and so with "Ariel's Undersea Adventure" not to mention the cool water/laser/color show in California Adventure.

I love Disneyland! I truly think it's the happiest place in the world! No matter your race, religion, marital status or anything else, Disneyland makes you kind to everyone else who is there enjoying their time as much as you are. I think if everyone just took a trip to Disneyland once in a while, we've have a little less contention in our lives. And hey, if world leaders had a character breakfast with Mickey and the gang, maybe there would be a little less war.

Here is Tigger and I! We were so lucky to catch him!

Wearing silly ears! Blake was the only one who bought his though.

Enjoying some grub at the Blue Bayou (Pirates of the Carribean)

The chicken gumbo was amazing as was my blackened salmon. YUMMY

Another Blog

2010-04-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

Check out my new blog for my new adventure! http://allmadeupbymckenzie.blogspot.com
I am beginning my journey toward learning how to do permanent cosmetics. Check my blog out for information about permanent cosmetics as well as how to sign up to be a model!

A random and yet hilarious train of thought...

2010-03-15T17:58:00.001-07:00

So yesterday I was watching a little television in my room. A commercial came on for a pregnancy test claiming that 1 in 4 women misread a pregnancy test.

Thought #1: How can you misread a pregnancy test. One line not pregnant, two lines pregnant. If the lines are fuzzy then your test isn't accurate. It's not that you misread it, you can't read it. If you misread it, you must be blind. Which led to...

Thought #2: How DO blind women take pregnancy tests? Do they make auditory ones that say "Pregant" or "Not pregnant." Do you tell it beforehand whether you want to be pregnant or not so that the voice sounds chipper when you get what you want? Or do they make tests that vibrate once for not pregnant twice for pregnant--but no, that would me VERY messy. What about pregnancy tests in braille...again, messy.

While this may be a little politically incorrect...I thought it was a funny train of thought.

And if any of you can answer my question- Do they make pregancy tests for the visually impaired? Let me know!

Indian Food

2010-01-16T09:22:00.001-08:00

So when I was in New Zealand I found a new favorite food--Butter Chicken! It's amazing! So I brought home some packets to make it and finally found some people brave enough to try my Indian cooking. It turned out really well! I made butter chicken, rice and Naan bread. I've never made Naan bread before but it tasted great! (It was a little thick, and I baked it a little too long, but it was edible and enjoyable!)

Before and after adding tomato paste water and sour cream.

My homemade Naan Bread! I added garlic---yummy!

Basking in the glory of my successful meal! I only have three chairs and there were four of us, so we truly Indian-styled it and sat around my coffee table cross-legged.

David contemplating my cooking. After eating I got a huge thumbs-up!

New Bathroom

2010-01-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

So Janalyn and I finally got around to adding some color to my bathroom. We polka-dotted my walls with vinyl and added a fun quote by Jennifer Garner. It says "Beauty comes from a life well lived. If you've lived well, your smile lines are in the right places, and your frown lines aren't too bad."

My curtains aren't quite done yet, but you get the idea!

I also added some vinyl to my bedroom...

I just love making my home 'mine!'

Two more days.

2009-12-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

So there are only two more school days before Christmas Vacation. Can I just say how grateful I am it is here. The kids are getting restless, I'm getting restless and we all need a break. I'm so grateful I get to go to my parent's to celebrate Christmas with the whole family. My grandparents are opening their second mission call this week and I can't wait to find out where they are going to serve the Lord...again! :)

On Tuesday, I'm going to have my own little Christmas party in my class. I usually don't get to have Holiday-style parties or do the general 'fun' activities students do in their regular classes, but I'm going to be a bit selfish and have our own Holiday celebration. We are going to read a Christmas story and have Tim-Tam-Slams. I'm going to bring my Coco-Motion and make Milo for the kids and show them the joys of a Tim-Tam-Slam. I'm so excited that Pepperidge Farm is not making my favorite biscuit from New Zealand! The package says "Australia's favorite cookie" but it's New Zealand's too!

I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and is safe during their travels!
All my love!

Reader's Digest Version of My Life

2009-11-17T16:45:00.000-08:00

Now that I finally have internet and I've set up my router, I should start blogging again. I've never been extremely faithful doing it in the past, but I'm going to try to get better.
Reader's Digest Version of the Updates in My Life:

First lump of school is over with. The honeymoon phase of the first year of teaching is officially over. Being a teacher is hard. There, I've said it.
Talked to Darnie on the phone! I MISS NZ!
Started physical therapy for my 'catcher's knees.' It's more like physical torture!
Got the swine-flu shot. Yay for Cache County School District!
Decorated cookies with David for Halloween
Went on a couple dates.
Threw a bachelorette party for Crista!
Downloaded Skype so I can talk to Darnie and Nga
Finally bought me a DVD/VHS player.
Returned the DVD/VHS player that didn't work
Finished physical therapy (as long as Janalyn and I continue to go to the gym!)
Got a cold.

That's about it. My life isn't too exciting right now other than school, but that's kind of nice all the same. I'd post some pics if I could, but something is wrong with my blog. I'll try again later.

p.s. Visit my good friend Jaci's blog: jacisjuicy.blogspot.com She makes the CUTEST hats ever! Need a fun gift idea--get a hold of Jaci!

Bugs

2009-09-12T15:58:00.000-07:00

So I'm bumming internet off the university because this summer I was too poor to buy it and now I'm too busy to get it. I'm sitting outside the Natural Resources Building and I feel something creepy on me. IT'S A HUGE SPIDER! Monstrous! With a white spot on it's back! So I scream a little, luckily no one was around, and I flip my shoe off and the spider goes flying. Upon further inspection I see a swarm of ants eating what looks like a fry or a dried up apple slice. I keep looking for the spider so I can kill it and then I think that I invaded his space. And it's a little awful for me to think about killing something outside of the natural resources building. Sort of hypocritical. Then I see the spider again. This thing is fast and scary! And the ants are EVERYWHERE! I'm amazed that they all work together and totally creeped out at the same time. I want to move...but then I'd have to move all my stuff and I'd feel like a pansy all scared of nature. I've got the heebies. That's it...I'm moving.

My First Teaching Job

2009-08-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

So I'm two weeks in to teaching and all is going well. It's crazy and stressful but I'm doing great. I'm taking things one day at a time and I'm learning patience with myself. I appreciate my family and friends so much--they have been so helpful to me. Especially when I have to call and talk about my day since everything is so crazy. I'm redoing my schedule yet again and I really hope I won't have to change it too much again.

It's great feeling like an adult. I have my own medical, dental and renter's insurance and all my bills are in order. So although I hate having to pay bills, it's great knowing I'm an adult. :) Living by myself is a little lonely, but Morgan and I are still hanging out a lot. I miss seeing her everyday but I know she is having such a fun time being a peer mentor.

I went to my cousin's wedding last night and it was so beautiful. He and his wife were married outdoors on a golf yard overlooking Utah County. It was beauriful and I wish them all the best. They are going to work toward getting married in the temple and I hope and pray that happens for them. I know they'll get there. Love you Wyatt and Alma!

Palm Pilot Madness

2009-08-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

So...my palm pilot wasn't working with my new computer so I did an online chat with Palm Support and guess what---the Zire 31 doesn't work with the 64-bit Vista. Dumb, huh? So they said I either have to downgrade my operating system (stupid) or upgrade to a smartphone. Then I have to pay the data system and sign another 2-year contract with AT&T. So I'm mad. Ugh.

2 more weeks!

2009-08-03T09:55:00.000-07:00

I have two more weeks to get my classroom together before I have to start school! It's crazy to think how fast this summer has gone by. Morgan moves out this week which I'm so sad about. It will be a big adjustment not having her home when I get home, but I know that she's making the right choice with taking the Peer Mentor job and moving on campus. She's going to be amazing and I'm jealous I'm not in her FIG. :)

Wednesday and Thursday Janalyn, Jami and I are going to a Special Education Law Conference in Ogden which will be good to brush up on our skills before school starts.

It's also my dad's birthday on Wednesday! He's so amazing and I am so grateful he's such a big part of my life. Saturday we went golfing with my brother and he gave me a bunch of tips to work on my game. We all went shooting later that evening and I am so grateful that he likes to do activities with us and is always teaching us new things. Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you!

4th of July

2009-07-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

I know this is late in coming--but I finally got my new laptop so I can blog away and add pictures! This is a collage of the pics over the 4th of July with my family. It is a Lerdahl family tradition to go to the drive-in over the 4th and the movies we usually see during this time are absolutely horrible. This time we saw Year One and Land of the Lost. Stupid and gross. Don't see them. But it's fun to go all the same. Morgan and I laid in the back of the truck on an air mattress while Mom and Dad enjoyed the lawn chairs.

The next day, Mom, Dad, Morgan and I drove to Delta to visit the Topaz Internment Camp site. (Dane was at the cabin with friends till later that afternoon). It was a long drive but we had fun. For those of you who don't know, during WWII, Japanese-Americans from around the United States were relocated to different internment camps, one of them being Topaz in Delta. Sound familiar? Yes, it's not unlike what the Germans did, however the Japanese-American's weren't forced to work. They were forced to leaved their homes and live in cramped shacks in the boiling hot summers and freezing winters of central Utah with no explanation other than it was "for their protection against angry citizens." We know it was also to prevent any attacks from the Japanese on American soil. However, not one case of espionage was ever found among the Japanese-Americans and many of their brave sons faught in the war. The 442nd RCT and 100th Battalian which was made up entirely of young Japanese-American boys went on to become the United States' most highly decorated combat unit in it's history. Sadly, not enough has been done to memorialize this camp to those who suffered persecution in a free land. I'd love to donate my time to make it a place where people come to learn about these brave people beyond the small placards and bare wasteland. As one of the placards says, "The memory of Topaz remains a tribute to a people whose faith and loyalty was steadfast--while America's had faltered."

After our enlightening trip, we brightened up the day with a barbeque outside and watched a movie together as a family. It was great to spend time with one another and learn about a part of our nation's history on its Independence Day!

Shopping with my Mom and Sister

2009-07-02T20:15:00.000-07:00

So my favorite thing in the world is spending time with my mom and sister. We are such good friends and have a blast hanging out with one another. Morgan and I came home for the 4th of July weekend and when we got home, our mom was ready right away to head out shopping. First we stopped at the bank and while we were in there, it started raining. In about 15 minutes, Stansbury Park got almost an inche of rain! It came down in sheets! We ran to the car in it and afterwards felt like we'd taken a shower. We hit the mall and had so much fun checking out the shops. We haven't done that in a long time and it was special to spend time together. I got some cute clothes and a ring and of course had a Mrs. Field's cookie.

p.s. Thanks to Blake for giving Morgan and I his free scoops of ice cream at Farr's during our trip down. It helped the long drive and who doesn't love cherry chocolate chip?

Last Weekend

2009-06-29T19:08:00.001-07:00

I'm working so much lately! In fact I'm at work right now...on overtime. But this last Friday/Saturday I got to do Night on Campus. It's an activity where students who are checking out living on campus can spend the night at the LLC and do activities with other people and our staff. It usually is an okay experience, but this time it was a blast. It's amazing to me how a small group of people can influence a larger group of people just by being crazy excited. A group of guys at Night on Campus made everything so much fun and I'm glad I met them. Kaitlyn, Morgan and I are going to go down to SLC tomorrow to hang out with them again. Be prepared for crazy stories when we're done!

Shopping Spree

2009-06-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Since I'm now an 'adult' and I have a real job coming up in the fall, I decided I needed some new clothes for my wardrobe. Being in college put a tight pinch in my ability to buy new clothes as often as I needed them, but I received some money for taking a teacher math test and I went shopping last night. First off-my butt is huge. Second, most clothes make me look pregnant. But after 3 hours of shopping at Kohl's (my favorite place to shop other than Glasson's in NZ,) I came out with 3 pairs of shoes, a pair of pants, 5 tops and a watch. I saved over $300 because I bought winter-type clothing for when I'm teaching and I had a 30% off coupon. However, this morning I realized I didn't pull the earrings I loved out of the basket to buy them! I'm so sad, but I'm pretty sure my super-cute new shoes will make up for it.

A relaxing weekend with my favorite men...

2009-06-16T09:39:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I took time off from work and went to Island Park. My grandparents have a cabin there that they are going to be selling this summer (if anyone is interested let me know). They have decided to go on another mission and can't afford that plus two houses. The cabin has been home to many wonderful memories over the past 7-8 years and we will truly miss it. But we all know that change happens and we're all growing up and don't have a lot of time to spend there.

Anyway, I left work on Wednesday, loaded up the jeep and drove to Island Park. Except for the rain it was a wonderful drive. I got Peter and the Starcatchers on CD so I listened to that on the way up. I spent Wednesday night, Thursday and Friday morning with my grandparents. On Thursday my grandparents invitied me to see Footloose at the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone. It was so good!

After my grandparents left, I had the cabin to myself. So what did I do you ask? I spend my time with my favorite men (other than my dad, grandpa and brother of course). My days were filled with Rhett Butler, Doctor Zhivago and Rick Blaine. If men were more like this nowaday (with exception to Doctor Zhivago's infidelity of course) I would be a happy girl. But, alas, I am stuck with black and white representations of real men.

I love chocolate Twizzlers

2009-06-06T18:56:00.000-07:00

So I'm in the MVT office. Yes, story of my life, I know. I just finished eating a few chocolate Twizzlers that I grabbed on my way out the door and I realized how much I like them. Licorice in general is a pretty amazing treat, but whoever came up with flavoring those twisted morsels of heaven should be praised on end.

Chocolate twizzlers are a good snack as they are made with real Hershey's chocolate and who doesn't love the feeling of biting into a Twizzler while pulling so the licorice flicks when you bite. I know, I'm rambling, but you try sitting in the MVT office with NO ONE coming and nothing else to think about because you can only be on facebook for so long before someone sends you a flair saying "I belong to facebook addicts anonymous. I've been away from my computer for 10--scratch that, 0 minutes."

I wish I was awesome like Blake

2009-06-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

So I have nothing awesome to post like Blake always does. My blog isn't cool like his because I don't have words of wisdom or fun pictures or a Bridget Jones Moment (I'm scared of ridicule). This is my official post that Blake is awesome and he wins the official "Best Blog Award." Cue theme music.

Free to drink beer and rent cars...

2009-06-04T14:11:00.001-07:00

It's my birthday! The infamous day where one turns 21 is here. Waking up this morning a gate had been lifted. The gate to the fields of alcohol and Hertz. Unfortunately alcohol is not in the game plan and I already have a car with no vacations in sight where I would need to be a patron to rental car facilities. However, if someone would like to take me on a vacation, I would be happy to rent the car with my drivers license that no longer needs to say "Not 21 until 6/4/2009."

Crying in the Merrill Hall Office

2009-06-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

I finally got my pictures from New Zealand developed. Not all of them--that would have cost over $100. But a good amount. I'm sitting here in the Merrill Office and I'm writing on the back the dates/names/places I remember so I don't forget. And then I realize. I've been home over a month. I look at a picture of Darnie and I at Rotorua getting ready to go down the luge and I can't stop them...the tears are streaming. In the middle of my office shift I'm crying. I got to talk to Darnie last night but it is not the same. I miss her. I miss Nga. I miss my barefoot students and butter chicken and laying out in the sun on a Sunday afternoon. New Zealand is my second home. I will never be the same after being there. I became a better person, a stronger person. So I will wipe my tears and vow that I will be back. Soon.

Weekend Fun

2009-05-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

I finally got some time off from work and I was able to go home this weekend. It was so nice to spend time with my family! We had a pretty chill night on Friday and went to bed early. The only downfall of going home is that I have no bed. All my furniture is in my new apartment and my room has been converted into an exercise room--complete with a tv on the wall. Wonder if anyone is going to use it. ;-) So I slept on an air mattress amid the treadmill and weight set. Saturday morning I washed my car and helped my dad wash his truck. My brother is such a sweetheart and even gave me the quarters to do it! Then my mom cut my hair--it hadn't been trimmed since before NZ and really needed it. I got to open my birthday presents early! I got a new bed set, beautiful, decorations for my new place and bathroom decorations too! My parents took me for a late lunch for my birthday at the Thai House--which I love! While we were there it started raining so crazy my dad actually pulled the truck up on the curb to minimize the rain on my mom and I. It was a wonderful weekend! Morgan and I drove back to Logan Sunday morning so we could be at our ward. Morgan teaches nursery and I'm in sunbeams. We coordinate with the deaf branch which is amazing. We both have kids that use sign in our classes and I am so amazed at their abilities! Two of them have deaf parents, but they are hearing. I am in awe that they are bilingual at such a young age. The gift of tongues is beautiful.

Graduation Pics

2009-05-08T18:49:00.000-07:00

So this week has been crazy. I graduated, my parents brought up my furniture and I started me summer job. I don't have internet at my new apartment yet, so I'm relying on the office computer. I can't upload pictures yet, but if you go to http://www.usu.edu/provost/commencement/ and click on the undergraduate scrapbook there is big cheesy picture of me on the second row down second in from the left. I'm walking in the rain with Janalyn across the Quad. Graduation was awesome! I was Magna Cum Laude and scholar for the college of Education which is such an honor. I was able to sit on the stand for the College of Education graduation ceremony-it was so cool!

Graduation

2009-05-01T14:08:00.000-07:00

I graduate tomorrow. Finally my dream is realized and now I need to set a new goal. Masters Degree? I think so. It's a very surreal feeling being an adult. My parents are on their way to Logan to move in my bedroom set so I don't have to sleep on the floor in my new apartment. I'm waiting on a job offer for summer. I'm getting ready to teach in August. All sorts of new things are happening and I absolutely love it. Change is scary but good. At least that is what I keep telling myself.

Back in the States

2009-04-23T10:47:00.000-07:00

Woohoo I'm back on American soil! 24 hours of travelling is exhausting and the time change is freaking me out, but I'm excited to be home. My mom, brother, aunt and 2 cousins met me at the airport which was such a treat! Mom made me chimichangas for dinner since I've been craving Mexican food. I'm going up to Logan tonight since I have so much to do before graduation. My parents got me an apartment for the next year and Morgan will be living with me this summer-YAY! But that means moving again...not so much fun. But this apartment has 2 bedrooms and apparently it's super cute and I can't wait to see it! Oh, and my phone now works-I just got off the phone with Janalyn and it was so wonderful to hear her voice! It's amazing how hard it is to live without a cell. :)

Pics of my last few weeks...

2009-04-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

I went to Darnie's parents' farm and adopted this lamb. I named her Lola.

Darnie and I shaped USU out of volcanic rock in a volcanic crater in Auckland! Cool huh?

The view from the boat when we went fishing in the ocean. BEAUTIFUL!

Darnie and I met some tourists that we took to the beach for us to dig for pipis. Ian is from the States and Darren is from the UK. It was a fun night. :)

One More Week

2009-04-14T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm coming home in one more week and I'm having mixed feelings about it. I'm sad that I'm leaving this beautiful country and I'm really going to miss Darnie and everyone I've met, but I'm super excited to see my family. I miss them so much! But I've had an awesome holiday. Right now I'm actually watching some sheep brawl at the farm. It's pretty entertaining. I've gone boogie boarding down some sand dunes. Milked a cow, fed pigs, herded cattle, drank cows milk, dug for pippies, went fishing in the ocean, met some fellow tourists shopped and had a NZ style Easter egg hunt. Oh, and I met an Elder at Stake COnference from Tooele! He comes home in 2 weeks, so I'm going to look him up when he gets back. And I've adopted a lamb named Lola. It's been a crazy week and I'll write more later, but now I have to chase some sheep back into the paddock.

My last day of school...

2009-04-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

It was my last day at school yesterday and I was so sad! The kids and I wore our pajamas to celebrate and had a shared lunch. We cleaned out the kids trays, did an Easter activity and finished up a bunch of work. The school had an assembly for the American teachers and they gave me a Chiefs Hat from the local rugby team. They are so kind. My cooperating teacher gave me a Green-Stone Ring and some Kiwi stickers. One of my students gave me a stuffed Kiwi bird that makes chirping noises and another gave me a chocolate Easter bunny. It was a really good day. :)

Last week Darnie and I went to Whangamata and went surfing! We stayed in a super flash beach house and had so much fun!

On Tuesday night Darnie, Jalayne and I went to Raglan for fish & chips on the beach. It was so beautiful I almost cried. Wednesday night was the school disco where we all dressed up in "B" costumes. Darnie was a butterfly and I was a bandit. It was great to see the kids all dressed up and having fun together. Today Darnie and I are heading up North for holiday. We are going to stay with her parents for a few days, go fishing and celebrate Easter, and then we are going to head up to the cape via 90 mile beach. I'm excited to go to the very tip of NZ!

I cannot believe I come home in a couple weeks--but it is exciting that I already have a job and everything is working out. My parents are going to the Robins Award Ceremony for me and are going to start looking for an apartment for me. It's so great to have parents like mine that are so helpful.

Six Days Left

2009-04-01T01:19:00.001-07:00

I cannot believe that I only have six days left in the classroom. Time has flown by so quickly! I have learned heaps and I can't wait to apply it to my own classroom. This last week has been crazy with everything including a job interview over the phone and me getting the job. YAY! I am going to be the resource teacher at Park Elementary in Richmond for the 09-10 school year...and hopefully longer than that. :) It is such a blessing to know that I have a job--now I can relax.

Last weekend Darnie, Jalayne and I went to Mount Manganui for shopping and some time at the beach. We had a blast laying on the sand and splashing in the water. We also got some amazing shopping deals. New Zealand fashion isn't much different from that in the States, so I am excited to get things here that I can use at home.

I went to the Hamilton Temple last night and it was so amazing. Darnie arranged for Jalayne and I to join a youth group for baptisms and they were so accommodating. I love that the Church is the same all around the world. After baptisms we went to the visitor's centre (fancy my NZ spelling) and we made lots of connections with the missionaries there. The Church opens up so many connections. Our USU supervisor has brought this up, and I fell so special being a member of the LDS church.

This weekend, Darnie and I are going with the librarian at Vardon to Whangamata. This is apparently the BEST beach in the entire world and Janet, the librarian, has a five-star hotel style house right on the beach. We are so excited to go, especially because Janet has surf boards at the house. We are going to ask some local boys to teach us how to surf because we couldn't surf at the Mount (the waves weren't the best). The only trouble we are having is finding a car--Nga had to take the car to a funeral up north so we are stranded. We have been trying to rent a car--but it is so expensive because Darnie and I are both under 25. Hopefully it will all work out. If not, we're hitch-hiking because we are not missing out on Whangamata.

Last week...(beware: this is long!)

2009-03-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

So I have had a cough for the last two weeks and it will not go away! It is pretty frustrating to be tramping through a dark and muddy cave and having to cough. Tomorrow I'm going to the doctors because I'm sick of being sick. It doesn't really hurt, it's just super annoying! I haven't been posting because I've been so busy, but I'm going to give you a quick rundown of my last week.

Tuesday 3/17: Happy St. Patrick's Day! Jalayne, Alicia and I went to an Irish Pub for dinner and a drink (non-alcoholic of course). Then we walked around town, had the best brownie I've ever eaten at another bar and then headed home. It was a faboulous night!

Wednesday 3/18: Went to camp with the senior classes (year 5/6 students). It was so fun to see them all at camp. This age group actually goes away to camp for 4 days to learn outside the classroom. It is an amazing experience for them, especially because most of these kids will never have another experience like it--it's too expensive for their families. During my day there, we started off on a quick bus ride and a tramp up a hill. Then we went absailing a.k.a. rapelling. I was one of the last to go--I wanted the kids to have a turn first, but I was so scared! It ended up being fabulous and I'd love to go again. Then we went rock climbing. Another fun and adventurous things for the kids and teachers. Finally we went caving. You wouldn't think this would be too hard core becuase of the kids, but it was insane! The adults got in a pair of coveralls and we all had helmets with lights on them. I felt like I was in a movie about mining. We jumped into a hold and started crawling through the cave. Literally CRAWLING! We ended up having to squeeze between crevices, pull ourselves up rock faces and we even swam through mud. By the time I got out, I was covered in mud up to my chest and was wet all the way through. However, it was the best experience. I was cold and tired, but it was a once in a lifetime experience. Then I came home, showered and made enchiladas for Darnie and Nga--they'd never had them before! They turned out great and they loved it.

Thursday 3/19- Regular teaching day other than the kids counting all the bruises on my legs from caving. Then I went with Jalayne and Brooke to an enrichment night. It was great fun! It's fabulous to know that the church is true wherever you go. :)

Friday 3/20- Jalayne, McKell, Candace, Alicia and I went to the Stake Country Ball and then to a YSA dance. It was a little flashback to age 14, but it was fun all the same. The YSA dance was pink themed and I had to dress up for that and the country ball, so I look a little crazy, but that's half the fun. :)

Saturday 3/21- I joined the girls at the bush station and we headed to Waitomo caves. We wanted to go black water rafting and we found a place that would take us for only $99 a piece! We signed up and headed out. First we got decked out in a thick wet-suit, helmet with a light and gum boots and then we loaded up in a van. They took us to the entrance of the cave where we grabbed a tube and we headed down 106 stairs and down a bunch of rocks in the cave. We ended up sitting in the tube with our legs on the person in front of us tube and holding on to the legs of the person behind us as we trailed down the river. We turned our lights out and got to see GLOW WORMS! They dotted the ceiling of the cave like stars. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. At one point, we had to turn around and fall off a small waterfall! I did a BACKFLIP! Not on purpose of course, but the guide said I was the first to ever do that. The next waterfall had a slide, and that was easier and more fun. After trudging up the 106 stairs and getting showered and re-dressed, we went to a different cave for a more low-key tour of a glow worm cave.

After getting back to Hamilton, I got ready and Darnie and I headed to the Chiefs Game. They are the rugby team for Hamilton. They played the Auckland Blues and kicked their trash! I love rugby. On the way out of the parking lot, I got hit on! This guy asked for my number and I froze. So I didn't give it to him, but it sure was a boost of confidence. He was super hot and I felt special. :) Next time, no freezing and I'm getting a hot date!

Those were the highlights of last week and not anything crazy has happened this week. I'm planning on going to the beach Saturday, and then Saturday night is the night-glow where a bunch of hot air balloons light up in the sky! I can't wait!

2009-03-10T23:27:00.000-07:00

This is me with my first stamp in my passport-YAY!

This is my group for the river walk field trip. They were so cute. :)

More differences about New Zealand and Utah.

2009-03-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Te ne koto tamariki ma! (Rough translation:hello to you all)

1- There are so many bugs in NZ. Last night, I killed 3 spiders and 2 moths. Ugh.
2- They call corner stores 'dairies.' Odd, huh?
3- Erasers are called rubbers. When a student asks for a rubber, I cringe a little.
4- Math is pronounces more like mass and they write it as maths. Very different.
5- All the Maori boys have rat-tails. Not cool in the states. Other boys have mowhaks or mullets.
6- The H-word and the D-word are not swear words and I have honestly heard them uttered in church.
7- medicines don't usually have flavors. I ahve a cough right now, and the cough medicine is absolutely disgusting.
8-Mexican food isn't popular--SAD!
9- All candy is called lollies, unless it's chocolate, then it's called chocolate.
10- I love morning tea. We get 20 minutes in the morning for drinks and snacks. And then we get an hour for lunch! So much time compared to the states.

So just a few updates about what I have been up to. I'm teaching a lot more and I love it! I'm working really hard with the solar system unit, and I did a writing lesson today. I drove to church on Sunday and to the supermarket last night--I'm getting good at driving on the left side of the road! There is a ball for the stake on the 20th, and Darnie si trying to find someone to take me-- hopefully a cute Maori boy--it's true, I'm starting to think they're cute. Bring on the brown boys! I'm going to Rotorua for a Maori celebration and for shopping this Saturday. I'm trying lots of new foods and loving all of it. I'm making some "American dishes" next week for my family.

I have arrived!

2009-03-03T00:39:00.000-08:00

I have been in New Zealand for 3 days and I am loving every minute of it! We arrived in Auckland at 6 am, local time. I only slept about 4 hours on the plane, but I was so excited I couldn't have slept for anything. We took a bus to Hamilton and stopped in a cemetery along the way. It was so cool because it was the location of a battle between the Europeans and the Maori's. When we arrived in Hamilton, my host mom, Darnie picked me up as her husband, Nga, was teaching primary. Darnie's cousin and her parent's American student were visiting and after a quick shower I joined them at the singles ward. It was so much smaller that a Logan singles ward, but the spirit was the same. We walked up to the Hamilton Temple and it was lovely. We had lamb roast for dinner, it was my first time having lamb, and I don't know how I'll definetely be having it again soon! It was delicious!

The next day I started school and we had the opportunity to participate in a real Maori welcome called a Pauwhiri (powfiry). The students sang to us and we sang the national anthem back to them and it was fabulous. We then learned about the culture and language and I've started working on my Maori. We had morning tea, which is a daily tradition at the schools, with all the teachers. I spent the afternoon in my classroom and went to a planning meeting. Then I spent time at home with Darnie and Nga in the evening.

Today was my first full day in the classroom and it was so much fun. This week is Camp Week at school so we started the day off on a river walk. We walked along the Waikato River with all the students in Level 3/4. Even though we had a few scraped knees, it was a wonderful trip. After the walk was swimming. Students have swimming lessons at school during the summer/fall months--isn't that cool?! In the afternoon, I taught a lesson on constellations and the students made their own constellations by making holes with tacks in black paper. They turned out wondrful!

Some of the things that are different between the U.S. and N.Z. include:
1-Students don't have to wear shoes to school. Interesting isn't it?
2-We spell words differently at times, which isn't the best thing for teachers! color/colour, recognize/recognise. It can be messy.
3-People don't go to the restroom. They go to the toilet. In the U.S., that would be almost crude, but not here.
4-There if fruit everywhere and I LOVE IT!
5-When you are immersed in a place that speaks differently than you, you start to pick it up. Honestly, the students understand you more when you speak with their accent. We'll see if it sticks when I get home.

I know I'll pick up on more things as time goes by, I'll keep you posted! Oh, and I'll post pictures soon too!

I love you all and miss you! I'm going to the beach this weekend, and I'll let everyone kjnow how it goes--I'm starting surfing lessons--YAY!

75 Things About Me

2009-02-26T11:20:00.000-08:00

1.I love argyle. However, I only own one argyle sweater.
2.I read dragon books. I am teased incessantly by my family and I try to keep it a secret; but now I’m embracing it.
3.I’m afraid of cottage cheese and refuse to eat it.
4.I’m the only one in my family that hasn’t taken hunter’s safety.
5.I don’t like girls. If I could, I’d always have boy roommates and would only teach boys.
6.Within the past year, my hair has gone curly and I’ve become allergic to tree nuts.
7.I received my middle name for Christmas when I was 17 after years of complaining about not having one.
8.I have always wanted to move to a new place, get a job in a coffee shop and live in a loft above a store.
9.I complain that I don’t look my age, but secretly, I love it.
10.I could be a college student forever.
11.If I had to pick a new career, I would want to become a doctor or a midwife.
12.I don’t do well with young children (less than 6) or elderly people.
13.I have always wanted to be a pop star.
14.I could eat fries every day as long as there was fry sauce with them.
15.I still listen to Hanson, Dream and Hoku. (Often)
16. My rib-cage is three times the size of a normal human being.
17. I’m really not that smart, I just have a great memory.
18.I don’t really like animals. They’re cute, but I don’t want one.
19.I’m attracted to “pretty boys,” as my dad calls them.
20.Dirty counter-tops induce anxiety attacks.
21. The first thing I do in the morning (NO MATTER WHAT!) is brush my teeth.
22.I love old movies like Doctor Zhivago and Gone With the Wind.
23. I HATE BANANAS and tell people I’m allergic to them.
24.I am terrified of failure.
25. I love ghetto reality shows like the ones on VH1 and MTV. It is my guilty pleasure.
26. I love to watch horrible vampire/witch movies with my sister.
27. I do not like soda. The bubbles hurt my mouth.
28.I love to wear thermals. Staying warm is my favorite.
29. Neutrogena Rain Bath body wash is the best—it reminds me of Hawaii.
30. I’ve always wanted to be a pop star.
31. I love garlic—the more the better!
32. I hate birds. Once, my friend’s bird flew in my hair and I have never fully recovered.
33. One of my favorite treats is Tootsie Rolls.
34. I love the smell of books, old or new. The scent of a library is heaven.
35. I could eat a box of Wheat Thins a day.
36.I love sauces and dips—my mom raised me this way! J
37. Funfetti frosting is my favorite. I could eat it with a spoon.
38. I eat peanut butter in my cereal.
39. I leave for New Zealand tomorrow and I’ll be gone for 7 weeks!
40. I have survived without an IPod for almost 21 years. But Blake just got me a pink one—THANK YOU!
41. When I work/study, I have to have music on. My brain must be actively blocking something out or I lose my focus.
42.I love quotes. They’re written on sticky notes throughout my house and I am constantly looking for new ones.
43. People tell me I look like Amanda Seyfried.
44. My nickname throughout junior high was Ducky. Oh, girls camp.
45. I make the best chocolate chip cookies.
46. I write lists incessantly about anything. I often write the same list more than once.
47. I love teaching—it truly is my calling.
48.I have always wanted to be “Cool Aunt McKenzie.” (Not yet though Morgan & Dane!)
49. I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher since 2nd grade. Granted, it’s changed a few times over the year, but I always went back to teaching.
50. The Jordan River Temple is my favorite temple.
51. I’m the 2008-2009 Scholar for the Special Education Department! YAY! I’m so proud of myself!
52. I would rather not wear clothes, thank goodness my roommates agree with me.
53. Most of these things involve food…coincidence, I think not.
54. I am a sucker for jackets. Most girls like shoes, but I would rather have a new jacket.
55. I love to sing loud, even though I do not have a good voice.
56. I am super clumsy. My mom says I’d trip down an empty hallway.
57.I am also a crybaby. I cried watching Toy Story 2. Again, my mom has a thought about this—I’d cry at the opening of a gas station. All I can say in response is, of course I would, it was someone’s dream to open a gas station.
58. I really enjoy movie theatre popcorn.
59. I have the hardest time getting ready and going to work out, but once I’m doing it I really enjoy it.
60. My hands are always covered in white-board marker.
61.I was afraid of using rubber cement for years because in the third grade, I spilled a bottle and the janitor yelled at me. Oh the trauma of my youth.
62.Speaking of traumatic elementary experiences, our elementary school janitor was awful and would wear shirts saying, “I eat kids.” I still have nightmares.
63. I really want to be a mom; but it can wait till the right time.
64.I love my desk organized in right angles.
65. I hate balancing my checkbook so I am extremely grateful for online banking.
66. I think I have cute handwriting.
67. I love thrift stores like Somebody’s Attic.
68. I always dislike math growing up, but now it’s one of my favorite things to teach.
69. I’ve always wanted to work in a library.
70. I have a mole in my belly button and my aunt thought I had a belly button piercing. It made me laugh.
71. My favorite number is 4.
72. Cherry blow pops are the best treat ever. However, the only time you can get a whole bag of cherry blow pops is at valentine’s day, so I stock up.
73. My favorite Easter candy is Peeps-just like Grandpa.
74. I talk to my mom every day.
75. I love the gospel and am so lucky to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I'M DONE WITH MY PORTFOLIO!

2009-02-24T20:08:00.000-08:00

I'M DONE WITH MY PORTFOLIO! (except for the ELED stuff I have to do in New Zealand) Everyone needs to celebrate with me! :)

2 days to go!

2009-02-24T07:18:00.001-08:00

I'm sitting in my classroom listening to my students giggle, and I can't help but think that I am really going to miss them. My last day is on Tuesday and I only hope that I have influenced their lives in some small way because they have influenced mine so much.

Last night I spent the night at Janalyn's working on portfolio. Her husband, Wade is so kind and made us dinner and cleaned up so we could keep working. It is going to be so hard to be away from her for 7 weeks! But at least we are almost done with our portfolios! :)

Packing

2009-02-16T07:37:00.001-08:00

Let me tell you, I cannot wait until I live in one place for longer than a year. Because I'm going to be gone until right before graduation, I've decided to start packing my apartment to relieve the stress of moving when I get back. Looking back, I've moved 7 times in the last 3 years. That is way too much!

Not only am I starting to pack my apartment, but I'm starting to pack for my trip. I'm a little lost on what I should bring. I don't want to pack too light and need things over there, but I don't want to pack too much. If anyone has packing tips or travel tips, please let me know. One thing that is helping me is that I know if I really need something, I can get it over there. :)

17 Days and Counting Down

2009-02-10T10:44:00.001-08:00

I finally have my placement! YAY! I'm teaching Year 3/4 which is the 7 and 8 year olds! I'm so excited. I also found out who I am living with! They are a very nice couple and just bought a new house. They are remodeling right now and hopefully it will be finished by the time I get there. They have a "sleep-out," which I'm assuming is like a pool house that will be all mine! It's nice that I will have my own space when I need it! Nga (pronounced 'nah') is a roofer and he is Maori. Darnie is caucasion and teaches the same grade I'll be working with, however, I'll be teaching with a different teacher. I think that this was smart of the coordinators so we don't get sick of each other. :) They do not have any kids yet and have been married for only a few years. Darnie said they love to get out and they are excited to show me New Zealand! She also told me that they are LDS and that the church is right across the street from their house. They are also only 1 km away from the Hamilton Temple! I am so excited I can hardly contain myself!

I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders now that I know where I'm staying. Only 17 days till I leave!

Updates...

2009-02-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've updated the blog, so I figured I'd better do it while I have a spare minute. My computer is broken (thanks again for looking at it Wade), so I'm resolved to only getting on the computer at school. I'll be honest, I don't know how I survived not having a laptop before!

My weekend was pretty blah, except for lunch with the girls. I woke up Friday with the worst sore throat and I thought I had strep. I taught all day, and with it being parent day I had to pretend I was filling super great. Honestly, but would you ever go to school with your kid all day long? I never would! I've already done middle school, I wouldn't want to do it again! Anyway, after school I went to Chili's with Janalyn and Stephanie for Steph's belated birthday celebration. It was so good to see them! I had to leave early to go to the doctor and get a strep test. It came back negative. So I went home and got in bed.

I spent all Friday night and all day Saturday in bed. Well, except for the 7 am run to Walmart for medicine, hot cocoa, and popsicles. There are the oddest people at Walmart that early on a Saturday morning! I also took an hour in the evening to practice accompanying my sister while she sang.

Sunday I had my church, I went to accompany Morgan at her church, took a quick nap, went to Stake Choir chilled at home, had a meeting with my Bishop (I got my temple recommend! YAY!), went to ward prayer and then to a fondue party. Talk about a busy Sunday.

I'm still feeling a little blah, but about 100 times better than Saturday. I can't afford to be sick since I leave in 17 DAYS! As soon as I know my placement, I'll let everyone know! One thing I can't wait to do when I get there is to go to the Hamilton Temple. I can't wait!

Happy Birthday Dane!

2009-01-26T10:24:00.001-08:00

My little brother turned 16 today! It's so crazy to think of him that old! My dad took him to the DMV this morning, but they wouldn't let him take the test due to the snow. Morgan and I are going home this weekend to celebrate with him and see his ordination to being a Priest on Sunday! I'm so proud of him and can't wait to see what the new year brings him!

Weekend with the Girls

2009-01-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

This weekend, my mom and aunt came up to visit my sister and I. We had so much fun! Sunday night, we went to my mom and aunt's hotel and spent time in the hot tub and the pool. We spent the rest of the evening watching MTV and eating jalapeno jelly on crackers. Today, we spent time shopping and went to lunch at Ruby Tuesday's. It was so great to spend time with them. I can't wait to see them again, hopefully next time my other aunt can come too! :)

2009-01-08T16:45:00.001-08:00

I'm so tired. I don't know how I surrived middle school as a teenager...I'm barely surviving as an adult.

Student Teaching

2009-01-06T10:22:00.001-08:00

I started student teaching today and I am so excited about my placement. I'm at a middle school and my cooperating teacher is so amazing. She is really laid back and very organized. YAY! We have lunch and then a prep hour so we have a bunch of time--which is great. The kids are great and I'm loving the curriculum thus far. Granted I have two more periods to go, but I'm expecting the best!

New Car!

2009-01-01T09:34:00.000-08:00

I'm getting my new car in two days! I cannot wait! The next time you see me, I'll be cruising in a Jeep Liberty! Yay!

My Wonderful Christmas

2008-12-25T16:50:00.001-08:00

Christmas this year was so amazing! I was completely surprised by all of the wonderful gifts I received and so happy to give the gifts I chose for other people.

Our extended family (all 19 of us) do a gift exchange, but it's not a normal gift exchange. All gifts must be homemade! At first, we started out with a $5 material limit, but since have raised it to $10. This year, I had my grandma. I made her a stickypad calendar that had a holiday for each day. Each month also had a gift that corresponded to a day during that month. For example--I wrapped up bubble wrap for January 26- Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. On the day my grandma gets a gift, she has to call me. She loves holidays so this was a perfect present for her. It took A LOT of time, but it was worth it. If you want a copy of the big calendar with all the holidays on it, leave me a comment with your email and I'll send it to you.

My uncle had me, and he made me a classroom set of phonics phones! These are 'phones' made out of PVC pipe that help students when they are learning to read. I know this took a lot of time to make and I am so excited to use them in my classroom!

On Christmas Eve my family (plus my grandparents) made homemade pizzas and played games. We then opened our family gifts. I got posters, borders and other things for my classroom from my sister and a gift card from my brother. I gave my sister a 5 lb. can of hot cocoa for the cocoa motion Santa was bringing her. My sister and I bought my brother the first season of Friday Night Lights. I bought my mom a carmel-apple figure-thing and a new canopener. All us kids got my dad shotgun bullets. We then opened our traditional outfit and pajamas.

We all went to bed and eagerly awaited Santa! My family makes this a big deal, even though we're all older. I got SO MANY PRESENTS! I was amazed! Santa starts shopping in March, so he spreads the expenses out over the whole year. This is what I got from Santa, Barnaby the Elf, Buddy the Elf, Dasher, Prancer and Vixen gave me. (My mom is hilarious!)

I got a stuffed lamb, a sandwich maker, a label maker, dominoes, a huge pack of fruit snacks, a US States game, 5th grade reading level books, candy, a jewelry organizer, stamps, pepper spray (in a pink case no less,) Sleeping Beauty on DVD, The Election Collection of School House Rock, a globe, a miniature Jesus figurine, and a snowglobe--with $300 inside for SURFING LESSONS!

Sun Valley

2008-12-18T19:15:00.000-08:00

Blake and I went to Sun Valley for a weekend vacation and spent time at his Grandpa's house with his aunt. It was so much fun! We went skating at the Lodge (see above videos).

We also went shopping, and baked sugar cookies with his aunt.

McKenzie Rae

2008-12-17T19:21:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

79 More Days!

2008-12-09T20:07:00.001-08:00

I had a meeting for New Zealand today and I am SO excited to leave! Here are two videos on YouTube that show some of the things I'm going to be doing, and you bet, I'm doing it all! I leave February 27 from SLC International and go fly to LA and then leave for Auckland. Crazy enough, we cross the time line, thing, and I lose February 28! It disappears! Then I have 7 weeks in paradise! With 12 days of vacation! But don't worry, I'll be posting regular updates of my adventures! 79 more days!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-vo_LrSCVc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eh-0knDpn5g

Tagged by Monica

2008-12-05T10:13:00.000-08:00

The questions are as follows:
1. Where is your cell phone? On my lap.
2. Where is your significant other? Nonexistant at the present. I like being single! :)
3. Your hair color? Brunette/blonde
4. Your mother? Shopping
5. Your father? At work
6. Your favorite thing? Reading
7. Your dream last night? Nightmare!
8. Your dream/goal? Graduating (almost there!)
9. The room you're in? Living room/kitchen. It's a small apartment
10. Your hobby? Reading and embroidery
11. Your fear? Failure
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Married with a baby! :)
13. Where were you last night? Home with my sister
14. What you're not? School--YAY!
15. One of your wish-list items? A job in Logan
16. Where you grew up? Stansbury Park
17. The last thing you did? Called the registrar's office
18. What are you wearing? Gym shorts and a t-shirt
19. Your TV? CSI New York
20. Your pet? None for me. My family's pets are probably destroying something at home.
21. Your computer? Laptop
22. Your mood? Lazy
23. Missing someone? My mommy
24. Your car? Soon to be sold! I'm getting a Jeep Liberty! Whoo hoo!
25. Something you're not wearing? Bra
26. Favorite store? Steve & Barry's
28. Love someone? My family
29. Your favorite color? Green and Pink
30. When is the last time you laughed? This morning. MTV is funny!
31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

I tag: Janalyn, Jaci, Katie

New Zealand

2008-12-01T19:38:00.001-08:00

Custom Countdowns & MySpace Layouts

Rebellious without being obvious.

2008-11-16T19:13:00.000-08:00

So, after a day at lunch with Janalyn and Stephanie for Janalyn's birthday, I didn't have much to do with my day. I read a book, did some laundry, and cleaned the house. I hear laughing in the other room from my roommates and lo and behold--they bought purple hair dye.

I have discussed, at length, the rebelliousness of college students with my good friend Blake, and have come to the conclusion that freshman and senior college students are the most rebellious. Freshman are eager to test the new-found waters of independence, whereas the seniors are looking for one last blast before graduation. My roommates fall under the freshman category, I under the senior.

So, with only a moment's hesitation, I joined my roommates in the bathroom, parted my hair and set to work. After 30 minutes, I had a streak of purple running through my hair. My roommates were all just as excited to see how their's turned out. Ashley's was fine, Julia's was almost nonexistant, and Caitlin's...well, she has more rainbowed hair. Bleached roots that go pink then purple at the ends. Oh dear....

So today, we decided to try again. This time I took the reins, I re-dyed Caitlin's rainbow and touched up Ashley's section. I also decided to try to get mine a little darker and added another section on the other side of my hair. All in all, I feel quite awesome. As Blake said it, I'm rebellious without being obvious, and I'm okay with that.

p.s. I'll post pictures as soon as I can find my camera cord...it's MIA

Paint Dance!

2008-10-21T20:26:00.001-07:00

My roommates and I went to the paint dance yesterday and we had so much fun!

New Zealand Update & Other Stuff.

2008-10-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

So, I am officially going to New Zealand for student teaching. WHOO HOO! I leave February 27 and I cannot wait! I've got my passport, my immunizations and have paid my airfare. Now it's really just a waiting game!

But while I'm waiting, I know I'll have fun doing my Level III. I'm going to be at North Park Elementary in the 1st grade. This will be new for me, since I usually don't work with the young ones, but I'm excited for the challenge!

8 Things Tagged By Janalyn

2008-09-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

The # 8 Tagged by Janalyn

8 Things I am Passionate About:

1) Teaching 2) Music 3) Special Education 4) My testimony 5) Family 6) My di-cut machine 7) Peanut butter 8) shopping with my mommy

8 Words or Phrases I Say Often:

1) Cool beans 2) Freakin' heck 3) what the heck 4) I try... 5)I Love you!! 6) You wish. 7) I think I'm going to die 8) Whatever

8 Things I want to do before I Die:

1) Have a family 2) visit all the Disneylands in the world 3) buy a green Jetta 4) Teach 5) Serve a mission (hopefully with someone else, but if not that's okay) 6) Go to New Zealand (get to check this one off in February 7) bunjee jump 8) Graduate :)

8 Things I Have Learned From my Past:

1) It's not your fault. 2) be concerned about your future, you'll be in it the rest of your life. 3) It takes too much energy to be angry 4) Never give up 5) Be thankful for the little things. 6) Take time for you. 7) you can never say "I love you" too often 8) Don't worry about it.

8 Places I Would Love to Go or See:

1) New Zealand 2) Russia 3) Europe 4) Israel 5) Egypt 6) Italy 7) Switzerland 8) Alaska

8 Things I Currently Need or Want:

1) Something really good to happen. Right now. I'm sick of waiting. 2) ELED department to fix their act up! 3)Clean apartment. Please, roommates! 4) Time 5) A teaching job after graduation 6) Vacation 7) A new car. 8) People to join my stake choir!

8 people I tag:

Everyone has already been tagged! I tag Alli!

So, I should probably update this...

2008-09-13T10:18:00.001-07:00

School is a few weeks in now and I'm getting everything under my belt. The ELED program is busy, but not too hard. I'm waiting on the study abroad office to let me knowif I'm goign to New Zealand and I'm so anxious to hear if I got accepted!

Oakridge is good and my roommates are fun. All three of them are freshman and they're super excited to be at school. It keeps me excited too!

Summer!

2008-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

So here is the update I know you have all been waiting for... Just kidding! :) I'm still working at the State Office of Education and I absolutely love it! It's been so much fun. My family and I went on a vacation to South Dakota and saw Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and lots of other fun stuff! I'm getting everything ready to go back to Logan in the fall. I think I'm going to live in Oakridge, but we'll see.

I'm planning on going to New Zealand in the spring and I cannot wait! I'm going to student teach there the second block. I couldn't be more excited!

I got a couple of callings in my ward--I'm Ward Historian and teaching the Sunbeam class. My little sunbeams wear me out, but they have such special spirits!

My mom and I are going to Park City this week and we plan to shop, shop, shop! We're also going to ride the zipline and the alpine slide. Hopefully I'll get some pictures to post soon! Hope all is well with everything!

Studying for Finals

2008-04-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

I don't think I could have ever made it through the Special Ed program at USU without Janalyn and Stephanie! They were my life lines and best friends throughout the whole journey! Our last study party was at Casper's Ice Cream Parlor and we had a blast. Together, we can get through Barb's, Ben's, and Bob's with only minor battle wounds.

Bubbles

2008-04-22T16:44:00.000-07:00

I beat Wade at Bubbles. 233,100 points! WHOO HOO! I'm so stoked! YAY FOR THE BUBBLES CHAMPION!

2008-04-03T14:55:00.000-07:00

I've succumbed to the force of my peers and have started a blog! I'm so excited to put all the cool features on. Feel free to give me ideas to make my page cute!