The Space of Rach

NEW BLOG

2010-05-07T08:15:00.004-06:00

I'm changing things up ... and starting a new blog to REPLACE this one! I've been HORRIBLE with keeping up on all of my blogs [especially my personal blog] since getting married and [partly] because I'm just no longer a 'me, myself, and I'. My "ME" has now become a "WE" and I love it! I just barely created it last night, so no real posts yet, but change our bloggy information [if you're interested] before this blog bids adieu!

Here is the new blog address:
http://davis-dirt.blogspot.com/

GIVEAWAY

2010-03-20T11:37:00.003-06:00

I forgot to mention on here that I'm hosting a
GIVEAWAY on my other blog.
You could win this! Click HERE to enter!

Out of the mouth of babes...

2010-02-25T14:09:00.003-07:00

Have I mentioned how much I love teaching! These kids crack me up -- especially one in particular with this whole 'Help-Haiti' situation.

The following are some of my favorite things he has said in regards to Haiti:

1. "Me and all my friends at Cartoon Network are gonna save Haiti."

2. "We gotta send some stuff to save the people in Haiti - they need bras."

3. It wasn't a volcano that blew up Haiti - it was a meatball fart blast."

PuPpY LoVe!

2010-02-13T14:25:00.002-07:00

Puppy Love

Happy Valentine's Day!

Time for ONE MORE Name Change

2010-02-07T10:43:00.004-07:00

So, I've changed my name on my social security card, my driver's license, at work, on bills, etc. But each time I get on to my blog I realize it's definitely time for another update on my life. I'm no longer the "Space of Rach" because I have my whole new hubby and dog, and I'm definitely no longer a "Me, myself and I", so I need to make a couple of changes to the blog too.

Any ideas for a blog title, etc.?

Wedding Pics

2010-01-27T12:42:00.010-07:00

I realized that I haven't put any pics of our wedding day on here yet. Here are some of my favorites of the day! Thanks to Jen Gull for taking our pics!

I think this one is hilarious!

This is one of my favorites!
The cake! I LOVE my cake! I saw a birthday cake with this messy
frosting and just knew I needed it for my cake!
I knew I wanted a candy table and tried to make it as
over-the-top fun and colorful as I could!
See our rings? Cute!

Settling In

2010-01-22T15:21:00.005-07:00

Here we are ... married 4 months already! It's gone by fast and has been the best 4 months of my life! I never really understood why some of my friends would want to leave whatever we were doing early to go home and be with their hubby and now I understand it fully! I can't wait to get home and spend time with my hubby every day! I have found a new love of looking through cookbooks and planning out our meals each month, I love cleaning my new house (I know mom! Surprised?), and I love cuddling on the couch! My FAVORITE part of the day is waking up in the morning and hearing Brandon breathing next to me and thinking, "YES! I'm married to the most wonderful man in the world!" The WORST part of the day is leaving for work. Brandon leaves after me, he packs my lunch for me and puts it in my purse, gives me a kiss goodbye and waves to me as I pull off.

And we already have a baby!!! Welcoming our little Diesel!

Dance Class

2009-11-03T15:41:00.002-07:00

Me and Brandon started taking a dance class together to bond more. Thought you might like to see our latest routine.

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Honeymoon

2009-10-05T20:22:00.002-06:00

Best honeymoon ever! I love my man and had the best time in Disneyland ... the best place on earth with the best man on earth!

Bridals

2009-09-13T13:46:00.004-06:00

Wanna see my bridals? Everyone EXCEPT BRANDON DAVIS can view them!

Click the links below to see some and if you look, please, please, please leave a comment for the amazing photographers who took these pictures - then come back here and tell me your favorite(s) so you can help me decide which ones to print.

Three different photographers click each one to see my pics:

Jennifer Gull Photography

more from Jennifer Gull Photography

Margaret Evans Photography

Jennifer Bertoch Photography

Only 10 Days to go ...

2009-09-09T01:23:00.003-06:00

Let the countdown begin. Now only 10 days until I marry the man of my dreams and to celebrate ... here's the top 10 reasons I love Brandon:10. He loves my family and friends and is so willing to meet whoever whenever.
9. He makes me the happiest person on earth ... and I thought I was happy before we met, but that was NOTHING compared to how happy I am now!
8. He makes me want to be a better person.
7. He loves me for being ME! And encourages me to be ME!
6. He fills every missing piece of my heart!
5. He treats me better than anyone ever thought of treating me!
4. I am so grateful that my heart and soul recognized him!
3. My heart aches when we're apart, or even getting ready to part!
2. I'm not nervous to think of any part of my future with him!
1. And I see our future together ... so clear! so happy! so fun! so TOGETHER!
Photo courtesy of Jen Gull: http://www.jennifergull.blogspot.com/

Mrs. Davis ...

2009-08-21T16:36:00.002-06:00

... has a nice ring to it!

I must say, I quite like seeing my (soon-to-be) new name in writing! I got back to work this week to prepare my classroom for my little pip-squeeks and saw that my new name plate had arrived in my box to replace the old 'Ms. Gordon' when I get married. Honestly, I HATED the word Ms. and I always wondered at what point I went from a Miss to a Ms. I just think Ms. has such a tone that you almost have to scowl to get it out. I'm excited to be a Mrs. and especially to be Mrs. Davis! Only a little less than a month to go ... let the count down begin!

Family Shower

2009-08-09T14:59:00.009-06:00

My mom, and sisters had a family shower for me while Amy was in town. It was SO FUN!!! We ate yummy food and played a couple of games. In one game they asked me a bunch of questions about Brandon and if I got it wrong I had to eat a piece of bubble gum - I did pretty good ... not too much of a mouth full of gum! And another game where we had to fill in substitutions for recipes. That was HARD! I did really bad on that ... but good news for Brandon, I CAN follow a recipe! I really got spoiled with gifts - everyone is TOO GOOD to me! Here's some pics of the day! Thanks again for the fun day and the gifts everyone!

2009-08-08T15:59:00.003-06:00

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my calling with the Young Women? I'm really going to miss it when I get married and move. These girls are the BEST and are so BEAUTIFUL! I hope they know just how special they are!
And hopefully they will miss their crazy leader too!

Engagement Pictures

2009-07-18T16:21:00.001-06:00

I kept forgetting to put some of our engagement pics on here! They're the best! Done by Jennifer Gull - she's so amazing (just click her name if you want to link to her blog)! We had a lot of fun with her and are so happy with the results! Here's some for your viewing pleasure! ;) We loved them all but I'm saving some of my very favorites for the invitations - so you'll see those when you get your invitation! ;)

Movies & Sleep-overs!

2009-07-16T09:25:00.004-06:00

We went to see Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince last night -- amazing! I thought the movie was SOOOO GOOD! Brandon wasn't much of a fan but I don't blame him ... he hasn't read any of the books and kept referring to Dumbledore as either 'the gay guy' or 'Dumbledorf', and Voldemort as Volderhoff. Pretty funny.
And have I mentioned how much fun it is to have Amy and her family here? The girls were dieing for a sleep-over last night! Oh - I remember the days when I was a kid and it was life or death if I couldn't have a sleep-over at my cousins house! So cute!
Clay fun! The girls have become obsessed with making clay figures!

And I have to tell you what my cute little niece Hailey said! Me and my sister Amy were watching The Next Food Network Star (love it) this morning and I said, "Oh, I hope they don't get rid of Jeffrey ... I love Jeffrey." Hailey looked at me and said "Brandon." What? "No, You love Brandon", she says. SO CUTE!!

Temples & Parks

2009-07-06T23:54:00.007-06:00

My sister and her family are here from Ohio so we all went to the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. I should have gotten a picture of the whole family but I was lucky to get this one of me and Brandon - the crowds were huge and it was HOT!
And on the 4th of July, Brandon took me to the coolest place - Memory Grove!! Ever been there? I had never been and it was awesome! Love the place! It's just this hidden little out of the way park that is so beautiful!

Only here ...

2009-06-17T22:11:00.002-06:00

Where else can you find a basket big enough to sit in?Gotta love Tai Pan Trading Company! That place ROCKS!

New Car Weekend!!!

2009-06-08T00:49:00.011-06:00

Brandon got a new car this weekend! We were really surprised that we liked it and got it! We just started the whole process of looking on Friday morning and this was the second car we test drove! But we fell in love with it right away and got a killer deal from 'Platinum Auto Sales' in Provo. P.S. If you're looking for a great deal on a used car, that's the place to go!We went to Nan & Jeff's for a BBQ, games and being entertained by the kids too! What a fun time!There's this untouched field near my house with these huge pink weeds ... I just had to have some pictures by them so I made Brandon climb thorough a barbed-wire fence with me to get these pics ... thanks babe!! (and of course I doctored the color up a bit :) ... gotta love photoshop)!By the way ... I'm sure all of you who have been in the 'engaged stage' at some time in your life will understand how ALL CONSUMING this wedding planning is. I am so surprised by all of this. I think about it all of the time!!!

New Moon

2009-06-01T10:59:00.005-06:00

This trailer was on the MTV music awards last night. Looks so good and I'm so excited ... I'll have to read the book again!

2009-05-27T17:27:00.000-06:00

We're Engaged!!!

2009-05-23T20:27:00.003-06:00

Brandon proposed to me early this morning! What an exciting day!

To tell you the truth I was secretly expecting a ring on my birthday! I didn't tell him that of course, but he knew ... so he obviously didn't ask me on my birthday because he wanted me to be surprised!

So, last night we ordered take-out from yummy PF Changs and stayed in to relax and watch a movie. Well, I fell dead asleep during the movie! And when I woke up at arount midnight or 1:00am, we were just talking and I saw this cute little box in the windowsill. I asked what the box was and he made up some excuse about it holding up the blinds or window or something, so I forgot all about it. Then a bit later he said he wanted to talk to me about something. He got to talking and I'm thinking, "Great! He's proposing! Wait - what? He's proposing?" Then he starts saying, "Oh, this is hard to say." So then I start thinking, "He's breaking up with me?" But finally he asked and I was in such a complete and total shock that he had to ask me 3 more times to get an answer!
Oh -- and want to hear how cute he is? He gave me a new set of scriptures with my new future name printed on them 'Rachael Davis'. Amazing, amazing, amazing. I love you Brandon Davis!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

2009-05-19T23:13:00.011-06:00

All I can say about this year is that I GOT SPOILED!!! Not only do I have an amazing family to share my birthday with but I have the best boyfriend in the whole world to share it with too! I couldn't have asked for more!
Brandon started the spoiling off on Friday by giving me my present early. He got me an itouch! Whoa ... freakin' awesome! Along with some gift cards to itunes and a protective case. Wow!
Today at preschool was the best! We had a water party for the kids outside and a bounce house and movie inside! What a way to celebrate the end of the year (and my birthday)! The ladies bought me a yummy coconut cake and gift certificate for a pedicure!
And while at school I got a special delivery from FTD! That's right 3 DOZEN ROSES from my man! How sweet he is! Oh, and it doesn't end there folks ...When I got home I had these fun balloons delivered to my door (28 balloons)! Who does that? My boyfriend, that's who! Wow!!!
Tonight we (me, Brandon, mom, dad, natalie, hannah, oston & lex) went to dinner at Applebees! Where I got spoiled some more! I got a cricut machine and extras from mom and dad, a cute necklace and beach bag from Natalie and Hannah picked me out some special window clings and lotion!What a great day! I got a phone call from my Gram and Brother (& his fam) to wish me a Happy Birthday, texts from friends, a happy b-day wish from my sis on facebook and a whole lot of other birthday wishes on facebook. Thanks everyone for making it the best birthday ever!!

Me and 'The Boy'

2009-05-04T19:43:00.020-06:00

Gird up your loins folks ... big post (lots of pics) ahead!!!

Brandon and I had the funnest weekend!
On Friday we ordered take-out and went to the DRIVE-IN movie! Are you as excited as I am about hearing there is still a DRIVE-IN open in Utah? I love DRIVE-IN movies!!! If you don't believe me, just ask any of my Aunt Deann's kids ... they'll remember me shoving them in my trunk way back when and heading to watch a movie 'alone'. Aaaah, the memories! No picture of that one - darn!

On Saturday Brandon took me to the Clark Planetarium (and I remembered my phone has a camera)! Never been before and it was so darn fun! We went to see the new IMAX movie and it was AWESOME! Felt like you were right there under water with all the sea creatures! And we even got to wear some dandy cool 3-D glasses to watch the movie! (p.s. I lept taking pics until Brandon would smile ... I think we've got a winner here!) :)
After the movie we hung out in the gift shop for a while. We are easily entertained!
Then he took me to Tucanos to eat some yummy meat! Man, that place is good! Then back to the Clark Planetarium to watch a lazer show. P.S. Am I just naive or am I the only one to not know that people go and get high before going to one of those shows? Never knew that! You learn something new every day I guess! Here we are waiting for it to start!Oh! And did I mention we rode TRAX to and from? That was pretty fun too!While at the gift shop at the Planetarium Brandon bought some Astronaut freeze-dried ice cream for the kids. We opened it on Sunday when they were down for a visit! They thought it was pretty cool! The mint chocolate chip was the favorite!
Thanks for all of the fun Brandon!!!!

Wicked!

2009-04-26T19:17:00.004-06:00

We (me, Mom, Dad, Sis, Gram, Aunt) went to Wicked last night! It was amazing! I was fascinated with the costumes, singing and everything on stage!!! Made me miss New York and the Broadway shows!
Gram was sure funny! We lost her during the Intermission and as it turns out she thought it was over so she headed to the doors to wait for us, until she asked someone why everyone was going back in! Aaaah, she's the best!

Spring is Springing!!

2009-04-21T16:45:00.007-06:00

I'm so excited the weather is getting warmer (knock on wood)!
My mom's flowers look so beautiful, I've got pink in my cheeks
and what I'm most excited for:
I can FINALLY put the top down on my car! Woohoo!
What are you most excited for this Spring?

My parents got a new puppy that the grandkids named Sally.
I call her Silly Sally and I must admit ... I'm quite smitten with her!
She's so cute and just so happy!!

Ohio Trip

2009-04-15T11:03:00.004-06:00

What a fun trip to Ohio! Me and my mom went to take care of my sister Amy's kids while her and her hubby Todd went to Las Vegas! It was Spring Break for the kids so we had fun, fun, fun! We did all of the fun local stuff in the area and got to spend priceless time together!!!
Thanks Amy & Todd for letting us come and play! Can't wait to see you guys this summer! I heart Ohio!

Weekend Trip!

2009-03-25T19:54:00.011-06:00

Last weekend Brandon and I went to one of my favorite places (Logan) to visit some friends! One of my oldest and dearest friends, Amy, just had a baby who is oh so gorgeous!!! I couldn't resist snapping a few pictures!
We also got to see one of my closest friends Kami and her hubby Marcelo!
And while we were there my amazing, thoughtful and incredible boyfriend decided to surprise me with a few gifts! He got me a beautiful picture of Mount Timp Temple, a wonderful book with sweet meaning to it and an even sweeter note written inside, and a ring! No ... not an engagement ring. A promise ring - something to always remind me of how much Brandon loves me! What a man!!! Am I a lucky girl or what???
What a great trip and fun get-away! We've already decided we're going to head back next month for a visit!

Brandon's Birthday Bash!

2009-03-09T21:40:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday to Brandon! He turned the big 27 yesterday (I know ... I'm robbing the cradle! lol!)!! And I kept him pretty busy this weekend to celebrate!

We went to Benihana's for sushi.
Went to Comedy Sportz for some laughs.
I took him to church with me!
And to Natalie & Jeff's house for some food, fun, and birthday cake!What a fun time! Can it get any better than this?

So I met this guy...

2009-03-04T20:28:00.008-07:00

... and he's the greatest!

Okay, so many of you know I've been dating this guy and I'm ready for you to meet him! His name is Brandon and we've been dating since January ... And I have to say I've fallen head-over-hills for him! Aren't we just a cute couple??? I think so (but I'm biased). ;)

Old Friends are the BEST!

2009-03-02T18:17:00.003-07:00

We had our annual 'girls trip' with my oldest and dearest friends a couple of weeks ago and it was the best! Not that we plan for our trips or 'girls night out' to be annual but they end up about a yearly event ... whenever something big happens for us to celebrate. This time we got to have a baby shower!
What a great night of girl talk, good food at Iggy's, fun sleep-over at the Red Lion, hilarious memories and the best company ever! Thanks ladies!

My Trip to New York!!

2009-02-18T21:43:00.006-07:00

Got back from my New York trip and it was AMAZING! I'm glad I didn't find this place before now because at a younger age I would have wanted to live there for a while! It's such a great place! A lot of nice people, crazy people, diverse people, and PEOPLE, PEOPLE, PEOPLE! I went with a bunch of great girls and a real great friend Nicole who I did most everything with while there! I can't wait to go back already and if anyone out there wants to go make sure to invite me!!!

Eenie Meenie Miney Moe....

2009-02-04T11:29:00.006-07:00

Okay so every day before we do our small group work I give the kids some smelly lotion: a) because kids should smell so good, and b) to get their senses and hands ready to work. Well, all year this little girl was doing this 'eenie meenie miney moe' song to choose which lotion she wants. She did it quietly and I never really paid much attention until today and it was so hilarious! I had to share it with you:

Eenie Meenie Mine Moe

Catch a tiger by the toe.

My Mother says who is the best

and it's not you.

Not because you're dirty,

Not because you're clean...

Just because you kissed a dirty girl

behind a dirty magazine!

Now there's a twist I've never heard before! And quite a catchy tune ... I've been singing it all day! LOL!!
And not to mention I had a 3 year old singing "I'm too sexy for my shirt!" in the background. Is it a full moon or something? What a day!!! And it's only noon!!

Preschool is DINO-mite!

2009-02-02T15:48:00.005-07:00

As if I didn't tell you how much I love my job and the ladies I work with already ... here's proof! We are Dino-mite!!!!

Check out my face in the last picture! I look a little special ... but I was too into character to care (I'm glad my nephew Michael taught me all of the best dino moves when he was little, the kids loved it ... Thanks Michael!) And if you couldn't tell - it's DINOSAUR week at preschool! ROOOOAAAARRR!

If I Can Make It Here...

2009-01-22T18:23:00.005-07:00

I can make it ANYWHERE!New York City here I come! Booked a trip with a few friends and can't wait to go! I'm counting down the days...hours...and minutes until the trip arrives! Gotta buy me some purses, visit all of the great sites, and see some fabulous shows!

Don't you wish you were coming? I wish you were too!And just so you know, if YOU ever find some great deals on a trip...let me know & I'll go with ya!

"Don't be jealous...

2009-01-10T11:56:00.004-07:00

... that I've been chatting online with babes all day!"

Okay, so I've done it! I've joined the whole online dating scene. It's been pretty fun so far and haven't officially 'met' anyone face-to-face yet.

But I know you're probably dieing to give me some advice so come on and give it to me now! Anyone got any advice?

What a HOLLY JOLLY day!

2008-12-25T21:32:00.003-07:00

Christmas was OH so fun this year! We decided to go to Nan's house in the morning to see what Santa brought for the kids. Then back home where Mom made a great Christmas dinner as usual ... Yum! We opened presents, played games, and visited Grape (Grandma Great).
I got spoiled ... my most favorite gift is a Wii Fit - so I bet you can guess what my New Year's Resolution will be as well! ;) And I also got some cute and funky little gifts especially for me picked out by Hannah and Rebecca at the dollar store. I can't wait to put them up in my classroom - they sure know my style!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! Hope it was the best ever!

Trust Me ... #2

2008-12-17T22:01:00.004-07:00

Okay, so as if I didn't learn from my last preschool tasting experience (read it here) then I should know for sure now. I've got another helpful tip to add to the list of things not to taste - even if one of your preschool student's says "Mmmmmm".

1. Shaving Cream (already learned by sad, sad experience)

...and now adding (by another sad experience)
2. Epsom Salt (I get the shivers just remembering it)

Oh, I just thought of another one I should have added a week ago
3. Gingerbread Playdough

So, maybe I shouldn't get a dog...

2008-12-10T21:32:00.002-07:00

I ordered some tadpoles in the mail and just got them a week or so ago. Two came in the mail and they're so cute - you wouldn't think so but to see the excited little things swimming around is pretty fun.
So, a couple days after getting them in their cute little tank I go to check on them and one little fella isn't moving. Maybe he's asleep. I shake the tank- no movement. I shake it again and his little body falls apart. Woopsie! I hope his friend didn't see that but I think he did because now he stays hidden behind some of the fake grass for the next two days. And when I check in on little fella #2 this morning he's dead too. DARN, maybe I should rethink getting a dog. ;)

Wishing You a Twisted Christmas!

2008-12-02T21:20:00.008-07:00

Well, it's Christmas time again and that means it's time to pull out the old Christmas Music. I was so excited to listen to some Christmas tunes I bought on clearance last year after Christmas (don't know why they didn't sell???) ...my favorite being "A Twisted Christmas" by Twisted Sister. Soon after turning this killer music on, my thoughts quickly turned to aqua net, spandex pants, lipstick, heavy mascara, big hair, and eyeshadow - - - and that stuff was just for the boys in the 80's.

This all got me to wondering ... what's your all time FAVORITE Christmas tune? Mine is Winter Wonderland. I don't care who sings that song, I just LOVE it!

And for those of you who forgot who Twisted Sister was - behold!

Pictures

2008-11-24T18:03:00.009-07:00

I got to do my first official photo shoot last Saturday for my sister's kids. We had a lot of fun and I think we got some great shots (but I'm biased since I know the photographer AND the kids). Here's my favorite pics.

Twilight Madness!

2008-11-22T21:27:00.004-07:00

Okay, so I am a very 'SPECIAL' Twilight geek (as you can see by the first picture). I bought myself a Twilight T-shirt and me and my friend Jen went to the 12:27 a.m. show on opening night. And I guess I really am special because as we're sitting there for the movie to start a big group of people walked in with sores all over their faces. I couldn't figure out where they got the strange disease ... it was the fake blood dripping down from their mouths because they were dressed up as vampires. Hello!!Then I went with Natalie and Hannah the second night. Did I like the movie? Not the first night. I really struggled with the characters because many of them weren't who I pictured them to be in my mind and I had trouble getting over that. By the second night I really liked it. I just got over it, accepted the characters and really enjoyed myself and enjoyed what they could fit from the large book into 2 hours. The next movie should be even better since they know they have a following and of course will have a bigger budget.

Trust Me...

2008-11-19T15:01:00.003-07:00

Okay, so you can just trust me on this one. Shaving Cream DOES NOT taste good. How did I find that out you ask? Good question. So, today in preschool we were doing an activity where the kids take a balloon with a face on it, add some shaving cream and "shave" it off with a large Popsicle stick. Well, I had a couple of kids who tasted it. Of course it looks good (like whip cream) when it's there all piled up on the table, and it usually only takes one taste of something like that to defer the kids from ever tasting it again, but one darling little girl tasted it, said "Mmmm" and tasted it again. After washing her mouth out and getting her a drink I got to thinking ... why did she say 'Mmmm"??? So, my curiosity got the best of me and I tasted the stuff. And after dry heaving and running for the drinking fountain I have found out for myself - Shaving Cream DOES NOT taste good, Trust Me!!

Another Exciting Sleepover!

2008-11-15T10:35:00.010-07:00

I just have one word ... SLEEPOVER! Exciting times are always in abundance on sleepover nights. We had some paper plates out on the table and were talking about how they looked like a snowman which turned into, "I need some tape, do you have any pennies, etc." and after rifling through the good ole' junk drawer this is what Hannah came up with. What a creation...she named her Sarah.
Then we made some yummy treats for my other blog which required dipping stuff in chocolate.

While I thought it would be funny to give Becca a chocolate mustache, she didn't agree.

So, to make her feel better I let them give me a chocolate mustache.

Uuuh, that's not just a mustache. Is chocolate good for your complexion?

And after all that chocolate fun I just have one question ... do I have anything stuck in my teeth? ;)What a night! Happy Birthday Nan and thanks for letting your girls sleep over!

Disneyland 2008!

2008-11-09T18:44:00.003-07:00

Me, Mom and Dad went to Disneyland with Natalie and family last week and had oh so much fun! We rode every ride, we ate ourselves silly, visited some characters, made some wishes, did some shopping, and overall had the time of our lives! It was also a great time to visit my uncle Terry (who is progressing every day), and also to visit with our family friend Maddy. I can't wait until next time!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-30T21:20:00.005-06:00

Happy Halloween and Happy Birthday to my dad - my favorite dad in the whole wide world!

Me and my aides all dressed up as witches this year for preschool. It was so fun! We made witches brew for the kids. It was so fun to see the kids' eyes light up to see REAL witches brew smoking and bubbling in the cauldron and being stirred by witches. What a blast!

Pumpkin Cookies!

2008-10-27T17:41:00.010-06:00

We made yummy pumpkin cookies the other night. If you want the recipe it's way easy and on my other blog.

First Cookie- Oh, yum!

Second Cookie - even better ... See?

Third ...Whoa! - looks like I better stop there!
Oh look, the cat wants some too!Oops looks like she had one too many! ;)

Girls Trip!!

2008-10-20T23:07:00.007-06:00

Me, my mom and sister Natalie have been trying to plan a 'Girls Trip' for a while now and we finally did it. All us girls: me, Mom, Nat, Hannah and Becca went to our favorite girls trip place (Logan) to stay in our favorite hotel (which just means the usual hotel we stay in), eat at our favorite restaurant (The Bluebird) and do some shopping at our favorite places (6 star is the best)!
While there we met up with my old friends: Kami, her hubby Marcelo and Amy for dinner. Love these guys! After dinner I went with Amy to Kami & Marcelo's place to see the makeover they've been giving the place and visit for a bit.
Then it was back to the hotel for swimming with the girls - Natalie and I just couldn't resist trying on the girls Mermaid gear. What a fun weekend and much needed getaway!

Overheard Today

2008-10-14T18:28:00.004-06:00

Here's what I heard from the teacher next door to me today - it made me laugh.

She was standing in the hallway finishing a conversation with another teacher and headed into her classroom when I heard her say, "Okay, raise your hand if you want to .... OH MY GOSH! Should you be doing that? No!"

I love being next door to the first grade! I can only imagine what she would hear on my end. "Where did you get that? Trains don't go there. Did you wipe? Put the chair down. We don't sit on our friends."

Just to name a few, aaaaah a day in the life, and I love every minute of it!

Exciting Preschool Times: Creating Phobias for Tiny Children!

2008-10-08T21:22:00.003-06:00

Scared anyone? Think back to your childhood ... remember anything that MADE you afraid of spiders -a scary story? a spider incident? Well, I have a theory on how phobias may have come to be - only because I may have created one for a darling, sweet and innocent child ... oopsie!

So it's singing time at preschool and I've got the Halloween songs out (little pictures the kids can choose from a chart that correlate to a song). One of the kids is so excited and keeps pointing and saying "Look! Spider! Spider!", he is so excited about the spider pictures (there's 2). Well, we sing a couple of songs and after each song he can barely contain himself because he is just getting more and more excited to pick the spider song. Finally, his turn comes at last and he heads toward the song chart ... and right before he picks the song (I don't know what comes over me) I jump like I'm afraid and say 'Ooh a spider!' (thinking I'm providing a funny moment for the kids), but this poor child screams bloody murder and backs up lightning fast! What have I done??? After calming him down it's his turn still and he REFUSES to pick the spider - hope I haven't created a phobia. I picked it for him ... he loved the song.

Miss America Here we Come!

2008-10-03T09:56:00.008-06:00

Yesterday was just kind of a crappy day for me so I wanted to post a picture that really makes me smile - and I know I say it a lot but ... have I mentioned it lately that I love my job? I especially love the ladies I work with and consider them to be great friends too! The kids decided to dress me and Adrienne (aka Miss 'A') up one day durin play time. Don't we just look lovely? The kids could give me a make over any day! I just love Adrienne's glasses - killer!

Critter Weekend

2008-09-23T21:59:00.000-06:00

We had a fun sleep over this weekend with Nan's girls. We went to Aunt Janet's house to play with her critters (dogs). After Janets, we went to Wal-Mart and bought 7 critters: 5 fish (1 for each kid) and 3 snails (as the fishes friends). When we woke up the next morning 4 of the 5 fish were dead - darn. But the girls were excited to flush the fish. They each got to remove 2 dead fish and dump them in the toilet. Becca was first and the net got stuck on the top of the vase and the fish flipped out, hit her in the face and fell on the floor. Neither of the girls wanted to remove the fish after that so I got to do the honors. There's never a dull moment on sleep over nights!

Still Loving the Camera!

2008-09-14T22:24:00.001-06:00

I was looking at some of my old pictures tonight and ran across this picture I took of Becca a few weeks ago. So pretty - it has such an old fashioned feel to it! I've got to remember to take my camera around with me more ... it's addicting!

Tag - I'm it!

2008-09-08T19:41:00.000-06:00

Here are the rules:

1. Link to the person who tagged you, Jenny
2.Post the rules on your website.
3.Write 6 random things about yourself.

Here's my random things:
1. My number one goal in life is to hold the world title of 'Favorite Aunt'! It's my proudest achievement of my life so far. When my nieces and nephews are around...nothing else matters. I hope they know that. They are my world!

2. I have my credit card number (and security code) memorized - Yikes! Probably a bad thing I know, which doesn't support my habit of online shopping! I think Amazon.com is one of the greatest websites ever and go there often just because I'm a prime member and can get free 2-day shipping.

3. My obsessions include: 1. Target: if you took me in there blindfolded I could tell you where I am just by the smell - that place is WONDERFUL! 2. IKEA: what did we ever do without that place around here? How did anyone ever decorate? 3. Mom's sloppy-joes: Sloppy Joe-slop-sloppy Joe! Yum, with no bun but dipped in mayo (may sound sick to you but I really like it! 4. My new camera: isn't that a given? I love the thing! 5. Photoshop: still so much more to learn! 6. Flip-flops and Hoodies: whenever you see me I'm probably wearing both!

4. I love my job! Yes, it's hard sometimes and the paperwork is a bear - my favorite part of the day at work is opening that door to those sweet little kids and then having a ball with them for the 2 1/2 hours each class is there. The women I work with are the BEST! I hope they never leave me because they make each day so wonderful! I've never laughed so hard or cried so hard at a job and I really do love it!

5. I don't have a middle name and always wanted one all growing up, so I used to tell people it is Nawandalola (lovely) either that or I would put the middle initial Q.

6. I don't think I'm ever going to move out of my parents home! Just kidding, I will ..... eventually. I've secretly got a ton of bins (maybe 12-15) filled with brand new things I've bought on clearance through the years just waiting for my new home. So, when I do buy something It'll be like Christmas the day I move in and unpack! Just got to make a bit more money first - don't want to be house poor.

I now tag: Bonnie, Kristen, Jen Gull, Karen, Josee & Mandi

Harry Potter - July - What???

2008-09-08T19:37:00.000-06:00

Have you seen the trailer for Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince yet? Looks good! Click the picture or title to see it!

Last Hoorah - Labor Day Weekend!

2008-09-01T21:37:00.000-06:00

This is my last weekend before I start preschool with the kids! It's all been prep work up until now. I have to say I'm so excited to start and this weekend with the family at Skyline in Fairview was a great way to really say goodbye to summer. We have as many of our family that can go come up and just party our lives away all weekend. The kids can't get enough of their cousins and we all kept busy with swimming, the kids playing at each other's trailers, Hannah about getting run over by a crazy driver, Gram falling off the hammock, coloring (and smelling markers/getting marker all over their faces), having a shower for Nan's new boys, playing play dough, breaking into 5 pinatas (provided by Gram Grape), playing cards, getting makeovers (to the adults by the kids), movies with projectors on the side of trailers, and nail painting (also provided by the kids). What a weekend!

My cute new nephews!

Ready to get my nails done (along with my class pet for preschool this year).

Favorite Aunt (me) welcomes Three!

2008-08-28T11:46:00.001-06:00

Wow - what an exciting time for our family! Nat & fam just adopted 2 year old triplets and I want to officially welcome my three little nephews who are the cutest little things in the whole world...and I must admit that they already love their aunt Rach. What did our family ever do without these three??? What a blessing!

New Pics

2008-08-17T19:32:00.001-06:00

Okay, so I just did these today and love them (it's okay... I'm biased)! Thanks to Natalie for letting me use her girls as my guinea pigs lately!

My New Camera!

2008-08-16T12:03:00.000-06:00

I just got a new professional camera and LOVE IT! I'm still in the learning phase so if anyone wants me to take their pictures just call me because I'd LOVE the practice!

Here's a few pictures I've taken (and messed with a couple in Photoshop) so far:

Summer Fun 2008

2008-08-04T14:08:00.000-06:00

Here's some of my favorite pictures from this summer!

Thanksgiving Point

Camping

Hogle Zoo

Misc.

Love @ Home

2008-07-19T13:08:00.000-06:00

This summer has been so fun! Peter and his family have been here from Texas and left last Monday - why did they have to go so soon??!! And Amy and her family have been here visiting from Ohio and are here until August. Any time we have with all of the family together never seems to be enough. We got family pictures taken by an old high school friend - Jenny (Haymore) Harrison. She is fabulous and was especially great with the kids!

Memory Lane

2008-07-10T23:20:00.000-06:00

This will be fun especially if everyone and I do mean EVERYONE will join in!This is just too fun to pass up.
Here are the directions:

1. As a comment on my blog, leave a memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember, good or bad but be nice please! ;)
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.
We can make it a competition if anyone wants. Let's see who can come up with the funniest memory and who has the most memories. Please keep it going. ENJOY :)

I've been Tagged!

2008-07-04T09:57:00.000-06:00

Thanks Bonnie - It has taken me forever to do this tag, so look at the bottom to see if you've been tagged by me!

Name 3 joys, 3 fears, 3 goals, 3 current obsessions / collections, 3 random / surprising facts about yourself - then tag 3 people.

3 Joys:
1. Family
2. Church
3. Laughing with the kids at Work
3 Fears:
1. Moths (the freaky things are fearless - they'll fly right at your face!)
2. Dating a gay guy (been there, done that, don't want to do it again)
3. That I'll never pass the medium level of Guitar Hero
3 Goals:
1. Lose More Weight - I seem to be plateaued...gotta get out of that.
2. Get my Masters Degree
3. Buy a House
3 Current Obsessions/Collections
1. IKEA - we all know that one, right?
2. Guitar Hero (just bought it last week)
3. Drinking more water
3 Random/Surprising Facts About Me
1. I shaved my eyebrows off (at age 14) for $20
2. I'm addicted to itunes (wonder how much I've spent there - Yikes)
3. I LOVE Target and feel major withdrawal symptoms if I don't get there once every other week.

I finally answered it! I tag Natalie, KarLee & Kristen.

Bowling With the Champ!

2008-07-03T17:10:00.000-06:00

For FHE one night with Mike here we went to Fat Cats and went bowling with Grandma Great (our family bowling champ). It was so fun! Grandma taught us a new game - "Pass the Buck". She got out a dollar and whoever got a strike got the buck and for each strike whoever got it gets the buck and the last person to get a strike wins the buck. The buck didn't get passed around too much, but enough. Can't remember who even won it ... not me that's for sure. But I can sure do well at bowling on the wii. :)

Michael is Here!

2008-06-26T20:59:00.000-06:00

WaHoo!! Michael made it in on Tuesday from Ohio and flew in all on his own to spend the week before his family gets here. We've had so much fun and have kept him pretty busy with fun, fun, fun! Welcome back Mike!!!

Plug your Nose...My new Sparkle Toes!

2008-06-23T15:20:00.000-06:00

For those of you with a fear of feet please look away! However, for those of you with a foot fetish please...give me a call! Ha! Ha!

I went to Delta Schmelta this weekend with Grandma Max to visit Steph and her fam. It was so fun! We watched Shanel and Maklee play in a tournament, had a late night BBQ and Steph gave me 'Sparkle Toes'! Love it! We had a blast and Keatyn was the best roomie ever!

Kids are Great!

2008-06-20T10:21:00.000-06:00

Isn't this a lovely picture? Hannah drew it for me. It's of me and her looking at a beautiful butterfly above us. You will surely recognize me by my spiky hair poking up, and what are the details at the top of my dress....hmmm. I love the picture! And speaking of those certain details in the picture, I've got to tell you a funny story. A couple of weeks ago, me, Natalie and the girls went to Target to do some shopping. We were walking past the women's swimming suits and Becca picked up a bikini and asked if she could buy it. I told her "no, because that swimming suit is for ladies with big boops" (that's what we call boobs). She said "Oh, okay" and started to put it back and then exclaims, "Rachael! You can buy this swimming suit!"

More of my Love Affair with IKEA

2008-06-10T20:19:00.000-06:00

I tell you what - If IKEA were a man I'd for sure be married by now: looks nice, always has what I want, has fabulous taste. Okay, so maybe IKEA would be a gay guy... and we all know I have no 'gaydar' so, on second thought, no thanks. "NOT THAT THERE'S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT" -Seinfeld. Anyway, I thought I'd post a couple pictures of my room. I love this table lamp from ... (of course) ... IKEA, and I pulled out my new bedding from ... (you guessed it) ... IKEA, along with my new fabulous 500 thread count sheets from ... (gotcha!) ... TJ Maxx.

I Heart IKEA!

2008-06-06T09:16:00.001-06:00

I finally bought (and yes, put together) the three dressers I've had my eye on at IKEA! It took a few weeks and three different trips to IKEA for all of the pieces to be in at the store, but I did it! I re-did the guest room with one of them (oh, and a new IKEA bookshelf too!), and put the other two in my bedroom. they look so nice, and look how much room I have to fit all my crap in! So exciting! So, here's a question: If you could re-do any room in your house, what room would it be?

Summer = Bugs & Flowers

2008-05-29T19:12:00.000-06:00

Summer is finally here, which means flowers and bugs! We took these pretty flowers out on Sunday for Memorial Day and found this huge bunch of aunts in the driveway at our house. That is just ants, nothing else!!! Sick...it was so gross - I killed 'em quick. Nan, don't tell Hannah I killed the ants. I told her on Sunday that I didn't know why the poor little things were dieing. :)

FYI my Fellow Friends

2008-05-24T12:16:00.000-06:00

I changed this blog so anyone can leave a comment for me on any post - you don't have to have a blog or a membership to leave me a comment, so come on...share!

NEW BLOG! I have set up a new blog for all the moms, fun aunts, preschool teachers, etc. Come and visit and share your ideas! Here's the link: http://preschoolsnacks.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday To Me!

2008-05-20T17:00:00.000-06:00

My birthday was yesterday - oh so fun! I got to celebrate with all my preschool kids because it was the last day of school for some of them and we went to dinner at Los Hermanos...Yum! Thanks to everybody who helped me celebrate the big 32!
I wish there were something exciting to go with this age like there is with turning 16 or 18 when you become legal to do something because I feel like this year I should be legal to do something ... any ideas on what I should be legal to do this year (we could make something up)??? I'll have to try something new I guess. I told a couple of friends that this is the year I 'officially' become an old maid but I guess that doesn't count since I've been saying that for a few years now (p.s. I really do think I'm funny when I say stuff like that so you can feel free to laugh with me right now... ha, ha, wah, ha, ha ha!). Uh, want some cake?

Personality Test

2008-05-12T16:40:00.001-06:00

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Yellow

You're yellow, the color of joy and energy — two things you definitely bring to everyone around you. It's hard for anyone to be sad or lonely in your presence; your sunny disposition and cheery outlook just won't allow it. The warmth of your personality shines through in the kindness you show friends and family (and strangers, too). Always ready with a lighthearted joke or heartfelt compliment, you know how to make people feel good about themselves, so they can't get enough of you. Yellow is a warm and inviting color for a warm and inviting person — you!

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=colorogt&c=50652

Little Butterflies!

2008-05-08T16:46:00.000-06:00

A couple of weeks ago my preschool kids set the butterflies free that we got as caterpillars. I think we started off with 10 or 12 caterpillars and ended up with 9 butterflies, so it was pretty successful. It was so fun - even with the screaming :) ... they were a bit scared when the butterflies would take off. It made me think of the end of this school year that is fast approaching. I have felt so ready for this summer break but when I think of letting some of these kids go (those heading off to Kindergarten), I don't feel quite so ready yet - and I don't know if I ever will. I just love these kids so much!

Get up and Dance!

2008-04-30T17:53:00.000-06:00

Alright ladies! If you know me well at all you know how obsessed I am with itunes and music...well, next time you're cleaning the house or are chillin' and in need of some serious get up and dance with reckless abandon around your house music - I've found a couple great tunes! I put one at the top of my playlist "Touchdown Turnaround" and the other one I couldn't find one on playlist - maybe it's too new or something but 'The White Tie Affair' sings it and it's called "Take it Home". FANTASTIC! Let's all dance together now, shall we?

One Chick's Trash is Another's Treasure!

2008-04-28T17:08:00.000-06:00

Natalie's neighborhood was doing a yard sale so we decided (last minute) to gather up the junk and sell it! It was fun, and cold ... good thing Natalie decided to sell hot chocolate too - she kept that hot chocolate machine pumpin'! I tried to sell cookies but me, Becca and Hannah ate about a box between us. I'm on a sugar low today. :) I made a good haul ... enough to put towards 3 new dressers I've got my eye on at IKEA! Woo-hoo!

Mexican Cruise!

2008-04-21T19:08:00.000-06:00

Whataweekend!

2008-03-31T16:55:00.000-06:00

On Saturday 2 of my most favorite people came to visit and stay over - Kami (my twin) and her hubby Marcelo. We went to Comedy Sportz (hilarious), Brick Oven Pizza (Heaps - yum!) and woke up to snow on Sunday morning...WHAT??? So, we stayed in a broke out the wii. Kami kicked Marcelo's trash in boxing - the only time it's okay to beat the crap out of your significant other. :)

Aaaaah the Memories!

2008-03-28T14:23:00.001-06:00

I got together recently with my old time roomies from back in the Snow College days (1994-1996), and if you don't believe me, just check out my killer Birkenstock's in one of these old pics (what???)! Oh what fun! We went back to Snow College for an over-nighter to visit our old favorite places (Kents, Swinging Bridge, Fat Jacks Pizza), to see how things have changed and of course catch up on old times!! We may look a little older and many have married and have kids, but when we get together it's like nothing has changed!

Thinking Green!

2008-03-17T18:55:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday to Bec & Happy St. Pat's Day too!! Hope everyone is wearing green. I told my preschool kids to pinch mom & dad if they weren't wearing green today! :) Here's a cool pic I took of Bec.

Remembering Grandpa Ted

2008-03-16T17:01:00.001-06:00

My Grandpa was the greatest man I ever knew (besides my dad, of course)! He passed away in February. I took some pictures at his funeral and will post them below.

After the funeral and luncheon, we each took a white balloon and wrote a message to Grandpa. Then we went outside and let them off. Grandma let hers go first so hers could be in the lead, and aunt Delma was yelling, "Catch 'em Teddy!" It was such a wonderful day!

Hand and Foot - I'm obsessed!

2008-03-16T16:34:00.000-06:00

Grandma ... look what you've started! :) Grandma taught us how to play 'Hand and Foot' (or as dad calls it 'Hoof and Mouth') and we've all become obsessed with it. I don't seem to be too good at it but I really like it. We're trying to plan a night where all us Gordon women get together and play...I can't wait! Anyone wanna play????give me a call!

Passport Photo

2008-03-09T21:26:00.000-06:00

Not too long ago, I went to get my passport. There was a little old lady helping me and she asked me if I wanted them to take my picture there too, I said yes and she lead me around to a seat. She then focused the camera on me and said, "Oh honey, you have some little wispy hairs sticking up." I just said, "Oh, that's o.k.", not wanting to explain to her that I do my hair like this on purpose. She then said, "Well, I'll take the picture and let you see it." She took the picture, pointed to the hair sticking up and said, "See...right there, do you want me to take it again?" I tell her that it's just fine and the poor dear shakes her head, "alright" she says. I went and paid and came back to give her the receipt - she said I was all done and ready to go and before I could walk out the door she says, "Let me show you that picture one more time". I laughed so hard on the way out to my car. I just wish I knew what the poor thing was thinking ... funny story!

Y.W. New Beginnings

2008-03-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

Our theme for this year is: "Snow White and the Seven Values" and here are some of the ideas that me and Natalie came up with for it:

As the guests arrive they will see the Young Women names are written on apples on a large mirror and written above says, "Mirror, mirror on the wall the 1st ward women are fairest of all..." and everyone writes on the apples what they like about each girl.
Decorate with anything Snow White, Princess, garden gnomes, apples, fichus trees, etc.
Value Presentations could refer to the poster I made above and show different dwarfs as the different values, show different garden gnomes, or different colored jewels they mine.
The Speaker could talk about being a princess recognizing evil (poisoned apple), finding the star in an apple (hidden potential), the magic mirror is like the holy ghost
Introductions of new beehives can be done by the Laurels and they could talk about what apple each would be most like (ie: she is like a macintosh b/c she likes computer games, or she is like a gala because she loves parties and getting dressed up, etc.)
For a treat you could serve: Apple cider, Apple crisp or Apples and carmel dip
Handout or a gift could include: apple lotion, apple candy, Martenillis, AppleO's candy, etc.

One Foot, Two Foot, Red Foot, Blue Foot!

2008-03-04T19:52:00.000-07:00

We've been having fun in preschool this week learning all about feet! We painted the kids feet, read "The Foot Book" by Dr. Seuss, graphed different kinds of shoes, painted with shoelaces, and you can't forget the different fun foot dress up days: crazy socks, flip-flops, boots and slippers!

Welcome!

2008-03-04T19:44:00.000-07:00

I'm happy you're here! Come on in, sit down....relax. I'm excited to get this blogging thing going!