Hurricane Sydney

Here we are again- another blog. The last couple times I haven't put anything on facebook about the updated blog because I don't want to be annoying to people and I figure the people who care will be on there anyway. So if you're just seeing this now, keeping scrolling down for the last few posts. 

Love's Day

Last Saturday we celebrated Valentine's Day, and it was wonderful. Just the fact that it's a holiday brightens your mood a bit because it's something different and exciting. First, we went to a cooking class at Thanksgiving point. 

It was a Mexican cooking class about making juevos rancheros as a breakfast meal. It took like 2 and a half hours, and the whole time I was thinking "this will never happen." lol But it was fun to watch someone else do it I guess. 

It was really good. We were a little disappointed because we thought we would have our own station and get to do it all, so in the end it was over priced for what you could do with the food network. 

We did get to try out making the tortilla, but that's about it. But it's okay, because I didn't understand half the cooking terms he was using anyway. 

The teacher and situation was funny without meaning to be. For the drink he made Papaya-ade, and before he started he said, "Okay, now let's talk about aids." No one laughed. It was like an awkward, silent elevator ride the entire class, so I felt like I was exploding inside. He also said, "Let me tell you how Mexicans like their aids..."

When he was talking about how different beans grow in different parts of the country he said, "You'll always find lights in the north and blacks in the south."

But maybe I was the only one noticing because I was the only one there with the attention span of a toddler, and everyone else there really liked to cook. 

S.L.C. with ma D.L.G.

After that we went up to Salt Lake and had a really nice, long dinner at Ruth's Chris and stayed in a hotel. We like not feeling rushed and taking our time, so we drag it out and order lots of small things throughout. It was perfect. We talked and watched the dunk contest and tried new things. Their food seriously never gets old. I was so excited to wear that dress too- I got it for the roof and I was bummed when I didn't have it in time. 

Dallin got a gift card from his work for Christmas, so that helps the pocket book a bit. Lol this place is so expensive, but so worth it. It's the same place we went last year for Valentine's Day. Dallin said this year was his favorite V-day yet. I surprised him with some Nike shoes and sweats and he loves them. 

The next morning we scored breakfast at the hotel restaurant for free! It was like really good too- it was supposed to be 50 bucks! Anyway, while we were gone, Miss Emma was babysitting! This was the sight we came home to... lol

Jakey missed us!

Try not to notice how bad I look in this pic.....we'll blame lighting. (wink wink)

After we got home, me and Emma hung out for a bit and watched TV. It was a good time because I hadn't seen her in so long! (She was so good to the kids too, she let them sleep with her!)

My New Fave Show

This is my new favorite show. If you haven't seen it, look it up. It's so freaking funny. I just sit and watch it and laugh for hours. 

Me on a Rampage

(Here's where the title comes in.) So Monday was presidents day so I didn't have school! I decided I was going to make it the most productive day possible. I worked out, ran an arrand for my dad, went to the car dealership, got a windsheild wiper, and sold/re-organized EVERYTHING in my garage. I got sick of not being able to park in it, so that day, I sold it, chucked it, or put it in a closet upstairs. 

It was sooooooo much work. But we made money and I was so proud of myself at the end. 

It was so rewarding to actually park in the garage that night. Dallin came home from work and went "woah! What'd you do?!" Lol 

All the teachers at school the other day were joking that teachers are all hoarders because "you never know what you'll be able to use." I feel like I'm the opposite! I get in those moods and become like a Hurricane just going through stuff and chuckin' it. Dallin had to fight to keep his toys from his childhood. (Still don't know why we have those.)

It was so nice of Dave and Sara to give us their old washer and dryer for my graduation present. My dad also gave us his coffee table. It was so nice to have a little extra money, and I decided right away what I wanted to do with it.
CUTE HOUSE STUFF!!!!!
I'm a fixer-upper junkie and recently I've been slowly re-vamping my old decor with country-chic stuff. Here's some of my inspiration....

I want this light fixture so bad. Look how cute it is! 

Since I have a list of things in my phone that I wanted for the house I immediately went out and got them.  This tray...

 This paper holder

 This magnet board

 These curtains for my bedroom, and a table runner for downstairs.

 The last week or so we've started having a humidifier run at night, and I feel so much better in the mornings. A lot less dry.

 Jakey's Favorite Spot

Whenever I leave the door open, he sneaks in for a nap on all those pillows. Everyone thinks he's so out-going, but any chance he gets he will leave to go nap by himself too. I don't really understand it, because he's not as excited about my bed... which is the same. 

I hate the lindon murdock dealership.

This stupid place stole like 4 hours of my life and didn't even fix anything. I took Dallin's car in on Monday and they told me that I have to fix a ridiculous part that is not necessary for the car to run, just necessary to get the check engine light to go off. And it took them all that time just to tell me that. But on the bright side "The Herd" was on tv and I thought it was funny and interesting talk about sports. 

Dinner Plans

My mom and tom came over last week for dinner and Tom also fixed our internet so that Dallin can play his games upstairs now. That is a miracle. It was also good to spend time with them. 

Summit Jr. Basketball

Our boys team is really good! I went to a game and was very impressed. The only thing that sucks is now that the season is over, we have to do a faculty vs. bball team game. We're going to lose and embarrass ourselves. 

Lately Happenings

I have had some frustrating situations, as are expected in this profession. I think it's meant to keep me patient. This was a good reminder because, I know for these specific students, it's absolutely true. I think that's why I like this job so much. I feel like it makes you a better person because you are constantly tested and forced to see the best in people. (Maybe forced isn't the best word. But since you're striving to pull out the best in your students, that reward is better than money or other job perks.) Anyway, I like feeling like I'm growing and becoming better as a person, not just as a teacher. 

We all said "goodbye" to Mr. Neilson last Friday. Our math teacher is his mom, and he was helping out when she hurt her knees and suddenly needed surgery. He stepped in while she was away, and next week she is coming back. He got a job in IT like he wanted, and the students were all sad to see him go. The teachers are too. I liked him adding in sarcastic jokes in every meeting :)

Ain't this the truth. I have been exhausted lately. My subjects don't involve a lot of grading, but they are more exhausting during the day. For example: in ONE DAY I was hit in the head 3 times by volleyballs, once in the arm by a soccer ball, and once in the calf by a racquet ball. Yeah. I had a head ache. And I do sweat and run and lift things and yell during the day. But.... I get to dance and play games and take pictures all day. So who better to do that than me!? 

Waltzing Through Life

In Social dance we are learning the waltz, and this is one of the songs that we dance to a lot. It's so funny to me for some reason. It's like a walk down memory lane and even though it's old, it's the students' favorite of the 6 songs we use a lot. lol it's just a classic. You can't not sing along. It's hilarious to see pre-teens belting "Kissed by a Rose" by seal while doing the Waltz. 

Look how cute my kids are

Sara is so thoughtful. Whenever she sees a good deal on dog stuff, she always buys it and sends it to us. I absolutely love it! She recently sent us 5 costumes, a shirt for Jake, a hat for Jo, and shoes for both. 

His shirt says "I chase tail." hahaha

OMG I have never seen something so cute.

Game Night!!!

We had Jon & Sophie and Michelle & Brian over to play games last Friday! It was really fun. We had a blast. The boys won catch phrase unfortunately. But it was fun to play something other than the board. And Jon's oreo balls are bomb! Lol Dallin made Josie a little pedestal out of stools and a blanket so that she could be apart of it. She always wants to sit on your lap so she can see, so instead we just gave her her own chair and she loved it. 

Sophie also brought me the new 3d mascara and I love it!

It's time for the Clearlink Winter Party Again!!!

Yeeeaaaassss! I love getting all dressed up and socializing and playing games and eating and stuff. Clearlink certainly knows how to throw a great party. I went back to the same place that I took my dresses to to rent because I didn't want to buy a dress. 

Look how beautiful it was on Saturday! It was sunny, and I think that's why I had so much energy to get stuff done!

Anyway, while at Dress Collective I found some gorgeous stuff. I really liked the recent 2 piece style I've seen on pinterest so I tried those. I tried long and short, and sent pics to Dallin and my mom for votes. In the end I went with the first one in the top left corner. It's a masquerade, and I'm so excited to wear my silver mask with it. It's stunning. 

I already did my nails black and silver to match my dress, and I'm using a giftcard on Saturday to get a pedicure. 

Grooming Day

The kids are so fluffy right now. This is the perfect length for them. I cannot describe it and the picture doesn't do it justice. It's like they are walking pom-poms! Petsmart in Orem does such a great job. 

Josie dug her way into the covers to play with Jakey. They think it's a fun game to play. He usually pounces a lot more than he does in this video.

PLEASE DON'T JUDGE MY HIDEOUS "DOGGIE VOICE." It's worse than most people's baby voices.

That cooking class sure taught me a lot

Look how good of a wife I am. At least he doesn't starve. 

The Hurricane Strikes Again

On Saturday and Sunday, Dallin seriously asked me if I was on meth. Idk if it was the pretty weather, or anxiety, or a good night's sleep.... but I seriously did not stop all weekend.

I vacuumed, mopped, cleaned toilets, dusted, sewed an enormous pile of dog clothes, changed the decorations, tried cleaning my headlights with toothpaste, washed my car, detailed the inside, cleaned the kitchen, got my dress, got the dogs groomed, painted a lamp, did laundry, put away clothes, organized some lessons for school, changed light bulbs, sold the dog stroller, dropped off stuff at DI....

I was on fire!

It took me all day before I calmed down, and then I was out. It happened again on Sunday! I didn't even write everything that I did because it was so much.

Sunday Funday

On Sunday we went to the Deadpool movie in my favorite luxury seats. The food and the seats were amazing. The movie..... some parts a little too intense for my wimpiness. Other parts funny. 

 After that we went up to Daybreak lake and went on a walk with the dogs. It was really pretty.

 The kids loved chasing the ducks.

 Utah Weather

As I was driving to work on Monday morning, all my dreams suddenly shattered. I love the sunny weather! Why does it have to snow all of a sudden!? It hailed a little, rained a little, snowed a little, and now I think it might go back to being kind of sunny. 

It was weird because that was all within like 4 hours!

This is what I'm working on. I'm not always the best at interpersonal relationships, and I don't always know what to do in different situations. So I try. 

I hope that today was an excellent Tuesday for you all. Have a good day tomorrow!

Sincerely,

Mrs. "Haff" 

(Students have started calling me by my "spanish" name lol)

February Fun

Hello All,

I am doing a short and sweet blog about just one week this time. That way things don't stack up and I don't have to write a novel again. I have been lazy on the pictures so very few are edited and most of them are too dark. Oh well. 

The 50th SuperBowl

I was so excited for the superbowl. Even ask Dallin- that morning we went to breakfast and talked about it, and I got all excited about the dip and what I was going to wear. We watched the pre-game show that the NFL puts on all day before it starts and I really liked it. They did stories on past superbowls and showed what the players were doing to get ready. It was awesome that we were invited to Dallin's friend Frank's party. He went all out! Here's a pic of his basement. He had it projected on one wall and a tv on the other, and the food was divine. There was steak, ribs, baked mac & cheese, chicken wings, chips & dip, drinks, salads, and more. It was like a buffet! 

 I felt like the half time show was a lot shorter this time. Is it usually only like 2 songs long? They did a great job, I just wished it was longer. (Haters gonna hate, but I think Beyonce is a tad over rated and Bruno Mars is the bomb. Seriously, why is she never wearing pants?)
 
I had to represent my team while going to a football related event. (Even though they all thought I was weird. But hey, Dallin's coworker Jake was wearing a cowboys jersey so it wasn't just me.) I absolutely love rockin' my Packers gear.

This is Asia and Kevin. You can't see them in this picture but Brian, Michelle, Rudy, Frank and his wife and kids, Jake and Cassie, were all there. To be honest, the game itself was a little anti-climactic. I was rooting for the panthers, and it wasn't really a good game. Just a pummeling. I felt sorry for them. There weren't even any funny commercials! What is happening?!

 Reunited and it feels so good!

Ryan and Shayle were in town and we saw them on Wednesday. We seriously miss them so much. Since Ryan's parents were watching Oakley, it was just like old times. We talked about what's happened lately and also reminisced a lot about all of our weird memories together. We went to Sakura and Dallin was happy because they had all-you-can-eat sushi. 

Afterwards we came back home and played a good old fashioned game of the board. It was so fun, and I wished we didn't have to go back to our lives the next morning. Even though the girls lost the game, it was a blast. It made us want to move to Arkansas! haha They are so fun, and I'm glad we've stayed in touch despite the distance. 

Harry Pooper

This is how far I am in the 2nd book now! It's amazing how little I remember happening that they didn't fit into the movie. I'm at the part where he has to grow back his arm bone because of Lockhart! lol

 Can you believe this? I'm beyond excited. Ryan is a Harry Potter fanatic and recently they went to Harry Potter world in Florida. I want to go there soooooooooo bad!
I cannot wait for the 8th book to come out!!!! My guess is that Voldemort has a son or something who tries to carry on the legacy. lol

 Foreign Exchange Students

We have had several foreign exchange students visiting from China. They've stayed for about 2 or 3 weeks and now they're going home. Today to celebrate their time here and also Chinese new year, they did a little presentation for us about Chinese culture. It was really cool. They played instruments, showed the students caligraphy, talked about the different areas of the country. 

 This is a chinese game that they taught us how to play. It was such a cool experience!

 I quit facebook

It's almost comical as you scroll through our facebook feed how many of the pictures and posts are about babies or pregnancy. I've pretty much just stopped going on there because it's driving me nuts. 

 Happy Valentines Day!

Today was the day the students really celebrated V-day because we had our Valentines day dance and they all gave each other candy and stuff. It sabotaged my diet for sure. I was offered a cookie, cake, cupcake, chocolate bar, chocolate hearts, and starbursts. lol 

I came in this morning to this on my board. It was such a cute surprise because when I left last night it wasn't there and I locked the door. So whoever did it probably had to ask someone to let them in. So funny, but it made my day.

The student council has been selling these chocolate bars at lunch for Valentines to send. So all week it's been a big deal and students send them to their crushes anonymously and whatever. It's so funny to see old traditions continueing. I remember I used to always send one to myself anonymously so that it would look like some guy sent it to me. lol I was so afraid of being embarrassed when I didn't get one so I was proactive. I still think it was a good idea because you get chocolate, and then it's an added bonus if you get another one sent to you. 

This time, however, I didn't even need to do that! A thoughtful student sent me a chocolate bar! I could not believe it and I was over the moon happy as if someone had bought me a car or something. lol I just love surprises I guess. 

 

Last Saturday Day Date

Last Saturday was the kids' day. We took them to Tanner dog park, which is a huge and wonderful haven for dogs. It's all fenced in and groomed and it has a river and benches. All the dogs & owners we meet there are always so nice. Jake & Josie had a ball to say the least. Josie was really shy, but she still enjoyed herself. 

Afterward we went to Petco and let them pickout treats and toys. I was so proud of Josie initiating contact in that picture on the right so I took a pic. She seriously spent the whole time at the dog park avoiding other dogs and then at Petco she walks right up to that one and says hello. The toys were a hit this week. Josie carried around a lime green monkey for about 5 days so I think she likes it. 

After that, we went to the car wash and laughed at the dogs. They were all weirded out at what was going on. 

 Josie was really tired after the long day! She went to bed early.

 The struggle continues

I really hate the days when I have to do cardio because then I get all sweaty and have to try and clean up and go back to school and teach. But oh well, when you teach PE, I think it's okay. Anyway, I set a goal for body fat percentage (I thought it was cool that they take that for free for you). In PE, we have a tradition that when class falls on a Wednesday, we have "workout wednesday." (Or as the students would call it, "weeping wednesday.") Instead of playing a game we do a workout that day. So I've started doing that with them, and this last time we did it with a deck of playing cards. Each suit meant an exercise and the number was how many we had to do. We went through the whole deck and we were all sore the next day!

 The consensus is.... cooking still sucks. 

We've still tried to hang onto our enthusiasm with cooking more and eating less frozen. But I think my initial zeal has worn off, and although time has passed, I still hate it. 

I will probably never enjoy cooking..... but I recognize it as a necessity.

We decided to combine dinner with our neighbor Graffs, and this was one of the recipes Michelle gave me. We'll see if I muster up the strength to accomplish this one. 

 Hair Addiction

I have a problem. I go back and forth pretty much every single day about what I want to do with my hair. Sometimes I really want to cut it like this....

and other times I want to grow it out long again. I'm a hair-waffler. 

Personality Tests & Funny Quotes

We took personality tests and I am apparently an INFJ which is the rarest type. And Dallin is an ESFP which is pretty different. I tried to take the test for Jakey and Josie to see what they'd be but it was too hard. 

One night I was talking about an anti-aging product and how it's supposed to give you a "youthful glow." And Dallin said, "Yeah I hate it when I have that aged dimness." lol he definitely keeps me laughing.  

You gotta keep yer head up

I really liked this quote :) I thought it was funny. I have had a mad case of the "gimmes" lately, and it's stupid because I really have so much. I think I just need to focus on what I have instead of all the dumb, materialistic things I really don't need. (Easier said than done. You gotta admit..... those smart watches are cool.)

By the way.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE MOTHER IN LAW SARA GRAFF!!! 29 YEARS YOUNG TODAY :) YOU DA BOMB.

Hope everything went well for you this week. We're looking forward to all of our fun plans this weekend! :)
See ya

-Syd

Pluggin' Along

Hello Everyone...

I've been quite busy lately. 

Good Ol' Summit

Part of the reason I've been busy is because our yearbook deadline is coming up. We have to have everything looking perfect before the first week of April, and it's kindof a lot of pressure. It's just me and 8 pre-teens trying to get it all done. I find myself looking through other yearbooks and spread designs online and going, "Holy cow, how do they do that?!" It's a skill you learn over time, so since this is my first year, I'm still learning what ends up looking good and what doesn't. I think I'll freak out but still pull through in the end. 

We got 2 new teachers now that Jill moved, and they are so great to work with. This was the extent of what we could do for yearbook since they don't have Lifetouch pictures lol so the lighting isn't the best, but it'll be okay. Kelli & Wade are awesome and I'm actually co-teaching a huge class with Wade for PE this semester. 

All the 7th graders went on a feild trip to STEM fest this week, and they all raved about how fun it was. I really think it's cool when they involve the students in fun things that have to do with science and math, because those subjects get a bad wrap for being boring. 

We had the spelling bee! It was amazing because they were asked a few words that I couldn't even spell. They all tried so hard, and it had to be so serious because there was someone who came in to make it official. You can't clap till the end of the round, and you have to say it in a certain way, with only a few questions you can ask. 

I've been pretty stressed over getting my endorsements. The state PE department only offers 3 classes per summer, and each of them only has 25 spots available. So on the Tuesday that they opened up registration, it was like a mad dash to the computer to hurry and press the button the minute it opened. It's as competitive as getting Taylor Swift tickets! Luckily I got into all 3. The dance department is making it ridiculous because they require  about 16 classes, and I'm only missing 3 of them, but they're still making it close to impossible for me. I have to get letters from professors, videos of me dancing, me teaching, students dancing, files of resources, interviews, papers, and an official observation. All that and they could still say no. And I have the rest of the school year to get it all done before next year. Cool, huh?! :)

Oh the funny things the students do and say. These are some artwork samples and another student's goals for the semester. lol At least they were honest!

I had to correct the student who drew Ariel here. She said she would've drawn Ursula but it's hard to draw her testicles. lol At first she thought I was wrong, but then conceded that the right word is "tentacles." lol 

I told the other student to draw what I would look like as an alien and this is what I got. Always entertaining!

"I be up in da gym just workin on ma fitness he's ma witness"

I am so so so excited because so far it is working!!! I have been going to the Riverton Vasa during 2nd period every day, trying to be more involved in my PE classes, and watching what I eat. I measured at the first of January and then again yesterday to see my progress, and almost every area was smaller!!! There was one area with no change, my weight only went down 1 pound, but every other area I lost a 1/2 an inch or 1 inch!!! I had to measure each place multiple times to make sure because I was shocked! I'm really excited to be in great shape for swimsuit time this summer!

I really like the Riverton Vasa. It's a lot better than the American Fork location. At the time I go there arent that many people there, they have a bigger functional training area, and they have massage beds and tanning! I pretty much go on these massage beds every day. It's so relaxing because it shoots up water to massage and you can decide on the pressure, speed, area, and what you look at on the screen. There are games, books, videos, and music. I always watch/listen to a video of the beach and fall asleep. It's so amazing to have a mini break in the middle of the day and then go back to school. 

Winter just needs to stop.

I am seriously so sick of winter. It was cool at first because we've gotten more snow this year than any year since I was in grade school. But now, I'm so sick of waking up to snow and worrying for my life on the roads. My windsheild wipers will get frozen stuck, my feet get soaked, and Jake and Josie haven't really gotten to go outside in a month. It seems to be happening everywhere, because my dad and shelly sent me these pictures from Nebraska. They were snowed in for like 2 days, and spent 7 hours shoveling snow! It covered up the dog house completely, so Sammy's been inside, and my Dad had to use the bobcat to move the snow. I really want to move somewhere warm. This is so depressing. 

Recent Songs

I like to include these in here because it's like a time capsule. Years from now I might be reading this post and think, "I remember when that song was popular." lol

 Yay! Cheaper Gas Prices!

I could not believe that I only paid 23 bucks to fill up my whole tank!

Our Big Night Out

For our date 2 weeks ago, we went to the Utah Arts Association's fundraising event, "The Annual White Party." It was Alice & Wonderland themed, and of course, white. So they had a photographer who took posed shots with a background, but I can't seem to track them down. We went with Kevin and Asia, but also saw other friends there. Kim was the one who invited us because she was performing a ballroom dance piece there. They had 2 shows and several DJ's. Kim did great, and the other performers were amazing too. We saw aerial artists perform on trapeze, silks, and each other! One girl did a handstand on top of a guy's shoulders! They had the "rabbit hole," you can see below, and since most people wore white they used a lot of black lights. That white thing I'm posing with Kim on below was a glowing art piece that looked like a crystal.  

 In between the shows, there was fun dancing and fondue food. Dallin dressed up like the mad hatter and I just wore white with purple accents. I had purple hair, jewelry, shoes, and sash. I even wore purple eye makeup and purple eyelashes!

 This was one of the performers on silks. It reminded me of Ashton who did that at Miss Utah. That kind of art is always fun to watch.

When we were there we saw Rodney, Rick, a few of their friends, and I randomly ran into Heather here! She is a former title holder and helped out with Miss Orem! When I saw her I had to put it together at first who she was, but then we talked and talked. Heather and her friend were both so beautiful but down-to-earth as well. It was definitely fun to see them. 

 My Morning Buddy

No matter how tired she is, Josie always wakes up with me. I love it because she makes sure I wake up and then comes down stairs with me and just keeps me company while I get ready. She even walks me to the door every day. It's the sweetest thing because Jakey wouldn't get up for a hurricane if it's before 10am lol. I love her! It makes my morning so much better to have her with me. 

Poor Jo-Jo got really sick the other morning. She woke up throwing up and having diarrhea bad! At the same time! It freaked me out. But I cleaned her up and helped her feel better and she's been fine ever since. I was really worried, and she was really cuddley and grateful that I helped her. It was really bad timing though because I was still half asleep!

 I finally got a new phone!!

After about a month of my phone going in and out of working, I finally caved and got a new one. I kept putting it off because I hate how expensive phones are. We ended up getting an amazing deal on a galaxy s6 because Dallin found it on ksl. I'm really happy that I didn't get ripped off and I ended up with an incredible phone. 

 Din-Din

We had dinner with this clan twice! Dallin rocked the bow-tie pasta again and then we also went out to a mexican restaurant another night. 

 Doggie-Dallin Selfie

Awww.... look how cute they are!

 Date last week

Neither of us planned anything. So we went to Paradise bakery, tanning, worked out, and then played a game of Jeremy's. It was actually so fun even though it was low-key. A perfect night. (And we found a MUCH better tanning salon. It was only 11 bucks for both of us!)

Last Night

 Dallin went to a game night last night so after I worked out I spent some quality time with these two cuties.

Today we had planned to go to a cooking class at Thanksgiving point, but we accidentally missed it. So we're coming up with a new date-plan as I write. I was bummed about it, but I think we'll just go another week.
I'm sure I'm missing some things that have happened, because this seems to be much shorter than it usually is. Oh well.

Guess that's it! Over & out.

-Sydney