Dress Up Days - Like it or Not.

Today at school, we had an assembly addressing teen dating violance. We actually had two assemblies, one for boys and one for girls. They were pretty good, but all the teachers were asked to wear t-shirts that said "I DESERVE to be treated with respect". Now, this is a great saying especially when tied in with the assembly. But I'll admit that I felt a litte foolish because out of context, I was demanding students respect. But it was all good. I just thought I'd share with everyone.

Ashlyn today wanted to dress up as well, only her ideas was PINK! So, she dressed herself. She did pretty good until the pink cowboy boots, that she insisted was a wise choice because it could break the ice. "See Mom!" as she stomps her feet and then promptly slips and falls. She was ok, but her pride was hurt a bit. She did look pretty cute.

Rexburg Temple, Open For Business

Today was the dedication of the Rexburg Temple. Allen and I had a special treat to be able to attend the 4:30 dedication session in the temple itself instead of at our stake center. We didn't ask for it, but we were happy to have the opportunity.

Things we were blessed with (They sound so superficial, I'm sorry.)

1. Sitting inside the temple for a dedication session.
2. Sitting in an ordinance room, instead of in the hallway or some strange corner for the dedication.
3. Not having to sit on a folding chair, but instead, in movie theater style seating, and
4. Having a big screen TV with surround sound to watch the session.

Here is a picture of the room we were in. It's beatiful and all of the painting is origional by a local artist. (both pictures for this blog were found on the church website.)

President Monson was excused from the 4:30 session, but it didn't matter, it was still a special occasion that Allen and I got to share. It was fun to fun into students that I have and currently am teaching. We were all so excited. Our community truly is blessed to have such a beacon on the hill reminding us of our Heavenly Father. I can't wait to do a session.

Pretty Princess

We were planning a trip to Pocatello again this weekend for a Stampin Up party, but the roads were so slick that we decided to just stay home. In Rexburg the Paul Mitchell Hair Academy had Princess Days where all little girls age 3-11 were welcome to come and get made up like princesses, so we opted for that instead.

It cost $8.00 for an updo, makeup and nails. Of course the candy necklace was .50. And if she wanted a tiara that was $5 and a septar was $3. (we decided to go without the last two. She acted so grown up. Everyone kept saying how pretty she was. There were a million people in the place and I felt a little overwhelmed.
She sat so still for her hair. And when she was asked if she would like glitter, she said "yes please!" Next was makeup. She loved this, I struggled more. I kept seeing little girls with way too much makeup on and I didn't want to see Ashlyn like that. She is only 3. But her makeup artist seemed to read my mind and didn't go dark, except for the hot red lipstick that wore off before daddy saw. And when she was asked if she would like glitter, she said "yes please!" again.
After that, we were on to nails. Ashlyn couldn't decide between the pinks so they did every other finger in a different shade of pink. And when she was asked if she would like glitter, she said "yes please!" again. I guess a girl could never have enough glitter.
When she was finished, they had her pose next to some young women dressed up as the Disney princesses. That picture will be posted later because they have to mail it to me. It was fun for her to play dress up, but it reminded me that I don't want her to grow up, at least not yet.

WHOA! Look at the Snow!

This year has been a big one for snow. Today, both Kenny and I had a snow day because of drifting snow. Yesterday alone we received 8 inches of snow. It just keeps coming. We have so much snow on our roof that I think it's time to send Allen up there to push it off. Our Christmas nativity is completely covered and the snow has just about covered our mail box. It truly is unbelievable. Last time I saw snow like this we were living even further north in St. Anthony. Kenny is enjoying it however. I sent him in the back today and when I went to check on him, I couldn't see him anywhere. When I called louder, he popped up on the opposite side of the yard. The nice thing is that right now, it's not too cold. I'm loving the no school days, but part of me wonders, what am I going to do the rest of the trimester. It's close to an end and now I'm wondering what can I leave out. I'm sure my students won't mind too much.

Happy Birthday to Me!

So I had a birthday, and it was great! It was one celebration after another.

• I started out by going out for sushi with my friend Megan a week before my birthday. Our birthday's are close so we try to celebrate together by going out to lunch or dinner. It was my first time eating sushi, and it wasn't bad. I think I could try it again without her help. We topped the night off with huckleberry cheese cake that was to die for. I think I gained 10 pounds that night.


• The day before my birthday, we met my parents and sister and famly at a 50's diner in Idaho Falls. Yummy food and a free milk shake (minus the birthday song, yeah!) It was fun to get together with my family. I don't see them enough.


• The day of my birthday, Allen sent me flowers at school. He impressed a lot of people that day. The office was talking about it and kids in the school. Two of my classes sang to me....that's always embarassing. For lunch, my department bought me my favorite bagel sandwich and we had cupcakes....yummy!

• That night, we were going to go out, but a blizzard kept us in. So we made the pizza delivery guy drive to our house. Craigo's is always perfect. After the kids went to bed, Allen went outside to move snow for just about 3 hours. It was insane how much snow was dumped. To complete my birthday, both Madison and Sugar canceled school the next day!

• Since we didn't have school on Friday, we headed south to Pocatello. Allen's moms bithday was on the 2nd so we went to visit them. The roads were clear and traffic good. Jeanne and I went out to Red Lobster for lunch and they sang happy birthday to us so we could get some ice cream. We had dinner with the family down there and all of our kids got to run around together. Here's a picture of Ashlyn and her cousin Savannah. They are a little over a year apart, Ashlyn being older. Also we got to see our newest nephew Case. It's easy to get baby hungry when holding a new born. He's so sweet!

Well, the festivities are just about over. The only thing left to do is go out to lunch with 2 of my other friends and get my free birthday Cold Stone ice cream. I can't wait!