"The Dance" . . . for the girls.

The Dance

I watched my sister get ready for a dance last night,
It reminded me of many times before,
only I looked up then as make up was applied and hair was curled and set,
now I look down,
I watched as high heels were dug out of closets and lip gloss was glided on.
When did she get old enough to date?
When did I get too old for dances.
I picked up my daughter to keep her from crawling into the array of silk
and bulk of slips that swish and shimmer as my sister walked down the hall.
Glowing, she walks to the mirror once more to put her earrings in as the door bell rings.
The Prince of the evening has arrived to take our Cinderella away.
The walls flash white as pictures are taken before they head out the door.
Everyone smiles while flowers are exchanged and mother hurries over
to keep the young man from being poked by floral pins.
One last photo and they are out the door.
I pass my little squirmy one to Grandma as we look out the window.
They are off.
We all head into the kitchen and reminisce of past dances and princes over pizza,
each of us glad that our lives have moved past dance preparations,
but secretly looking forward to future ones with our daughters.

I am writing a book! . . . finally!

Okay . . . so last night I could not sleep and lay their for hours trying to konk out with no success . . . my mind just would not calm down . . . all of a sudden I realized that I had a story going in my head and I knew that I would lose my ideas and characters if I did not write them down . . . so Toph came in at 1:00 and caught me typing away pouring out my mind into a story overview that has me absolutely ecstatic! I have ALWAYS loved writing and have tons of different ideas written down and bits and pieces here and their but I am just way excited for this one! It is just fun for me to write and so releasing! I will let ya know when I am finally done with it one day . . . hopefully in the summer for sure! I think this one will appeal a bit more to women than to the fellas . . . but I could be wrong! (It is Austen era) Hey ladies thanks for your excitement upon hearing of my venture! I have always wanted to write a book and dedicate it to the amazing women in my life! I think this will be the one . . . hopefully the first of many . . . but who knows . . . we'll take it one day at a time! Maybe from time to time I will post a snippet!

Another day has gone by . . .

Holy guac peeps! Long time no see I know . . . thanks for the e-mails etc. Yes I plan on posting more recipes . . . no worries! Okay . . . talk about snow! I really thought that we were over the worst of the winter storms but hello Em it is January . . so of course we are going to have more storms! We were just so excited to have a parking lot NOT covered in ice finally and the day that it is almost completely clear it starts snowing all over again! Oh fun! Anywho life is just crazy as ever! It seems like the smaller the primary class I have . . . the more capable they are of shocking the hannah out of me and making me think "okay, I can handle this!" I am indeed teaching CTR 5 and my class is darling but has LOTS, and LOTS of energy! Toph laughed for like 10 minutes straight without getting air I think when I told him about my little adventure on Sunday! I think I was crimson during all of closing excercises chasing kids down and some of the words that come out of their sweet little mouths are a little shocking to say the least! I just hope that the other kids don't learn them . . . and of course if you say "oh, lets not say that word" then of course they are going to scream it at the top of their lungs while jumping chairs in closing excercises! Next week I am injecting fruit snacks with tranqs (JK!) They are too cute and we had a great sharing time! I colored, cut and laminated things all week prepping and we made it threw smooth! Our house was happy and smiling in the end! We are going to Inkheart for our date night Friday if anyone wants to come! I think it looks a little scary but I am sure I will be able to handle it (?). Ami congrats on your new calling! I loved serving in that calling and you will do great chica! Brecky you have some stylin' hair man! Alles gute!

Sick . . . again!

Em is down for the count yet again with a second time around with the flu! Hope all is well in your world!

Hotel Info . . .

So I have had a little experience working in the hospitality industry while going to college . . first as a waitress (oh loved that time . . .) and currently in the hotel industry and I have a few little hints for you . . . so family and friends as you start planning vacations and looking for deals on travel and hotel rooms here are a few helpers and things to be aware of . . .

- Be aware of "discount" internet sites! I can't tell you how many times people have come in thinking that their room was already paid for and low and behold the site that they made reservations on (while popular and advertised by actors and actresses or little figurines) does not have an account with our facility even though they sold guests a room!
- Discount internet sites often times have "hidden" or additional charges for making reservations. A gentleman called me the other day to check to see if his reservation had been canceled as he requested to the site that he made the reservation with. Not only had they failed to cancel the reservation (ie he would have been charged for failing to cancel it within the required time period) they had charged him a $28.00 booking fee for making the reservation that he had failed to notice in the fine print and it was not reimbursed to him even when he canceled!
- It takes a lot of time and money to keep hotels up . . . so most times you get what you pay for! Their usually is a BIG difference between a room advertised for $32.00 and $79.00!
- Now is a good time to book rooms because of the economy! You will most likely be able to call the hotel and get a good deal. Most are fairly open to a little negotiating right now.
- Join hotel clubs! You can get discounts, points, free stays, upgrades etc. It is painless and easy! Most people prefer staying with certain hotel chains because of the benefits offered by clubs!
- If you have AAA or are a member of AARP or work for the Government check for discounts! (Hint hint, police officers, etc.) You will need a valid and ID and proof of membership!
- Breakfast . . . this is a kicker for hotels right now especially . . . most hotels are trying to win guests with breakfast. Call or check online to see what is offered and consider this while accounting the cost of the room. You need breakfast so rather than paying more by eating out . . . eat at the hotel offered breakfast and save $$.
- Check reservations! Don't just check online! Call the hotel and make sure that they received your reservation. Just because you received an e-mail and confirmation number does not mean that it really went through! This happens ALOT! Some sites are scammers, no matter how popular they are or fail to cancel reservations. Call and make sure your reservation is correct too!
- Walk-ins. It is always best to have a reservation ensuring that you have a room, but walking in can sometimes save you big time . . . depending on how busy the hotel is and the season. You would be amazed how open to negotiation some hotels can be over price or on upgrades.
- For a happy staff/stay . . . if you have any problems let the staff know immediately and don't be afraid to ask to switch rooms if anything is wrong! But remain calm and polite! Most hotels do all that they can to make a guests stay as comfortable as possible and have toiletries ie razors, shampoo, toothbrushes etc for guests if you forget anything.
- Report pets! If you have a pet let the staff know! Don't sneak one in or assume that they accept pets! Check ahead of time WITH THE STAFF! Some sites may advertise hotels as being pet friendly that no longer are! You can and will be charged if you fail to notify the staff that you have a pet (of any kind). Plus they ALWAYS find out (!!!) from other guests, other staff members, the room condition etc. Be respectful and honest.
-Cancellation. Find out the cancellation policy! If you are held up by emergencies or weather most hotels are fairly understanding and won't charge you! Some policies state that the room must be sold to another guest before cancellations will be enforced.
-Staff. Last but NOT least . . . be nice to the hotel staff! If they are being horrible that is one thing but remember that it is not their fault that they don't know your favorite cereal and don't serve it at breakfast or that you clogged your toilet at 2am. They honestly want to make you happy (otherwards they get their heads eaten off and get to deal with oh so happy you!).

Overall just inform yourself and never be afraid to call the hotel and check on anything and everything!!! (I should write a book . . . it would be shocking the stories that I have heard and could tell!)

Photo session giveaway . . .

My darling and talented sister in law Brandi is doing a photo session give away! Check out her photo blog by clicking here! She did our family photos and they turned out wonderful!!!

A NEW YEAR!

Hola, Greusstig, Hey there, How are ya? Is everyone ready for a new year? Holy cow I could use a beverage about now (did you hear that Toph . . . oop it is late and he is doing what I should be doing . . . sleeping!!! besides we kicked caffiene . . . again . . .). School has begun once again . . . and it is going to be a busy semester! But right now my mind is all about shoving my homework aside and just saying how very blessed we had been in 2008 and already how many blessings have come our way in 2009.

-Chris graduating and today we found out that he got a new job that is such a blessing to our family and one at which he can continue his education and prepare for his Masters! (Call him and ask him about it!)

-He is also serving as second counselor in the Elders Quorum and is loving every minute of it!

-Toph is also the poster boy for amazing husbands! 5 minutes in our home will convince you of this I know . . . I see the things that he does everyday . . . and it makes me more grateful for him everyday! I am so proud of you Toph and of all that you have achieved this year and of the example you are and the wonderful husband that you are!

-I am now teaching CTR A and have a class with a couple of darling girls who have enough stories each Sunday to fill volumes and who just light up my life! The kids in junior primary say the funniest yet most brilliant things! What a joy and a blessing it is to serve in primary!

-I am getting more excited the closer I get to graduating and realize how much my passion for teaching is growing with every class that I take and every book that I read! (History is exciting! Say it with me . . . "I love History!")

Other blessings have come to us through seeing the joy and blessings that have come into the ones that we love . . . new babies, jobs, graduation, baptisms, birthdays, athletic events, etc. We are so grateful for wonderful families and friends! We know that sometimes time eludes us and lives get packed to the brim . . . but you are always in our hearts, on our minds and in our prayers! May 2009 bring much happiness and the continual blessings of a loving Father in Heaven! Happy New Year everyone!

First Day of School

This is my wifes first day of the semester. She is stoked about her new classes and looks forward to a great semester. I wish her the best of luck on her classes and her professors. She will do a great job!