THE END

This is it. When given the choice to continue my personal blog or merge into the "family blog", I choose the latter. Although the blogging world will see very little difference in the nature of the posts, Mark will also have a chance to be spotlighted.

Change your side-bars. Tell your peeps. If you're interested in continuing to follow our life then check out our new blogspot!

markandkaylinn.blogspot.com

(Creative...I know!)

See you there!

Mr. and Mrs. Morrell

I really couldn't have asked for a better day. The weather was perfect in Oakland. I'm excited to see our pictures. This was one I stole from Heidi. Dave & Leslie had better pictures but I couldn't get them to download.

I love being married. We're working on getting a "family" blog going. Stay tuned for that address.

Being married is lovely. I highly recommend it.

Absence

We probably won't be blogging much for the next long while. Check back in a few weeks! I'm sure some friends will probably post pictures of our day before we do!

Hopefully we'll be seeing many of you at one of our receptions. Even if only for a moment.

And yes--we're both really excited!

Showered (with Chocolate and Phone Booths)

I have to say, 4 Bridal showers is perhaps a little excessive. This last weekend I was thrown my fourth and final Bridal Shower by my dear friend Heidi. She went to quite the effort to make such a cute video of Mark answering the traditional "game" questions. Thankfully they didn't make me eat something every time I got something wrong. That was getting old. So nice to be remembered!

Funny part was at the end of the shower as we were finishing up the goodness of the chocolate fountain! We learned that pretzels in the motor don't work out so well. Funny though. :)

We're down to just over a week now. Prize goes to Brooke W. and Lesley for winning! First to add my "and" to their blog lists. Technically the deed hasn't been done, but I love that they're all on top of it. Our world wide apologizes to those who didn't get their announcements. Chances are yours was lost in the mail. If you haven't contacted Mark or I, then we assume you've received it. 450 mailed out, there's bound to be more than 10 mistakes.

Lastly, This is for Lauren. A little late, and I promise I won't post a YouTube video every posting these days, but I'm STILL laughing. The best part of the movie. Well, there's a lot of "best" parts, but this really makes me laugh still.

Laugh-Out-Loud

We would like to share this with our Blogging world. Compliments to Jason for sharing it with us. We are still laughing.

March Madness

Its been madness around here for what seems like forever!

1) I've finished Yearbook Interviews. After 3 days and 41 kids, I've narrowed the pickings to the best 23 kids. I had a panel of current staff members who gave me their input, but the decision was ultimately mine. I think we'll be happy with what we have.

2) The yearbook will be completely finished next week. Turned in, printing, done! Wow...that's early. Who knew yearbooks were done in March. I wanted to take the kids to Disneyland as a "good job" but apparently "good job" isn't an academic reason enough for them to miss school.

3) The past 2 days my kids have been taking the CAHSEE (that high school exit test most of us don't know about) What does this mean for them: lots of testing and high stake results. What does it mean for me: BORING! Pretty sure Wednesday I spent the ENTIRE day playing Lemonade Tycoon. I was excited to teach again today.

4) We are hateing time warner cable. They have gone out on us several times a day for the past week. Done and done. ix-nay on the imewarner-tay.

5) Mark got mostly morning shifts this week. Which is a HUGE surprise. As a result, it free's up our evenings together where we can run errands. This tends to make our days seem faster and we're more tired at the end of the day. I do love that he's home when I get home from work!

6) Mark's parents are in town for several days. Spending time with them is always wonderful. They'll be the first to see "our" place. Guess I better start cleaning. Isn't that a huge stressor? When the mother-in-law comes to the house? :)

7) BYU lost on the first round of March Madness which totally messes up my bracket. Sad! Stupid Upset.

Pink Slips

I didn't get one!

Mark didn't get one!

We're both still have jobs! We are so grateful.

Guess that means dinner is on us!

Girls Weekend

How I love a little "girls" goodness. Dearest Lauren, my bestest girlfriend from my college days, flew down for our last pre-wedding ho-ra-ra. Nothing like relaxing, Disneyland, Cheesecake Factory, and the wonderful yogurt bar near my house. Doesn't seem to matter what we do, we're always thinking the same thing. Pretty sure we finished each others' sentences more than once. She is so fun!

The above shot is from Small World! Disneyland just renovated the ride so now it has all newly painted children AND they added several of the disney characters in their appropriate countries. Oh how lovely. And, it must be said, the ladies behind us sang the "It's a small world" song the ENTIRE ride. Not just in the english part, but through the ENTIRE ride. That wasn't annoying. :)

A cute shot in front of the castle. Although slightly cold, it was a beautiful day. I took the most beautiful picture of the cherry blossoms, it makes for a great desktop background. And a shout out to the W for its supply of fabulous Minnie shirts. :)

I can't say enough about my new obsession of these self-serve Yogurt Bars that are popping up around Southern California like bad acne. I am totally addicted. You fill up your bowl with all your wants, and then they charge you by the ounce. I had to apologize to Mark for trying out the new one without him, but I must say, it is comforting to know that it is close. Can I get them to cater my wedding? Is that possible? It should be.

Remember this?

I am beginning to forget how beautiful it is! Its been 6 weeks now. SIX WEEKS and Kay Jewelers is still not done fixing it. Will I ever get it back? Or the tragedy...not have it for the wedding!

Adding my "And"

Kaylinn & Mark

In case you've missed the news, we're getting married next month.

We've just about got all our announcements mailed.

The reception is ready, the flowers are on order, food menu made,

Dresses picked out, tux's reserved

Honeymoon arrangements made and paid for

requested work days approved.

This man is truly my other half, perhaps more!

It just can't get here soon enough!

Yearbook

"At Least you're lighter than a football player!"

--Gerald H. (yearbook staff)

Thanks Gerald. Coinsidence this post was right after my skookie post? I think not!

Yearbook is almost over. We've taken our last shot for the end of the book today. What a riot it has been. Applications are a whirlwind and it appears we will have quite the turn out for potential staff members. Last year we had 12 interviews. Today we have 37 signed up with 2 more days to apply. I'd like to attribute this to students wanting to be in my class! And my amazing ability to get the word out. And the fact that I'm just amazing in general. All of which is probably false, but I'm excited none the less.

I kind of messed up with my Editor-In-Chief Position. I chose student A when Student B was a better choice. Now I'm contemplating how I am going to fix this problem. Especially when student B approached me with her dissappointments and concerns. I was wrong, I should have chosen her! Crap!

This is my life today.

Delightful

Mark and I indulged in one of our wedding presents with the Wallaces who are such delightful people you can't help but want to spend time with them! Introducing the Skookie.

If you haven't seen this - find it! Buy it! Use it! Its pretty much amazing. Sin in a pan! I must say, I use to be anti Ice-Cream on my cookie until last night. I realized that although I do love my ice cream and cookies seperate, the exception is made with the skookie! It's totally worth the 3 million calories.

Sidenote: Yes Tessa, I'm still doing good. This counts as our one day!

WTF?

If you haven't seen the Bachelor Finale by now, then you are probably not interested. Lauren and I played deaf from society the week after the finale to wait and watch it together this weekend on her mini-vacation goodness.

First of all--wow! Really? Wow. Kudos to Melissa and her words in the infamous world-wide dump. I can't really hate on Molly cuz - lets be honest - we've all been the dumpee who has hoped for a revival in the relationship. But I kinda want to tell her that it is so much better when you survive and then find the something better. Cuz we all know, the "better" that comes is always way more then you could have imagined. Trust me-I know.

I love their comments about how "if there is a time to be selfish then it is when love is involved". Um...pretty sure that is when it is the time to be UNSELFISH! Kudos the the Bachelor. I love how Lauren's husband put it: "Seriously, how many relationships have lasted from "The Bachelor?" So why are so many people obsessed with watching such colossal failures of humanity?" My response: I can't say why but I totally love it. It's insanely addicting. I feel like I know these girls! And yes, I will be tuning in May 18th when Jillian hits the stage! Another colossal failure? perhaps but delightful drama!

Ronald Reagan Library

Fact: I am a true history woman! Proof: I went to the Ronald Reagan Library (Museum) for my birthday. My students are still confused as to why I went to a museum for my birthday but, I suppose this is what qualifies me as their history teacher.

Reasons why I wanted to go to the Library:

(1) Spend time with my super hot fiance who is just the best company ever! He took the day off work and drove all the way up to Simi Valley with me and even took me to dinner that night. How did I get so lucky? When people ask what was the best gift: this is my answer. Mark taking the day off work to spend the weekend with me! What a great gift!

(2) See a piece of the Berlin Wall built to seperate communist East Germany from non-communist West Germany. Historically geekish that I would want to see it but super cool that it was there. The weather was perfect and the views of the valley amazing.

(3) Photo-Op for the blog. I was there. The signing of the NATO pact between the Soviet and USA. Cheers to no nuclear weapons!

(4) Air Force One--best exhibit of the Library. You get to walk through it! How cool is that? Too bad you can't take pictures inside. Right after we get in, our first photo-op was when Mark noticed the sign for the restroom. "Occupied". Really? Nice.

Overall it was a wonderful celebration. Mom, who has the U.S. postal service down to a science had my package delivered right on time. Filled to the brim with a cute new purse (pictured in all above shots), some stellar recipe books, and the cutest new shirt set that I happen to be wearing right now! Delightful. Cheers to one year older and wiser too.

Black Shirts

What is a classroom funny without sharing?

PREFACE: Black Shirts: Mussolini's combat squads
Justin K.: 4th period student who wears all black shirts every day!

Me: "Our test tomorrow is on what?...yes, Totalitarianism. Say that word in your everyday jargon to your parents and they'll think you're smart and let you out on Friday Night."

Justin: "I said Black Shirts to my mom and she thought I was talking about Laundry."

I laughed really hard! I'm still laughing. You know you're jealous that this is my job!

Birthday Cheer

Today I showed up to school to find this:
And this agenda on my whiteboard.

I love that my students think I'm cool. Even if they're too cool to admit it!

For the record, I got 7 Milky Way bars and a bag of Minis. Pretty sure the word is out that I like Disney and Milky Ways. Delightful.

My Bad!

Today in class:

1) When discussing gifts I want my students to buy me, I mentioned tickets to the San Diego Zoo so "I CAN SEE MY FAMILY." Wait...what did I just say? What I meant so say was so I can go for my birthday. Wow!

2) The phone rang during 3rd period. I answer, "Pizza Hut, take out or Delivery". Usually attendence is calling and respond with "delivery, send me so-and-so". This time the response was, "oh, I'm sorry, I have the wrong number". Oops. I lauged super hard. So did the kids. They never called back. woops.

Love it!

Birth Week

"Hey, its my birthday this week, its okay!"


Pretty sure I've said this about everything this week. Every purchase I've thought of making, every over-indulgence I've consumed, every time I've left school a little earlier then I should.


Monday night we made amazing chocolate covered strawberries for FHE. Yum, yum.


Yesterday we went to Pei Wei for delightful dinner goodness.

Today I printed off my cold stone creamry birthday club coupon.


I've also purchased goodness to make some nacho's at home, not gone running once this week, and considered a shopping spree for some fun clothes for the actual birthday goodness. Eh-whatever. Its my birthday this week so its okay!

Pizza Stone Cookies

Our first wedding gift came in the mail on Friday. A Kitchenaid Mixer! How generous and exciting. So of course this morning I had to use it and what better way then with cookies. Yeah! After realizing I was short the ingredients for Snickerdoodles which I really wanted, I made the second choice of which I had all the required things: easy fall back Chocolate Chip Goodness.

Now-at my bridal shower several weeks back, I had the tip to bake the cookies using a Pizza stone. Mark and I have 2 now so I thought to try it out. This is what I got. A bunch of cookies that although cooked well, and taste good; they look HORRIBLE! They all mooshed together on the stone, then I couldn't get them off. You can't spray a stone so...what's your options? Just ugly looking cookies. Probably the last time I'll do that! At least the mixer is amazing!

I should have stuck with the Lemon Bars suggestion! But then I wouldn't have used the mixer! What a world!

"Our Home"

Well, we did it. I've moved into what will eventually be "our house" after the wedding. Moving is such work!!! I was up all night packing up everything so that we were all ready to go that morning. Mark and I had half the truck loaded before the Elders Quorum even showed up! Thats dedication really. First we had to get rid of Fido. Here's Liz taking him away. Pretty sure she put him in the car without anything covering the top. I thought that was odd, but to each his own.

Mark was a genius at loading up the Uhaul. I was impressed at his mad Tetris skills. I think this truck must have been bigger then my last move cuz it all fit really easily. Of course, it very well could be that Mark is just amazing! Yup--thats probably it.

Remember when I had to drive these things by myself? Those were NOT fun days. Mark volunteered to save me from having to drive this down the 91 freeway again. When I moved here from Moreno Valley that one time, that was so scary!And finally we arrived. Boxes and boxes later, we got it all in the house. The bed we bought is like sleeping on concrete, the family room is awkwardly large, and the kitchen drawers are struggling. But it's home and I love it. Truly!
And nothing makes a moving day better then a date night with Mark to my favorite restaurant with a Gift Card. Thanks to the Bouche's and their thoughtfulness...I heart Chili's!

Now if only April will hurry up and get here so I don't have to live alone!

Fax it?

I realize I just posted, and I'm kinda against double posting cuz I fear that people will be too bored to read both posts. I'm sorry, I don't mean to inundate you with blogs.

Second Period: Jessica was absent Friday last week. So was Shelby. Shelby is failing, so asks what she can do to make raise her grade. (Turn in your work woman.) The conversation continues as follows:

SHELBY: did everyone else already turn in their vocabulary?
ME: yes, on Thursday
SHELBY: (quietly to Jessica--mind you their desks are right by mine where I am sitting so I totally hear them) I need to copy it, do you have it?
JESSICA: I have it at home, we did it together remember?
(yelling across the room to me): MISS WRIGHT-I have it at home! Remember we did it together. The partner thing?
ME: Well, that's great. But how can I grade it if it's at home. What do you want me to do?
JESSICA: Can I fax it to you?

Really Jessica? Thats funny!!! I love my job! I feel better.

Frustration

We have been trying to sell that couch on CraigsList. We finally had a strong potential buyer. He even drove out to the house to take a look, and haul it out. Frustration: I had already moved, and the always open laundry room door was locked. The whole house was locked up. My crazy incessant phone calls did nothing. The buyers drove away couchless, and Mark and I cashless. UG!

I moved on Saturday. (details will follow when I get the pictures off Mark's camera). The cable guy isn't showing up till tomorrow. Frustration: We don't have Internet at home. I can't check my emails, blog, find the local TacoBell via Google Maps, nothing. UG! Thankfully Mark has an antenna so I didn't miss the Bachelor last night. Even if it was "snowing" the entire episode.

We're building more furniture. Typical new move activity. Last night our new DVD holder took Mark 5 HOURS to assemble. UG!

In our new house, pretty sure our stove was made in 1961. Wow! And the drawer's hardware too. UG!

It was raining like crazy this morning. LIKE CRAZY! Which makes the freeway to work a lovely experience. UG!

The diamond fell out of my ring this morning with no apparent tampering. No, its not lost, but it isn't attached. Frustration: it seems like everything I've touched the past weekend has broken, disassembled, fallen apart, dropped, or stopped working. UG--DOUBLE!

I'm struggling with everything right now. I don't know why. But I am. Pretty sure I'm going to call in sick tomorrow. Do I care that I'll have to pay for my sub? No, right now...I couldn't care less. I would gladly pay someone anything to cover my classes so I don't have to show up!

Breakfast

• 5 mini Milky Way bars (another pack of 8 in my drawer)
• 2 Donuts
• 1 Cupcake
• 1 Bagel and Cream Cheese

Today, the students came in with all their Valentine's Day paraphernalia. I partook.

Happy Friday the 13th.

Impossibly Possible

A momentous occasion. Today, I'm kinda tired of Disneyland. Mark and I met up with Joe and Amber and family this last weekend and after driving out there three days in a row, on top of work and life, both he and I feel like maybe a break from the magic would be nice.

We stopped by to see Lighting McQueen and Mater. A nice photo shoot there, followed by delightful California Screamin'. I don't know why my camera is taking so many blurry shots. I need a new camera. But I do love the pictures of Mark's face actually On the ride. He is SO great! I love being with him. If only I could be with him every moment!

Tuesday we stopped by the Blue Bayou..again to celebrate the nephew's birthday. How we love this restaurant. I realize it should only be visited on special occasions, but I think Mark and I have held true to that mostly. Our first date, our engagement, and Joe and Amber visiting.

Since we didn't take pictures from our engagement day, we tried to re-create the moment. So here is the delicious cookie boat that must be ordered in all its deliciousness.

Shout out to my old roommate Sharon who I randomly ran into in front of the "Chinese Food" ride with her mom and little boy. I loved that she recognized Mark even before I had arrived at the park. "Hey, aren't you Kaylinn's fiance?" Mark was so confused, it was so funny! Cheers to the blogging world bringing people together. It was so fun to see her again. Its been at least 3 years. Wow time has flown by.

On other news: to catch up with those I've lost touch with. My life is SUPER busy. I'm not avoiding anybody. I just feel like I barely have time to bathe. Joe's family just left yesterday so I've been spending all my free time in Disney with them, and now I'm moving Saturday so my calender is ever full with packing and arrangements there. I'm hoping after the move things will calm down and I can be a person again!

Younger Days

I remember:

**Riding one bike with Tessa down Regency drive to Diana's house. The bad part was riding home. Pretty sure thats dangerous. Its probably against the law these days. One time we tried roller blades. I don't think that was a good idea.

**The Red dot. If you got in trouble in class, then during recess you had to stand on the "Red dot" on the playground. Which actually was a Red Dot! I got on there once. Pretty sure I cried all recess.

**Walking down to the bottom of the hill after school (elementary) to go to dance class. Or when mom was going to pick us up.

**Walking to Tabitha's house right after school then calling and telling mom I "missed the bus" which I totally didn't.

**Tabitha and I thought Seth Goldsmith and his 2 moms was so cool. Cuz then; on days when my mom didn't want to take me to her house, then the other mom would! He had it so lucky!

**I rode bus 5...with Wanda our driver. I can't believe I remember that. But I do remember I was pretty excited to be back bus monitor my 5th grade year. Take that ugly girl that got off the stop before me. I'm just jealous cuz her house was right by the stop and I had to walk up all the way up the hill!

**Washing the walls in 3rd grade so Mr. Weiner would give us Ice Cream tickets. Really? and I wonder why I was "uncool".

**Stealing Mr. Weiner's said ice cream tickets when he left his room open one day when we volunteered to wash the walls. Wow.

** The wooden boat on the Jr. playground. Graduation to the Sr. playground was like a punishment. At least they still had tires.

**I got to ride the bus to school. Dave had to ride his bike. Proof that mom liked me better! :)

**Convinced that Anglea Mazzai's mom paid to have Angela play Lucy in the school play. I was so much better then her. I think the Mazzai's were only popular cuz their parents had money.

**The year my ice cream cake cought on fire. Nice touch.

**When I almost died running the mile as fast as I could in 4th grade so that I could impress Bubba Page. Since he was my partner to count my laps. Pretty sure he never noticed, nor talked to me. Drat.

Gosh this list is fun! Perhaps a waste of time, but fun none the less.

Trying Craigslist

I've purchased several things on the good ol' Craigslist, as many of you have. But I've never tried to sell. So-here's to a first for everything. Maybe this green couch at my house will sell before the move. We'll see. We could use the extra money.
As a side story: this isn't actaully my couch. It showed up at my house randomly after spring break last year. The owner has been MIA for a few weeks so I haven't been able to notify him of our impending move. It can't stay here...so...is it terrible that I'm getting rid of it for him? Eeek, I feel sort of bad, but sort of not. It probably won't sell anyway so, no worries right?

25 Things?

Okay, so I'm bored tonight. Here is me following the crowd with 25 random things in one post.

1. I showed National Treasure in class today and called it "educational".

2. I'm obsessed with Reality TV. I gossip about the Bachelor girls like they're my neighbors and the Grey's drama like I work there.

3. I am learning to embrace change. I use to get really sick when I had to change anything. Seriously physically paralyzed in fear. Now, I kind of like it. I'm excited to move to my new place, and of course REALLY excited to be married to my best friend.

4. I check my email every time I open the Internet. Sometimes finding it more important to check then to enter the attendance.

5. I eat yogurt and crackers for lunch every day. And have oatmeal every morning. Wow, my life is boring.

6. I single-handly keep Jogurt in business. Their delightful self-serve yogurt bar and toppings center make my heart happy. They will be missed when we move. Mark and I will still visit.

7. Chili's Chips and Queso is a "must order". I feel like I'm cheating on my restaurant when I don't get it.

8. I'm afraid of Mrs. Baylor and am convinced she just wants a page in the yearbook with her huge picture and an entire tribute to her existence. And I think her classroom smells like formaldehyde. And Dr. Cunard pretty much thinks I'm amazing which is a bonus when it comes down to Mrs. Baylor trying to talk crap about me!

9. I sing to the radio/CD really loud when I'm driving to work. I know when I do, I have a good day. I'm well rested and happy to be alive. When I don't I'm just mad at the radio for not playing good music and my CD's not having the perfect mix.

10. My sister had her baby today. I'm excited for that chapter in our life too. I'm loving this phase too, but that doesn't mean I'm not excited for kids.

11. I sleep on the left side of the bed. (if you're looking at the bed). I think that as the night progresses I tend to take the rest of the bed goodness, but, I start on the left.

12. I love when my house is clean and smells clean and feels clean. After i clean, I like to just sit on the floor and paint my nails or watch TV or something. I usually clean to loud country music. It cleanses my soul. Lovely.

13. I have an office in my classroom. Its super messy. I don't think about it.

14. Some of my former students know me for my "Taco Tuesday" obsession. All students know me for my Disney obsession.

15. I love French Toast. I had it for dinner tonight.

16. I've been to the movies by myself. Several times. I always think I can handle it but then hate it when I'm there. I can't bring myself to go to a restaurant alone.

17. Sometimes I just go to Walmart to walk around. This is bad cuz I always come out with several "essential purchases". Pretty sure there isn't a Walmart near my new apartment. Thats a good thing!

18. I have the most beautiful ring in the world. And it comes from the best man on the planet.

19. I skip the teacher staff meetings on Thursday Mornings most the time.

20. I'm going to see "he's just not that into you" tonight. (with friends)

21. I'm pretty sure I'm loosing to Mark in our Biggest Looser competition. Sad.

22. I go to Vons at least once a week and buy breakfast or lunch. I love their fresh bagels. So delicious.

23. When I have cash in my wallet, I usually spend it and think it doesn't count. Is this true?

24. Speaking of wallets, I'd love a new one.

25. Pretty sure kissing Mark is one of my favorite things.

Moving Quickly

Life is spinning by super quick. I've got a hundred things going on, with several on the side trying to claim my attention. Hence the lack in blogging. But-if I WERE on top of it, then the following would have been documented with whitty comments and photographs to boot.

BUY ME SOMETHING
Mark and I finished registering for our gifts for the wedding. Seriously, how much fun is that! Who doesn't want to go wild in the store and scan whatever you want. At first we were really careful to get only those things we needed. After a while, we just thought, "hey, I want that!" Or "we'll never get it, but who cares!" Its like a giant shopping list where the prices mean nothing and the gifts may or may not show up! Loved that!


HAPPY UN-BIRTHDAY EDNA
I suppose that the continuous gas fill ups, oil changes, and new tires wasn't enough for my dear Edna. She required something a little more...pricey. The timing couldn't be more...wonderful? The clutch died on my way home from work last week, resulting in a rental car for seven days and followed by the largest present Edna has required. The little snot! Thanks so much.

RELOCATED
A rather unexpected turn came last week as well when my roommate notified me that she was moving the 14th. Givin my current living situation, it made my needing to move necessary. So-Mark and I have been on the hunt trying to find the perfect place that fits both our needs, some of our wants, and our commute. Lots of hunting and looking and driving later, we found the cutest apartment that is going to work just great! I'm super excited about it. So now I'm packing like a mad woman to move next Saturday into "our place" which will just be "my place" for the next few weeks. I hope they go by fast!

FAREWELL FIDO
That stupid fish I bought all those months ago, that was only suppose to live 2 weeks max, is still alive. I've stopped feeding it...mostly, and cleaning his water...mostly, and the thing still lives. So, i was about to flush it when my roommate saved his life. He now belogs to Liz and Taffy the dog. I hope his feelings weren't hurt that I didn't want it anymore. Serioulsy though, its like the bionic-fish.

ANOTHER NEPHEW
Lastly, Tessa had her baby this morning. Hopefully she posts pictures soon as I haven't even seen them. But I'm really excited to see him in March when we get together at the parental units.

There you go. All the posts I've missed! A little late but done and done!

Thats Real Love

We always love seeing the final chosen engagement photo but what does it take to get there? 240 pictures and several "out-takes" Here are some of our best!

Mark is insistant I show of the ring. I just feel awkward.

Lots of blurry shots. Lots of shots where one or both of us are laughing.

Just plain corny. Cuz thats just the way we are.

This is my man. How could I NOT want to marry him. Seriously!

Done and Done

And lastly, the much anticipated--

RING!

Expired

TRAGEDY!

The picture is blurry, but my Disneyland Annual pass expired today. I should go get another but, with the impending nuptials, I sort of get a free annual pass as "the spouse". Dilemma 1-that's not till April. Dilemma 2: its not EXACTLY an unlimited annual pass. Being that Disney keeps track of all Mark's complimentary entrences, my obsessive attendence might send up a few flags. Thats no bueno. My world isn't spinning quite right. What should I do? Cut down on my Disney attendence since Mark is really the only one I go with (mostly by choice), or invest in Disney goodness despite the lack in cash flow as of late.

Oh the choices.

I amaze myself

My lesson plans this week have been...well...less then stellar! I got back from Utah planning on showing the kids the documentary on the Russian Revolution to follow up their textbook assignment they had while I was absent. When I woke up that morning, I changed plans to the amazingly historically accurate "Anastasia" story by Fox Animation studios. Why you ask? Because it takes TWO days instead of one. Naturally.

Well, then Thursday was here and I had to teach. I HAD planned to start the Roaring 20s with this fabulously intense PowerPoint and lecture. Somewhat intense as I would have to put on a show to keep them awake. Which usually works well. However, Thursday morning, i wasn't up to it. And I found that I was filling my entire workday with wedding plans. Addresses, Announcements, Apartment hunting, etc.

SO-I got to school and decided to show the kids the other real documentary movie on the Russian Revolution. Added bonus-take notes. And then it came to me!

We have just studied the Revolution with three very different sources. Lets "compare sources" and learn that with all research, you can't rely on one source. Thus the group Venn-Diagram was born. And hence the title of my post: I amaze myself. My lazy days as a teacher actually turned into a great lesson in the end. Nice!

My classes steal my markers. Now they can have any color they want, as long as its yellow, brown, orange. I guess people don't tag in those colors.

It turned out really great! I love when they work on the floor. Its so ... unconventional. Except I hate this group cuz it was right after this picture was taken that I realized they were using my WHITEBOARD MARKERS to do their posters. Little snots!

Jesus looks like he is high in this picture. He's not. He is actually my best student. I feel bad, he's too smart for my class. I bore him. Sorry Jesus.

Donut Thursday

There once was a tradition birthed during Summer School 2006. Being that Thursday is the last day of the work week during the Summer Sessions, our class created "Donut Thursday".


Today I celebrated Donut Thursday with the most delicious Chocolate Donut the Donut Star could produce. Okay, so this isn't my picture nor did I purchase said donut at the donut star but it WAS delightful!

Why did said donut purchase need to occour? For the following reason:


Yesterday, poor Edna died! (My car). The stick shift gave out just about a block from my house. Let me tell you, it was quite the adventure getting it from there to John's Automotive several more blocks away. At 5 miles/hour and a difficult start up each time you stop, one can get pretty embarassed. So-Edna is in the

shop and I had to run over to Enterprise to rent this beauty! A 2009 Saturn Aura with only 1,200 miles on her when I picked her up. As Mark wisely said: can't I just forget to take her back. She is super nice.

Hopefully Edna can be repaired soon. Thankfully it didn't happen on the freeway, or at night, or at school, or in the middle of the 5 Freeway north driving home. Thankfully Heidi was willing to drive me to get my back up car. Thankfully, Tax Returns are on their way! Too bad all this "extra" money goes to car repairs. Sad day!

Utah

This past weekend, Mark and I headed up to Utah to visit with his family and a flurry of wedding planning. We visited several of Mark's old friends, ate more than we should have, and received gifts to stock our kitchen at the Morrell Bridal shower. I hit up the bridal stores too in search of the dress, and after the first store turned out to be quite the disappointment, the mecca of bride stores in Orem Utah, turned out to be the gold mine of dresses. I love it! Of course I won't post the picture. If you want to see its goodness, you should plan on attending! But let me say I'm going to be pretty darn stunning. I'm the bride, I can say that about myself.

Lauren Kammeyer threw me the first bridal shower with some of my dearest college friends and my cousins who I haven't seen in too many years. What a delight to see Lorie and Lisa! We need to be better friends! Lauren's decorations were so cute. We had a great time.


My mom flew in from Clayton too, mostly for the dress shopping experience. It was fun to see her. Thanks again Lauren, and all my girlies who showed up.

Then the Morrell's had a family bridal shower where they tied a quilt for Mark and I and then showered me with other great gifts. Mark has such a great family. His sisters are AWESOME and his brothers equally amazing. I just adore each of them. A shout out to Malissa and her talent in embroidery. I love my new apron. And I AM domestic!

Of course, classic of Mark and I, other pictures were not taken. We stink. But it was a successful and fun weekend none the less. Some highlights include:

• A rousing game of "Squeek" of which I won one round
• Laughs and games with the nephews
• Conversations around the dinner table
• Homemade German food
• Homemade Brazilian food
• Cloverfield and a sleepless night
• Looking through old boxes and sifting out "junk" from "save it"
• Lots of snow. Pretty and white.
• More eating out
• More friend visits
• Mission "farewell" for Brad Pitt--or so it seemed. (That building was PACKED)

On the drive home I was able to stop in St. George and visit another dear friend Lanelle who I haven't seen in a year. I just love opportunities like this~reminds me how wonderful she is. What a great friend and how lovely to see her again.

Lastly, it HAS to be said. I LOVE what Utah does for my hair. It is so great. I feel like California is bringing out the static lately. Utah created a great, shiny, controlled, beautiful number! Yeah for that.

Next stop: announcements, gift registration, apartment hunting!

The story

Mark had been telling me for some time that he had ordered the ring but knew that it wasn't going to arrive until after our trip to Utah. Disappointed, I tried to just accept the fact that I would have to see his family, have his family Bridal Shower, and go dress shopping in Utah without my ring. Tuesday night he again assured me that he as terribly sorry that the ring hadn't arrived, but that it was indeed on its way.

We had been planning for about a week that the day before we were to leave for Utah we would go to Disneyland. I would have just finished finals, and what better way then to head over to the park. As we were driving over, Mark asked, "what was the first ride we rode on our first date?" Confused, I chuckled, "the same ride we ride first every time we go to the park. Pirates!" I wondered for a minute, why he would ask me a question he already knew the answer to. Weird.

After several rides, we made it over to the Blue Bayou restaurant (the one you see while riding pirates) for our reservation at 5. Now, my curiosity sensors were up again as I had heard of stories of people getting engaged at the Bayou with the cookie boat. Mark was insistent on the ordering of the cookie boat. So of course I went along with it, somewhat hoping I could expect the ring to show up. Dessert came, No ring! Delicious ice cream, slightly disappointed that I had let myself expect something he has assured me was not coming for a few weeks more.

We then left Disneyland for our appointment at the temple. We try to get in a temple session when we can and knew the rest of our month was pretty busy so now was the best time. After a quick stop to visit with my grandma and more apologies from Mark for the missing ring, we went to the Newport Beach temple. Our session was delightful. I had felt so good about everything and was excited to just spend some time with Mark in the celestial room. He had previously said that he wanted to spend some extra time there anyway, so I was anticipating some good quite time for us to sit and enjoy the covenants we were preparing to make.

I arrived slightly before Mark did, and it seemed to take him longer than it should have. When he finally did show up, he quickly told me that he had to go to the restroom and we needed to leave. (sidenote: Mark was planning on asking in the celestial room but then re-evaluated when he assumed I would react the way I did. He had the ring box in his pocket so was very careful to not hug me fearing I would feel it sticking out!)

He rushed away, I went to change and we left. Now, my mind frame at this time was that it was getting late. It was about 10pm and I had to still go home to pack for our trip the next day. I had laundry to do and all my packing/cleaning to do before bed as I was working the next morning and then leaving right after work! Mark had other thoughts! He suggest we take a walk as he had some thoughts in the session he wanted to share. As we began to walk, he started saying all these nice things that women love to hear their men say. How he felt about me, things he sees in me, and where our futures were headed. By now I was aware of what was going on, and was trying to keep my composure.

The moment came. Mark had found a quiet spot near the fountains where he got on his knee and pulled out the largest red box I had ever seen.

"You don't have that yet? What are you doing? You don't have that yet?" was all I could say. I'm not even sure how Mark really asked as I was so caught up at how beautiful the ring was and how perfect he was and how lucky I felt and that this was all really happening. He asked the question to which he already knew the answer. Yes Mark! You are my best friend, my biggest fan, my perfect listening ear, my much needed ego boost, you laugh at my stupid jokes and stories, and strive to make our relationship better every day! Where did I go so right in my life to be so blessed with you, I am forever grateful!

Yes, I am in love. I am getting married. Someone pinch me!