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Saturday, November 26, 2011

last stop...nyc

After 5 days in DC and 2 days in Philly, I took the bus to NYC. There was some crazy bad traffic, but it was still the best cheapest way to go. I was mostly there for work and a little fun too. I had work trainings all day the first 2 days but managed to do a few things after work.

stayed with college friend ginny (and took no pictures)

visited 9/11 memorial (deserves its own post)

saw occupy wall street (not sure what dressing like santa, mrs. clause, and baby clause will do to help this situation)

walked around times square (and took the must take picture)

saw Memphis (entertaining singing and dancing)

walked to central park from ginny's apartment (so very jealous of all the runners)


did a little shopping in the pouring rain

It was a great 10 days!


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Thursday, November 24, 2011

blessed

On this day of thanks, I cannot even begin to list all the things I am thankful for. I am so very blessed. I am particularly thankful for family and the rare opportunity to spend all day with immediate and extended family. We ate, took pictures, visited, and played.

the kids made paper rockets and launched them with an air compresser

grandma and grandpa mathis with all the great grandkids. the kids weren't really all that into this except karlee. have you ever seen anything cuter?!?

with cousin brittany who we haven't seen since kid #2 was a little babe.



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Monday, November 21, 2011

tour de east coast...philadelphia

after spending the work week in dc, i took the bus to philadelphia to spend the weekend with katey. it was a quick couple days and packed full of philly fun.

first stop...philly cheesesteaks with cheese whiz (seriously)
second stop...redding terminal market (more food)

liberty bell. line to go inside was way too long. perfectly happy to see it from outide.

independence hall

must take picture at art museum in front of rocky statue
city hall building

lifesize game pieces

so glad it worked to visit katey on this trip. it was so much fun! once the weekend was over, i took another bus to NYC.

Monday, November 14, 2011

sneak peek...Philly

I actually took real pictures with a real camera on stop 2 of tour de east coast. I promise a real post when I get home, but until then here's a sneak peek from my phone.


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Saturday, November 12, 2011

tour de east coast...DC

I'm on a 10 day tour of the east coast for a little bit of work and a little bit of fun. First stop...Washington, DC to visit Amanda and baby Cole and attend a work training. I had a great time with Amanda and learned a lot at my training. Next stop...Philadelphia.


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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Halloween 2011

Things I love about Halloween...
dressing up as a group
decorations
pumpkin anything (except pie)

Things I don't love as much...
spending lots of money to make a costume
going to big parties i don't really want to go to


Halloween 2011
dressed up as a group twice (work and chaperone stake youth dance)
had a pumpkin shake (after the month of no sugar was over of course)
spent a total of $1.27 on costumes
went to a total of 0 parties (hit the married friend's ward trunk or treat instead)

work costume (box of squeeze it drinks)

chaperon the stake dance (flight attendants)

complete success

Saturday, November 5, 2011

more inspiration

I promise I'm not turning into a deep thinker. Things keep happening in my life that cause me to think on a much deeper level. So, here goes another pictureless post. Sorry!

I had the opportunity today to attend the funeral of an acquaintance. I met her in my singles ward several years ago, and I haven't been in touch with her much since. I almost didn't go, but someone convinced me I should. I am so glad I went.

I remember the day I met Sarah at church. She was so warm and friendly. Later on in the Sunday meetings a note passed down the aisle inviting us to a cupcake party at her place later that evening. Looking back now, I remember feeling completely comfortable. She was so genuine that no one really felt awkward being there. That is the kind of person she was- genuine and kind and friendly to anyone she came in contact with.

As I have watched Sarah battle this disease, mostly from afar, I have been so impressed. From the beginning, she was diagnosed with stage 4 terminal cancer, but she didn't let that stop her from living life. She lived everyday to the fullest. She approached this trial with optimism. She is such an example and an inspiration to me and so many others of how to rise above a trial.

There was definitely a theme at the funeral that Sarah had accomplished her mission here on earth. She learned the lessons she needed to learn, and she is now needed on the other side. Her short 30 years were a success, and her life, work, and learning continue.

Sarah touched so many lives in the short time she was here, and I consider myself extremely lucky to be one of those people. My hope is now in honor of Sarah and the life she lived I can strive to be a better person, to be more genuine and kind to those around me, and to approach each day with optimism.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

inspired

group photo with Kim Peek's dad and the Oscar for Rainman

Temple Grandin

co-worker Linda and husband getting book signed by Temple

I love my job! I love the children and families I work with. I love that I have the potential to change lives. I hope everyday that I actually make that difference. Tonight I saw what it really means to make that difference. The Utah Film Center presented Temple Grandin the Peek Award for Disability in Media. The award is named in honor of Kim Peek (the real rainman). We heard stories and saw videos of these 2 individuals with Autism who had a parent that pushed them to succeed. My eyes filled with tears several times as I saw the love and devotion between parent and child. I was so inspired! Thank you Kids on the Move for providing this unique opportunity.


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Sunday, October 30, 2011

the rest of Vegas

The rest of the trip was less eventful but still fun. Karlee and I had matchy matchy fishtail braids. We made PF Changs lettuce wraps. Karlee had dance, and we played. It was a lot of fun. I didn't want to come home.


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Thursday, October 27, 2011

working late

one of the only perks of working until 7. you don't see stuff like this when leaving work at normal hours.
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

ya never know

Please excuse the pictureless post. I'm supposed to be working right now (It's 7pm though so I don't feel too guilty), but this is blog worthy if you ask me. I've kind of been dying over the blog world lately. Confession...I'm a little jealous of all the bloggers who have tons of followers. I kind of want to be one of those, but I usually feel like only 2.5 people read my blogs. Well, I guest posted last week over on roommate Suzie's blog. Only 2 people commented which made me think less than 2.5 people actually read my blog. Roommate Suzie just called to inform me that 66 people viewed my post and in her words "you're way cooler than you think you are". Way to make a girl's day! I feel so popular even if it really is only for a minute. Thanks for reading people (whoever you are).

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Vegas Adventures

Suzie and friends are running Vegas Ragnar this weekend so I came along for the ride. The ride just got a little more exciting when we got a flat tire in the middle of nowhere, Utah. Gracias to Cameron for knowing how to change a tire and doing it in 10 minutes. 45 minutes and 2 new tires later, we're back on the road. Let the adventures continue.
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Friday, October 14, 2011

Guest Posting... about Winter

We all know I LOVE summer and HATE winter. I know I know. I live in Utah, and Utah has winter and snow...lots of snow. I'm guest posting over on Suzie's blog today on my plans for surviving winter and beating my seasonal anger disorder this year. Check it out here.



Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Missouri Catch Up Part 2...Cape

The fun didn't stop once we got to Cape. We took the kids to feed the ducks and play at the park. Even Jordan and Zach came. We also went to a bounce place. We all had a great time playing with the kids.

how cute is Zach with the kids???


i love that the boys are swinging the kids


playing at the park


the kids loved jumping and sliding down the big slides


we even got grandma to go down the slide



Monday, October 10, 2011

Missouri Catch Up Part 1...St. Louis 2

PICTURE POST...We left the zoo, got some lunch, and went to the Magic House (a discovery type place). There are so many pictures, but the kids are so dang cute.


playing in the sand table. karson wasn't too sure about it at first.


playing with huge blocks


these kids are so cute playing in the house


shopping


fishing


is this the cutest little doctor you've ever seen???


the kids and maybe the grownups loved this


karlee was a little freaked out






playing with sand


We had such a fun day at the zoo and Magic House. The kids were completely worn out which was perfect for the drive home to Cape.