Flip Flop

NEW BLOG!

2011-06-01T19:50:00.002-07:00

Since I went from just me to us... We have a new blog!

It needs TLC!

www.somethingonthesmiths.blogspot.com

Bridal Shots

2011-02-20T11:00:00.003-07:00

A weekend of HAPPY TEARS!

I learned very fast that my tear ducts are working!!!

We took pictures on Thursday at the Temple and it didn’t rain!!! I will only share a few that Rick, Daniel's Dad took. Rick shot about 1000 pictures!! We are super happy with how they turned out! I don't have the photos back from Chris Paxman, I'm sure they are great too!

When Daniel first saw me in my dress... he was stunned... It was the “tenderest” thing! It made me tear up. He looks amazing in his suit!

Some of my fan club! Future Mother in Law, Sherri! and My Mom!
Future Father in Law, Rick and Aunt Mary were also there to support Daniel and I!

My gorgeous flowers! (Lighthouse flowers)

Yesterday, Tava had a bridal shower for me. It was precious! I loved every minute of it! I have the greatest friends! She had everyone go around and share some thoughts. It was a full on ball baby session! All happy tears of course! If I get pictures I will post a few. (Totally felt like a testimony meeting at girls camp where everyone cries) If you were there and didn’t tear up… I need to borrow your skills for March 3, 4, and 5^th!

Some of the great advice I got yesterday –

-Enjoy time together before kids

-When kids come put them to bed by 8 and have date night @ home!

-Communicate

-Don’t talk about serious things when tired, hungry, or something else…

(I realized every time we went to look at our registries one of us was starving and super grouchy!)

-Don’t go to bed upset

-Keep God in the center of your marriage

There was lots of other awesome advice too!

Special THANK YOU to everyone who has helped with wedding stuff!!!

Praying for no rain March 4^th and 5^th! 10 day forecast is looking great! Out of towners check it out! There will be SUN! Amazing!

13 days to live up singlehood! More importantly 13 days until the best day!!

Love is in the air!

2011-02-14T17:35:00.002-07:00

I love my FAMILY!

Check out this video!!!

http://lds.org/pages/families-can-be-together-forever?lang=eng

So super excited that in 19 days Daniel and I will be married!!!

Families can be together forever!

41 days!

2011-01-15T20:10:00.021-07:00

Tried to Blog Last Saturday -

"This week FLEW BY! I have the best cousin in the world! Today, we went to her house to check out the yard for the reception. Marci and Patrick are so accommodating! " Then I must have got distracted.

Last week, I got sick and that put a damper on things but also helped me see proprieties.
Marci and Patrick were VERY helpful! I'm so grateful that they are so willing to let with this reception! Their house and yard are to die for! Absolutely stunning!
We shared some of these ... They have become my stress reliever!

Met with the lighting guy - aka kid - high schooler. His ideas were scarce (I think he was a little bit intimated) but I know it will turn out great!

I picked out all the flowers! That was actually fun! Thanks to to theknot.com for some fabulous ideas!
Bridesmaids will be something like this.
The Men -

This week -
Waited and prayed for the invitations to arrive...........
We were suppose to get them no later than Thursday 1/20. However, UPS tracker shows them "ontime" for delivery 1/24. : ) We got our shipping refunded, just hoping they look perfect!

Thursday, I went for a dress fitting! I love my dress! It is so fun to wear! : ) I found some ugggggg platform flipper floppers to wear at the reception. (Thanks Fashion.com)

Friday, We went to the court house and got our marriage license. This event reminded me of how monumental Daniel is.
Taking this picture was a HUGE deal for him.
Awkward timer pose -

Nice stranger pic-

We celebrated at Cheesecake Factory! AND went to the MOVIES! (First time we have gone to a movie theater together - Crazy we know.)
We saw Life As We Know It. I loved it! I think Daniel liked it... pretty funny.

Saturday, I found tables, chairs, tablecloths (Andrew's Party Rental), found some more stuff for our centerpieces, bought plates and some drink mixes to try.

*Daniel felt like we should "divide and conquer"... so I went along with the plan and made time for a short trip to the local Swap Meet - for cookies from Alpine Bread and a new purse! : )

We met up and finished our registry at Bed Bath and Beyond. I think we will get a tenth of the list... it was fun the first time we went but yesterday was just to choose china and silverware... eek. It was easy to disagree.

We ran to Hobby Lobby to get ribbon for the flowers. Daniel was excited to go until we got there... I think he thought he would find more airplanes and such.

We topped the night off at PEI WEI. Orange peel chicken yum!! (Thanks to the Lopez Fam)
They have the coolest drink machines at the one in Dana Park. We played a game while we ate... We would drink our drink way too fast, refill it, and the other person had to guess what it was! It was super difficult because they have a million choices! We probably drank at least 8 sodas together.

Here are some of the random centerpiece/ accessories items I never uploaded from previous blog posts...
Lemons will probably be all over the place.

Yellowish Gold Birds
Bird Nests
Coolest wreath ever! Its more yellow than it looks! We might use it as a picture frame.
Bird houses - My mom is going to paint them (Yup those are your Christmas cards on the door!)
Cute lil birds!
Of course there will be some more...

Here are the flower girl dresses!
Found some pictures of my ring (kinda zoomed in) for those out of towners! :)

Jackpot!

2011-01-10T22:08:00.008-07:00

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions!

Today was another successful day!

I have the best parents at school!
Four AWESOME moms have been sending me tips on good stuff!
My students are starting to ask more questions... keeping everything at a minimum. I'll show them pictures when all is said and done.

I went to exchange a bridesmaid dress and ALL Downeast Dresses are 40% off! So I am returning and repurchasing them tomorrow! Pretty Awesome!

Stopped in Pottery Barn, gathered some more ideas!

THE BEST THING WAS I really hit JACKPOT at Joann's! I found some beautiful things!!!! AND GOT A TEACHER DISCOUNT! YAHOO!
(Can't share pictures right now because Daniel and I both own broken cameras!)
Some precious little bird houses, a YELLOW feather wreath, bird nests with tender lil' eggs, shepherds hooks, and some garland type stuff to go with the ikea lanterns for centerpieces. Just snap your fingers and all of this will be put together, right?!

Today, my mom also got some fun stuff at Hobby Lobby! The bird theme is soarin'!
We got some rad bird cages... not sure that this stuff will be used in my casa... watch out re-gifting this year for sure.

Special Shout Out to JULIE in NY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5qmDAyGEW4
Julie sent me this for our song to dance to at the reception. I have probably heard it but didn't know it. Daniel started JAMMIN' OUT! It might be the one! WAY TO GO, Mrs. Pearson!!!! True inspiration! I think if you Skype will Daniel he can show you his killer skills!

This weekend was successful too!

I FINALLY choose a photographer!!! YAHOO!

Went to a gazillion stores to find the right size bridesmaid dresses.

Hit up JCPENNY's found a perfect flower girl dresses for Lillian and Reese!
(totally on clearance!)

Precious little ring bearer suit for Landon!

Our invitations are CREATED! Huge relief just need to print them!
Starting to wonder, if first graders could properly stuff and seal envelopes.
I could make it a special activity (Stay in at recess and help your favorite teacher type of special)... I'm sure it could meet some standard relating to letter writing. (If you get two invitations, name backwards etc, you'll know who helped.)

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY - DANIEL AND I WENT ON AN SUPER COOL DATE! He took me to Glendale's Glitter and Glow. We walked around with some fun couples and watched people set up hot air balloons in the middle of the road! Pretty neat to see close up!

This week, I need to -

Get my dress hemmed
Order invites
Find a DJ
Think more about lighting
EAT,
SLEEP,
and have FUN!

Saturday, I'm hitting up Lighthouse Flowers, sounds like they blow everyone else out of the water, amazing and cheap!

I'm starting another class tomorrow! Hopefully, I'll find time to finish wedding stuff and do homework!

54 days to go!

Years Later...

2011-01-07T17:34:00.014-07:00

This blog is going to be retired with a celebration! Here's the fun and not so fun planning steps for those near and dear!

THE ENGAGEMENT!
The simple version - can't add pictures cause I'm using the neighbors internet and the connection is slow.

12/16/2010

Yup, I'm ENGAGED!!!

Daniel and I met at a Softball Night for church! We have had so much fun since then!

Today, he asked me to run errands with him and he took me to the field where we met. He said he played softball yesterday with friends to celebrate finals and forgot his glove.

He got out of the car to find his glove and I stayed in the car cause it was totally raining!!!!

He came back and asked me to help!

I walked to the field and found the table where we had our first conversation, it was decked out for a picnic!!! It was precious!

On the table was his glove.... He asked me to look inside the glove and the ring was there!

He down got on one knee down and asked me to marry him!

I am a LUCKY girl! I LOVE this guy!

Soon to be Mrs. Lauren Smith!

WEDDING So Far...
Mr. Daniel Smith!!!
Mesa Arizona Temple
March 5, 2011
Colors: Charcoal Gray and Buttery Dark Yellow
Several incredible parents!
Tons of fabulous family!
4 Awesome Bridesmaids
4 Cool Groomsmen
And all kinds of other great guests!
Reception in Gilbert at my favorite cousins house!!!
If rain - church building... eek.

The Big White Dress!
-Can't spoil it-
One of these....
http://www.venusbridal.com/bridals/temple-bridal
Its bought - totally at my house!

The wedding dress saga -
First stop, Azteca, cheapest but not a whole lot in stock,
Then June's Bridal... they actually had sleeved dresses...
Hit up Arizona Bridal outrageous prices....
So ready to cry!
Went to Dillard's thinking I might have to find a WHITE PROM dress! EEK!
They had nothing... store at Fiesta Mall is closing!
Final hope... Carrillo's The Wedding Emporium!
We walked in and there were several temple bridal gowns!
I was in shock! I tried on about 15 dresses!!!!
I found 3 I really liked... tried them on over and over and over....
Then decided! I got my dress and I LOVE IT!!!! (Came with a free tux!)
It doesn't need any alterations except for hem and bussell! AMAZING!
I got a veil there too.
Should have known it would be at Carrillo's! Its right by my favorite store Fashion.com the store that is not a website! YEA for Country Club and Southern!!!

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS!!!
Daniel's dad - Super talented Rick took pictures of us one evening in the rain!!!
He did an amazing job!
I have several favorites! Here is a random one that is so fun! The rest are Daniel's computer.

Videographer!!!
Trellany's Cousin

We spend last Saturday starting to register. Thought that would be fun... not really. Hard when you have two houses! (We keep going back and forth - I think my house is winning today.) Don't even look for the registries, they need to be majorly edited.

Decorations are starting to ROLL!
Tuesday night 1/5/11- My mom went with Daniel and I on a HUNT!

We spent hours at IKEA
Get ready for some of these -

Gotta love IKEA!

We hit up Costco and got some basics!
Cups, Silverware and such.

1/5/11 Wednesday
Quickly checked out a Dillards and Downeast Basics
Daniela and I met with a fun photographer (Still didn't decide)

1/6/11 Thursday
Dillards & Macy's for bridesmaid dresses - no luck
Hobby Lobby - Grabbed some Charcoal and Dark Yellow items

Friday 1/7/11
The Bridesmaids Dress (Downeast)

Rehearsal dinner dress (Downeast)

It's BLACK but easier to see in this picture

Still to FIGURE OUT!

Finalizing a million things including:
photographer

DJ

Flower Girls Dresses - I love some of the dresses on this site.

Food (Riga Tony's is my goal!)

Flavored Lemonades - Have any recipes?!

Invitations - finally showing progress... Hard to figure out wording - I have lots of parents!
An awesome friend is designing them!

The invitation inspiration was from Tinyprints.com
Here was my color and invite inspiration

Wedding Cake -
Here is one I love!
A coworkers husband might make it for me... he is a chef/pastry guy.

Not sure exactly where I will get the guest cake?!

Flowers - Need to meet with more florists.

I like these pics from theknot.com They are random

I will probably mix white & yellow with greenery.

Anyone have ideas for temple dresses?
I'm fine with this one for the distribution center but it says back ordered...

And there are many other things! Feel free to share suggestions!

I'm going to be in trouble... I'm suppose to be running errands before Daniel gets off work!

Well, if you just read this you are a ROCKSTAR!

My Christmas Angels

2009-12-26T16:53:00.002-07:00

WATCHES!!!

2009-12-04T06:56:00.003-07:00

Watches with Interchangeable bands! Check them out TimeAlteredDesigns.blogspot.com
Come to L.I.F.E. Boutique tonight! Higley and Queen Creek!

WOW - Time has gone by so FAST!

2009-11-01T08:41:00.009-07:00

My last picture from 2nd Grade! UNTALENTED TEACHER TALENT SHOW! Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana, We've Got the Party! Not in picture but Mr. Maas was the other Jonas Brother.

Short Recap: 2nd Grade Ms. Hendrickson got RIF't last April. All kinds of options ran through my head for about 2 months... mission, career change, back to college, move to Logan, UT.... lots of stress but I was so blessed! I felt like I had incredible faith... I was humbled when my bishop reminded me it was simply because I pay my tithing. Mr. Maas, my boss, helped score me a summer school job! I was the Elementary Summer School Librarian! It was quite humorous. I learned so much about the library, Now I can find whatever I need! About a week into sumemr school, one of the 1st grade teachers resigned from her contract for 2009-2010. Mr. Maas mentioned the idea that maybe I could take it. It took a couple weeks of hoping, praying, and waiting! Then I got the lucky call from the district! I signed my contract as fast as I could! It was the greatest relief!

SUMMER ADVENTURES IN A NUT SHELL!

POPS GOT A RHINO FOR THE HOUSE IN PAYSON!

Cleaning! My classroom was a mess! and SO STINKY!!!

Father's Day!

My brothers think I'm nuts! I forgot how old pop is and got him roller blades for Father's Day! I sure hope I don't hurt him!!!

THE BIG 23!!!
Katie brought me a cake! Thanks KT!

Family and Friends!

Suga, Suga!

Some of my brothas!

Once it all settled, I began to panick! FIRST GRADE! Learning to read! AH! I'm so grateful for awesome friends who helped me through!!! One of them was my ASU student teaching supervisor, she has now become one of my biggest cheerleaders and a great friend! She lent me all of her stuff! TRULY A LIFESAVER! Thanks Jen!

FIRST DAY OF FIRST GRADE! Only picture I have :)

The parent support is overwhelming! I got so lucky! These are the supplies on the first day of school!

The first 8 weeks were every tough! I have learned so much about 1st grade in such a short amount of time! The past few weeks have been a breeze compared to the beginning of the year! I love my students! ALL 27 of them! It has been a great experience this far! I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!

I have met so many wonderful families and strenthened old friendships, and created new friendships.

HELPFUL HINTS IF YOU HAVE KIDS AT HOME:

Start teaching them the alphabet and letter sounds!!! Your children can learn to read before or in Kindergarten if you help them!

It is amazing the variety of levels I am teaching in 1st grade. I have a student who is struggling with letter sounds and one who is reading at 3rd grade level! Parent involvement is KEY!

Sight Words (Words that cannot be sounded out)

Before Kindergarten help them work on the 1st 25 they are called lightining words

After Kindergarten work on the rest!

http://www.hellofirstgrade.com/

Read with your children daily!!! You can get great books for cheap at GOODWILL!

http://www.starfall.com/

http://www.storylineonline.net/

Start teaching them basic math facts! When you are driving around in your car, drill addition or subtraction facts! At the store, talk about money! When eatting dinner, count the food!

http://www.mathfactcafe.com/

Updates...

2009-04-29T21:28:00.005-07:00

I have so much to update but have to be honest, I'm nervous...
People should not get upset about what is seen on a blog.

PINCH Proof!

2009-03-13T15:09:00.006-07:00

Second Grade Green Party! Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Since I am privileged to have SpRiNg BrEaK next week... YAHOO! We celebrated the Irish holiday today! The students wore green, ate green cupcakes, and had green punch! My students homework was to create and write about a leprechaun trap! We are hoping to catch at least one! :) Check out some of these incredible traps!

Leprechaun Resort... vinyl lettering and all! In the back there is a bench made out of popsicle sticks. Looks enticing!

Heavy duty trap! His dad had to carry it for him! (He might have extra luck - the large can is from the church cannery :))

100% Irish! Her pants were painted "I love Ireland!"

To top of our day, we played kickball with another second grade class! It was a blast! Some kids had no skill and others shocked me with their abilities! This is the only picture I got!

The kids have been counting down the days until they can rest from school! Spring Break is here! Nick and I are off to Utah to see Grandma and Grandpa Lundahl! Leaving the 80 degree weather to go FREEZE!

Dr. Suess Week!

2009-03-07T09:10:00.005-07:00

Happy 105th Birthday, Dr. Suess! This week has been a blast at work! Everyday we had a fun spirit day to go along with different Dr. Suess books. My class and another second grade class made a competition to see who had the most spirit. (Because on average 4 teachers out of close 40 dressed up and a few students from each class. By the end of the week more and more students were fun of spirit.) I took pictures of some of the days and forgot on others.

Monday - Wacky Socks!
No picture: I wore a very professional outfit... black shirt and flowered skirt with knee high snowflake Christmas socks! It worked out perfectly since I hadn't shaved my legs. :)

Tuesday - Red and Green Day!
No picture: The majority of my students participated in this day. It looked like our class was ready to celebrate Christmas in March! I wore a red shirt underneath a green dress. Red and Green totally clash! It was great!

Wednesday - Crazy Hat Day! I had a normal plaid hat and I added a pok a dot flower... It is going to the latest trend!

I love this hat! He had awesome items for each day.

Thursday - Silly glasses! I bought nerd glasses at the dollar store... they were pretty intense! I'm not wearing my glasses because I got a headache in the first hour of school! One of my students had the best glasses- they were thick black glasses with each rim holding a slinky.
On Thursday, my kiddos finally earned ASU Pom Poms! At the ASU vs. uofa game they gave out pom poms... yes I got 30 of them! I have been using them as a bribe. I got observed by my principal and my students were angels! They all earned their pom poms! We are the most Sun Devil spirited class!!!

Friday - Mismatched Day!

No picture :(. I honestly think it took longer to find a mismatch outfit than it would for a regular outfit. I looked stunning! I wore two different colored flip flops, plaid shorts with a pok a dot scarf tied on as a belt, a pink brown flowered top with a bright purple shirt underneath, 2 different necklaces (one st. pattys day and another red), two different earrings, a red bracelet, a gold watch, and my hair ... two pigtails one braided one not. I was pretty attractive! I so wish I had a picture! I loved the reaction from parents and other teachers who were on campus. Talk about people looking you up and down haha.

To top of Dr. Suess week... DRUM ROLL!!!

Our class got a Smart Board! (Interactive whiteboard connected to the computer) It is so AWESOME! We love it! As a class, we spent so much time playing with it this week! Hopefully, the kids learned something on top of figuring out technology. We only get to keep it in our classroom for a few weeks but it is amazing!

The Last Week of February!

2009-03-02T18:39:00.003-07:00

Second Grade Pizza Party! I challenged all of my students to meet their A.R. Goals early. The reward was an awesome pizza party! Talk about extreme motivation for them and I was so excited to not eat cafeteria food! :) I bought the pizza and parents helped with the rest. This fruit was divine!!! So yummy!
We all pigged out! Check out how relaxed these kiddos are!
"Guys, Ms. Hendrickson eats pizza?!"

Phoenix Coyote HOCKEY with Friends! Rena was so excited to get a FREE HAT!

Don't I look like a pro:

I totally thought I was going to hurt someone! I made a goal! YAHOO!

I was super shocked to be able to play on the ice!

Mrs. Lehman and Ms. Hendrickson the coolest 2nd grade teachers on the Farm!

I love her, we have so much fun together!

President's Day!

2009-02-16T15:13:00.013-07:00

I only blog when I have a holiday off from work!

Happy President’s Day!!!

Memorable Events in the last few months (Kind of in chorological order):

Crazy Hair Day! A dear friend aka Sista, had me over for dinner in December and helped me come up with a ‘fancy do’ for CrAzY Hair day! Here is what we came up with: I had kids coming up to me all day asking how I did it! Thanks Kari!

Katie and Erich moved back to AZ! I have missed Katie so much! She has lived in Provo since she got married. Now she back for good!!! For about a month or so she when she first got back she had a lot of time to play. Since then she has started a job. Before the job, we went on so many shopping sprees, had crafty adventures, and went on dazzling double dates! It’s great to have her back! She helped me make fun bridal shower gifts and Christmas gifts!

Christmas: Christmas was marvelous! I love when all my brothers and their families come over! I don’t know if there is anything better! Early Christmas morning, I went and picked up my Grandma (not knowing it would be her last Christmas with us). It was a struggle to get her to come but she did! When we got back, I made some cinnamon rolls and the presents began! As a family, we had some very memorable moments with our Grandma. She quickly let me know that my cinnamon rolls didn’t taste very great (honesty is good)! After all the grandkids opened presents, the big kids began. I got the silliest hat from my mom, the best part is she LOVES it and really thought I would too! I thought we were all going to die laughing when I put it on. Landon was terrified to look at me so I knew it was bad! Julie, Valerie, Nick and I were almost rolling on the ground laughing so hard. Look at these sexy pictures! We got Grandma to model it for us! Grandma stayed for a couple hours until my other family showed up for lunch. I had to take her home, I will always cherish the opportunities I had to cart her around. The things you take for granted until you can’t do them anymore.

Bowling adventure with some friends: Friends reunited! Since everyone is hitched, have children, jobs, etc it is so difficult to get together and play! Right after Christmas, we planned to go bowling to catch up with some high school buds. Lara and Tyler came to town and we all wanted to see them. It was perfect timing for one of those adventures were you want to play with your friends and show off the new goods! : )

New Years Eve: Our final adventure of 2008! Katie and Erich had connections to get tickets to the Tostitos Bowl at ASU. Caleb and I went with him to the game. We took the NEW Light Rail! The Light Rail was packed, it had for an interesting experience. No doubt about it we were most definitely entertained by the mixture of people abroad! We watched the game cheering for both teams not really knowing anything about either of them. : ) That night we all pigged out with Barros Pizza, Native New Yorker Wings, and On the Border Chips and Salsa. The hours were long waiting for the new year to begin! We did our best to entertain ourselves.

Wii!!! I gave in! A few years late but I joined the Nintendo age... never thought I would do such a thing! My mom told me if I bought the Wii she would buy the Wii Fit. It was a deal! It has been so much fun! Kyle, Valerie, Nick, and I have spent so much time trying to break each other’s records! Waste of time... maybe not it is always a great family event!

Dad’s Cabin with Lillian and Landon: Road trip with L and L for Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend! I took the kiddos with me to my Dad’s cabin in Payson! It is so much fun to watch him play and love his grandkids! Lillian loves everything about the outdoors! She will do anything to go fishing, camping, or to play at Grandpa’s Cabin. I love spending time with Dad. I wish we could spend more time together.
>
ICU Trips to see GMA: On Monday, February 2nd I got a voicemail from my brother, Wade. He had gone out to see my Grandma to find her on the floor struggling to breathe. She was talking and he followed her orders and tried to help her out. She asked to lie in her bed. He took her to bed and then realized that the situation was worse than he thought. He quickly called the EMT and they took her to a hospital about a mile away. When he got to the hospital, she was in the ER and he could not go in because his youngest son was with him. 20 minutes later the nurse came out to tell him that she was put on a ventilator to help her. After I heard all of this, I was frantically trying to reach my mom to tell her. She started a new job and is very difficult to get a hold now. I talked to one of my friends and he had no idea how scared I was of these thoughts. I was kind of afraid to go see her in the hospital. It wasn’t until he mentioned something about going to see her that I realized the importance of going. That night I went to see my Grandma, it wasn’t much to see. She was there with tubes all over her and down her throat. She wasn’t very responsive. The nurses were everything but informative. I have never been so frustrated. I wish I knew more about the medical field. Even my mom with her background could not understand or figure out what was going on and why they were doing what they did. Almost everyday for a week I went to see my Grandma, there were no positive changes. Little things happened each day to get her further away from recovery. On Saturday, Valerie and I were hanging out and were going to go to lunch. Val decided she wanted to go see Grandma. We went down there to find she has an inflection. We had to wear gowns and gloves to go into her room. It was a very scary experience. All I could do was laugh to keep from crying. The other visits had been full of tears but I knew this was the worse she has been. Grandma opened her eyes and I was scared to death. I did not know what to say. She could only listen she could not talk due to the ventilator. I rubbed her head and looked her in the eyes, I was speechless for several seconds. I have no idea if she knew it was me or if she understood what I did say. I held her hand and could not spit out the three words I wanted to say... I love you. I know she knows and will always know I love her but I wish I could have said those words! After visiting her I knew, she probably wasn’t going to make it. We went to her house and tried to get house keys back from her neighbors. My Grandma never met a stranger. All her of her neighbors had house keys to her house. Not something you would usually do, when you live on Crismon and Broadway! Many “tender mercies” occurred that week. I would have never made it through without my family and a close friend.

Grandma is reunited with her loved ones who passed before her: The most “ridiculously rough” few days of my life... On Monday February 9th, I left school and went to Walmart to get things for my classroom. While there, I called my mom, to hear that my Grandma had a horrible day and the nurses had to resuscitate her. My Mom told me to call my brothers and to ask them to get to the hospital as soon as possible. Nick and I drove out there together full of emotion. While driving, we got a call from my Mom telling us to hurry because it was just a matter of time. When we arrived most of my family was there waiting for us. While we waited for Kyle and Troy, so many thoughts ran through my mind. My Mom was a mess and I think we all felt helpless. When the other boys arrived, My Mom, my 4 brothers, and I surrounded my Grandma and waited while she passed on to the other side. It was a calm experience, I will never forget. We all went to my Grandmas, order pizza, and enjoyed being at her house. Lillian saw her dad and asked “where is GG?” Kyle explained that she went to Heaven. Lillian replied asking if she could go with her. That night I realized how hard it was to be humble. We started planning funeral arrangements. I convinced the fam to have the services at our church building. I called the Relief Society President to get some numbers. When she found out she took to care of several of the things for us. Shortly after our Home Teacher called to see how my Grandma was. I told him the events of the night and asked him to help us plan music for the service. He and the RS president called several times each day up until the services to make sure everything was taken care of. It was the hardest week I think I have endured this far in my life. Once again I realized the tender mercies of the Lord and wouldn’t have made it through without my family and that one close friend.

I went to work the next day, it was class picture day and I thought I would be okay. My Mom and Troy made arrangements with the funeral home. I called to check in with them at lunch and lost it. A teacher came in to ask me something and I told her what had happened. Shortly after, I was sent home from work and my students were spilt into other second grade classrooms. I went home and helped with some of the arrangements. It was a neat experience. I had no idea about all the little details of a funeral or about all the outrageous costs! It easily costs $10,000. I took the next few days off work. I had only shared with a few friends the events of the last week. I am so grateful for their love and support. I received sweet cards and flowers from several friends. You all touched me greatly! The night before the funeral, an awesome friend stopped by my mom to leave some flowers and talked to my mom for an hour. She will never know how much that affected my Mom. My Mom needed that more than any thing. The morning of the funeral, much to my surprise I got a call and there was a special delivery to Diet Dr. Peppers from QT! Thank you girls! I’m so indebted to all my friends! The services were very special and helped put me a peace. When I returned to work on Friday, one of my students had brought me tulips. He said, “I felt sad for you and wanted to give you these”. There were several cards from my students. I’m extremely spoiled!

My Grandma, “Mrs. Pots”: I miss her so incredibly much! I had no idea how hard this would be in my life. I have so many extremely precious memories of her. Each day I remember more and more things she did for me. As well as things, we did together that I will never forget. Enjoy the time you have with your loved ones in your life her on earth!!!

What would I do without WORK: I’m so grateful for my job! I really think it’s the only thing that keeps me sane right now! I love teaching! I love my students and all their unique personalities! When other aspects of my life are not rolling so smoothly I can always count of my job to lift me up! Our school has a service club and one of their services projects in January was to collect valentines to give to students who don’t have the funds. As a class, we had talked about donating to helping other kids out. Well one of the girls wanted to give a speech... Side note * my kids love to give speeches, kind odd how that all started... One of my girls entered an oratorical contest and wrote a speech on Martin Luther King, Jr. I let her share it with us before she performed it in the contest. Ever since my students keep asking if they could share a speech. I don’t think I would have ever wanted to do that in Second Grade!!! Anyways, back to this Valentine service thing... Sarah got up to share a speech and it turned out to be great! She just reinforced us about the service drive but it started us on a conversation on the economy. I didn’t know if my students could say let alone know what economy means! We ended up having a class discussion on the economy and how it is affecting boys and girl and their families. My students were so insightful! Most of them were great but my favorite was when a girl shared that “Other kids can’t get Valentines because when they went to get money from the back in was closed”. She started saying things that lead to the fact that banks had an endless supply of money for all our parents. We quickly fixed those thoughts and several students chimed in saying that one of their parents had lost their job etc. These kids are growing up in a very different economic state than what existed 15 years ago when I was their age.

Valentine’s Day Party: On Friday when I went back to work, I was bombarded with hugs and letters from my students. It’s always great to know you were missed! I felt so loved! I have 26 sweet second grade valentines this year! We had a great day and ended it with a fun filled class Valentine’s Day Party!

Valentine’s Day:
I offered to watch two of my true loves: Lillian and Landon while their parents worked.
We trekked it to Katie and Erich’s for a yummy french toast breakfast just like Kneaders! Thank you Katie! It was amazing! Your skills are so impressive! Someday I will follow in your footsteps! Lillian steals the heart of all adults. She kept Katie’s Father in law entertained with why questions and he loved it answering every single one. He showed her all kinds of things at his house even bearded lizards while Landon tried to destroy their house.
We ran some errands to get something special for a Valentine. I felt bad for not planning something “cool” to send to Caleb. I ended up scanning a itunes gift card and emailing it to him. Once that was taken care of, we went to Chris’ to ride Handsome and swing on his sweet tree swing! We rushed towards home to get ready for our Hendrickson Family reunion.

Much to my surprise this is how my weekend ended... THANKS!!!

It was been a very pleasant weekend considering all the events I have gone through this week with the loss of my Grandma! I am so grateful for my amazing family and incredible friends!!! I love you all!

For all of you who think I'm cool enough to "blog stalk"

2008-11-07T17:02:00.005-07:00

I'm starting to realize I will never be a good blogger! I'm going to take that a good talent! Some of you spend so much time on here... part of me is a little jealous! I'm lucky if I look at peoples blogs once a month!

Now, what do you want to know?! haha

I don't have anything amazing to write about! Here I go... rewind...

I just looked at Julie and Adams blog about Second Graders voting! I have to go off of that. For the past week or two, my kids have been learning about voting, presidents, etc. It has been hysterical to see how the kids react to each others political views... more like to each other parents views. All of my students were very opinionated about should be elected. Tuesday and Wednesday, I had a few tearful students and several little arguments broke out on the playground related to the results. Kids were cheering candidates names and making comments like these:
"McCain is a christian"
"Obama will take away taxes"
I tried to stay away from the sensitivity of the election. I had to laugh at the materials I was given to teach the 2008 election. It was very much geared towards republicans. One of the pages for the kids was all the information on McCain and the Obama information had to be researched.

I have never felt so sick regrading an election! It was a nerve racking day waiting to see if 102 passed and who our president would be.

11/4 : On Tuesday, I went with Randa to her ward's enrichment activity. It was so awesome to be a family ward setting!!! They provided food and awesome thoughts of gratitude! I'm so glad I got to go. It helped me get into the "thankful" mode for November!

11/2 : WALK NOW for Autism! The family clan joined Braden on a walk at Tempe Town Lake to support Autism! It is our 3rd year participating. It is always a fun event. It is the only time I ever remember my family exercising together! This year they had the normal 3 mile walk and a 1 mile walk. When we got the spot to decide to take a short or normal route- tension arose! Needless to say, the healthy people won we walked 3 miles.
That night, I got my mom is ride her bike for the first time! I asked her to go with me thinking she would say no and guess what she said sure! We started down the street and I told her to turn so we could leave our neighborhood... she flipped! That's when the interesting things starting flying out of her mouth! I don't know how but I convinced her to go with me to Kyle and Valerie's. We went there and they were gone! She was very unhappy- she was hoping for a ride home in the truck! We rode back completing our 3 mile ride. She was sore as can be... I don't know if I will be able to get her back on that bike again!

10/31: HALLOWEEN or FALL CELEBRATION ;)
At school, my kiddos dressed up for a costume parade. It was fun to let the kids wear their costumes and get the holiday started! Kindergarten through 3 grade walked around the soccer fields while the older kids cheered us on. I had several parents come in to watch and parade and to help with our class festivities! My MOM even came! I was so excited! It was the first time she had met my students. She helped the kids make flubber while other parents assisted with different centers. The kids had a blast, maybe too much fun because my classroom is still a mess!!!

For Dinner, the fam came over for our traditional Chili and Tricker Treating! I have the best nephews and nieces ever!!! It is always so much fun to see them!

I'm out of time! I've gotta go back to work for our Falcon Festival! I will update more this weekend!

September 4th!

2008-09-04T21:14:00.007-07:00

I bought a new car yesterday! I decided after years of driving my white beater, I needed to upgrade! I feel a lot safer now! Jason took me to test drive some cars because I didn’t want to do with car salesmen! Jason use to sell cars and this was his classic saying, “I’m a car salesman, I can’t lie!” Anyway, he helped me find a car I liked and a great deal too! We worked with another friend of ours Dave and he hooked me up with a sweet ride! Shout out to LeSueur Car Company www.usedvwaudi.com!

I got a VW Passat! It is very nice and super fun to drive!
It even has a sun roof! High rollin’!

I can drive more than a few miles and not worry about my car overheating! EVEN better, I can drive down the freeway without holding my window up! My old car the drivers window, liked to slide into the door as I drove! You didn’t even need keys to get in! Just your hand to get the window open!

Since I made this purchase, the parents think I should pay all kinds of bills haha! YAY right! I’m saving my pennies! Dad thinks now that I bought a car, I have more money. Doesn’t work that way! Mom found out about Dad wanting money from me for my cell phone (I grateful I’m spoiled :)) and thinks she needs it more and that I should pay rent haha... the perks of living at home! They are not going to see my $$$ anytime soon. :)

This past weekend, was super eventful! I was suppose to go with my family to our cabin in Payson instead I stayed in Gilbert and i'm glad I did!

I went to the ASU football game on Saturday night! GO DEVILS! We creamed the Lumberjacks!

For you married girls and anyone else who cares- there is a new hunk...! Another long distance situation! But he is Tall, Dark, and Handsome!
Call me for details... I’m not sure where it’s going to go!

Visits from friends: I’m so excited for when Katie and Erich move back in December!!! This weekend, Katie and Erich came for a visit! It was super fun hanging out at Katie’s parents with some of the crew! We thought about going to the lake on Labor Day and decided not to go when the boat owner, Walter, realized that it was a holiday! It would have been packed! We will have to go in April, May, June ish!

Crafty:
Two weeks ago, I got together with some fun girlies for Super Saturday Crafts! I love Sister Bryson’s craft days! Haha Go Julie! Here is a picture of the awesome frame, Julie taught us to make! Many of you will see these as your Christmas present :)!!!

-PICTURE TO COME-, I left my camera at work!

All of the girls who come to the craft days are usually married. “My husband ...”, “I have to go I told my hubby I wouldn’t be gone long...”, and “I husbands going to die when he sees one more craft in these colors!...”
I love spending time with the married girls! I’m sure they crack up listening to my random dating stories and the joys of singles ward! Yippee!!!

On the Farm: My class is doing great! Everything is how I expected so far. I’m really having fun! I enjoy all 26 of kiddos! I have 15 boys and 11 girls! The boys have all discovered how to make farting noises with their arms! I don’t know how my mom raised 4 boys! All of the students love to talk! They are getting the hang of when it’s okay to talk and when it’s not. I had a formal walk through evaluation on Wednesday. My principal came in and watched me teach a lesson for about 20 minutes. I didn’t know he was coming. It worked out fine. We were reading an awesome book “How I Became a Pirate”. If you have kids, read it to them! After we read the book, each student created a treasure map! We have been talking about geography: mapping. On Thursday, they wrote pirate stories! The stories and maps turned out awesome! I will post pictures some day.

This weekend, I have the luck of staying at school! Friday night from 4-8 and Saturday 8-4. I have classes at my school for the extra money. :) Every little bit counts. We have a goal of increasing writing, we have to do workshops of 15 hours and do extra writing activities in our classrooms. Then, I earn a tiny bit extra in December and May. YAHOO!

In memory of my incredible Uncle Tony:

Last week, I went to a funeral of one of my dear uncles. As soon as I found out of his death, I called his daughter to see how she was doing. I keep my emotions in until I hung up the phone with her. I lost it! I can’t imagine what life must be like for her and her family without their father, papa, and my aunts husband. I had the opportunity to work at my cousin’s house all summer watching her kids. While I was there about once or twice a week, my Uncle Tony and Aunt Jae Dee would drop by to spoil their grandkids. I got so use to seeing them so often I took for granted the time we spent together. Growing up, big holidays were usually when I saw aunts and uncles. We always do the typical big hug... no cheek squeezing :). Since I saw my uncle Tony so much this summer, I didn’t always get or give those big hugs! I just want one more big Uncle Tony hug!!! I can hear his voice in my head and I’m so grateful for the knowledge I have of knowing I can see him again someday! It was one of the hardest funerals I have ever attended. Tony is my Dad’s first sibling to pass. I have never seen my Dad or his siblings so down and broken. The day was long but filled with great tributes and time together as a family.
Thank you for all who listened and supported me last week!

I love my family so much! I have an amazing extended family. I am so lucky to have great parents and loving brothers! My brothers crack me up, all 4 of them constantly try to protect me. I don’t know what I would do without my close knit family!

Week 3 into TEACHING!

2008-08-18T18:12:00.004-07:00

Week 3 into TEACHING!

I have never been good about keeping this blog updated... that statement is going to become more apparent soon! I deeply apologize to family and friends who have tried to keep in touch. It's not that I'm ignoring you... I just can't think past work these days! I'm working on balance who knows if I will figure that out!

My class:

They are all just like me, THEY LOVE TO TALK!

On Meet the Teacher Night, I was ready for sweet shy students to walk through the doors... I got 2 shy kiddos and 24 party animals! I enjoyed meeting the parents and students.

The first few days of school were better than I could have asked for. The kids weren’t quite, reserved, or teacher pleasers. We had great discussions but I couldn’t wait for the next week.

The second week, we had more structure doing several subjects not just get to know you activities. We read and did activities related to Flat Stanley! It was a blast! The kids are so excited to send of their Flat Stanleys. We still had lots of talking so my table groups, changed a bit. I had 5 table groups and 4 islands for the extreme talkers and disrupters. Week 2 was great!

Week 3... I let my students move back into table groups, I destroyed the islands. Today the kiddos were super talkative. My principal dropped in... I was doing everything I needed to do but my classroom was a mess. I have piles of papers stacked around that need to be inputed into SnapGrades or graded. I am going to go extra early tomorrow so I can be better organized for the rest of the week. I have been doing pretty much everything on my own. I’m so grateful for my student teaching experience otherwise I would have no resources or ideas! My student teaching mentor is still so helpful to me!

On Wednesday, my students’ parents come in for Curriculum night. I’m not nervous but not really thrilled to have to speak to all of them either. I have all my curriculum information ready... I just hope it all makes sense to them. After Curriculum night, I will regain my 4 islands and keep my small table groups.
I have had some very interesting experiences at my school. My mentor has sent over several students to sit at my tables because they were disturbing her class or not doing work. Luckily, these students are angels in my classroom! I have yet to send any of my students to another classroom or to the office.

Check out this cool book rack I found in the class by the building managers office. It said "Take if needed". I love it!

Everything is going great!

I love my job! I really do!

I just need to work on a few things, preparation, energy, and organization!

The last two weekends, I have gone to my cabin in Payson. It is so relaxing to grade papers in the mountains laying out by the pool! I don't know what I'll do when its to cold to do that! :)

Hope everyone is doing well! Keep in touch! I will try better to respond to emails, voicemails, text messages, etc.

Guys and Gals! Check this out!

2008-07-31T07:22:00.002-07:00

One of my super awesome friends who I met in College and we were inseparable for many semesters, is now doing hair! I go to her all the time! She is talented and does a GREAT job!!! Check out her hair blog... Don't hesitate to call her!

http://brittanyshaircare.blogspot.com/

First day back!

2008-07-28T22:28:00.001-07:00

Today was my first day as a certified teacher! I went to training meetings with other teachers new to the Gilbert District! I'm excited for the next week or so to keep working in my classroom! I'm grateful for all of you who have offered to help! I wish I had more time to spend in there so you could help! I will keep everyone posted.

RFG girls... Still so sorry! As soon as I find time, you will get millions of emails and a DVD of our photos.

Flip Flop

Retreat for Girls!

2008-07-27T08:12:00.005-07:00

HULA HOTTIES!!!!

YAY for RFG at USU! I LOVE YOU GIRLS!

WE LOVE KATIE and the rest of the SMITH FAMILY!

I'm so sorry! I know I told you all I would email you 2 weeks ago! ooops! Today, I will send out an email of everyone addresses and contact information. I hope you are all doing great! I miss each of your beautiful faces! Enjoy the rest of your summer!!! Keep in touch!

Love,

Flipper Flopper

July is almost over!

2008-07-26T23:49:00.003-07:00

I start my FIRST EVER real professional job on Monday! I have a week of training and soon I'll be teaching Monday through Friday! I'M SO EXCITED! I worked on my classroom this week... Still plenty to do but go to my Miss Hendrickson blog to see pictures if your interested.

2008-07-17T13:14:00.005-07:00

My Birthday! 7-1-08! 22!

My Classroom!

Lilly is the best teacher ever! :) "SIT DOWN, everyone listen I AM THE TEACHER! "

Just skimming through some blogs while the kiddos I watch are taking naps! I’m glad I’m not the only one who hasn’t updated lately! Life has been great and very busy!

June:
· Got my keys to my classroom!
· Moved things into my classroom with the help of my home teachers Scott and Houston! They offered to help so I took them up on it! I bet they won’t offer again. They couldn’t believe how much stuff I had! I told them not to marry a teacher! (Because of the stuff and the time commitment)
· Shopped and Shopped for more teaching stuff!
· Spend many late nights out with friends! Several Bike Rides!!
· HOBBY LOBBY! Opened in Mesa. Went several times with Julie Bryson and Randa (& baby Tegan)
· Lunch dates
· Ponder the idea of buying a car…
· Wedding receptions
· Worked way too much… babysat almost everyday and house sat 3 weekends!
· Tried to lay out but that only happened maybe once!
· Joined Gold Canyon Candle, Buy candles they are amazing!

July:
· Turned 22! AH!
· Party at Dave & Busters!
· Still pondering the idea of buying a car… this time I’m thinking either a Lexus IS or a Honda Accord.
· Went to the Lake!!! 3rd and 4th of July, super fun! There were about 14 of us, a nice boat, and two jet skis! I was only sore for a week after : )
· Had some GC candle parties!
· Traveled to Utah! (yay plane rides!)
· Visited with Grandma and Grandpa Lundahl
· Went to church with Grandpa Lundahl in a nursing home, sad day but awesome experience!
· Retreat for Girls: I was a counselor two ten awesome “Hula Hotties”. Listened to great speakers, ate tons of food, did all kinds of great activities! Spend time with fun counselors and amazing directors!!! Huge THANKS to the Smith Family!!!
· House sat
· Still working…. Friday the 18th is my last day with my cousins kids. Sad to leave them, they are super cute. But I’m so excited to start teaching!
· Decorating my classroom very soon!
· Katie Krietemeyer turned 21!!!
· Randa Canter and Ashley Arrington turn 22 really soon!
· Happy Birthday, Girlies!!!

Hope this entertains a few of you! :)

Go Falcons!

2008-06-10T06:52:00.001-07:00

Good morning Family and Friends!

GUESS WHAT!!!!

Since March, I have had a contract with Gilbert Public Schools to teach for the 2008- 2009 school year. After a few interviews at different schools, I just found out where I'm going to be teaching! I'm so excited and wanted to share my great news with all of you!

Are you ready...
Finley Farms Elementary School!!!
2nd Grade! Yahoo!
(It's only half a mile from my house :) )

I had an awesome experience at Ashland Ranch Elementary School student teaching 2nd grade with Kym Di Giulio. I enjoyed being there with all of the excellent staff. I'm thrilled to be teaching second grade! Kym has shared so many incredible ideas and great resources with me! I know I have been prepared by my awesome teachers! Especially, Jen my incredible student teaching supervisor!

Thanks for all of your amazing thoughts and ideas! I'm also very thankful for all your love and support! I couldn't have done it without each of you! :)

June 9th

2008-06-09T08:42:00.005-07:00

Hey Everyone!

I'm still waiting to see where I will be teaching in August! Hopefully, I will know within the next few weeks. Thanks for all your love and support! I update my blog for my students more than I do this one... misshendrickson.blogspot.com

Summer is flying by! Watching the kiddos keeps me busy. I enjoy spending time with the cousins. However, I'm looking forward to decorating, planning, and all the good things that go into teaching!

Last night, Kyle, Valerie, Lillian, and Landon came over for dinner at my mom's house. Valerie and I went on a cleaning rampage! We tried to get rid of stuff but my mom wasn't too happy about that. After we ate dinner, Kyle and my mom were looking at hotels online so Val and I took over the house. We rearranged the family room and got rid of some junk! :) Val was worried that mom was going to "beat" us when she saw what we did. As we moved things around we whispered and giggled. We hoped Kyle could keep mom entertained long enough for us to finish what we started. Lillian kept running into "Grandma" and telling her what we were doing. Needless to say, Valerie and I were very slap happy by the end of our adventure. It became a night of teasing and bugging our mom.

I went home with Kyle and Valerie to pick up my radical beach cruiser I had left at their house. Valerie drove the bike and I back to my moms. When I got home, I was so wired so I went on a bike ride with a friend to Freestone. We always find ourselves there to cruise down the hills. If anyone has a bike or wants to borrow one, call me! I'm all about riding! I'm still a rollerblading nerd so if you rather blade I'm down with that too!

Hope everyone is enjoying the hot summer! :) 21 days until the BIG 22!!!

I just found out Julie (Fuller) Bryson has a blog! Check it out ;) http://jasonandjuliebryson.blogspot.com/

Blogging...

2008-05-23T14:17:00.003-07:00

I'm not good at remembering to blog! One of my friends, Taylor, told me I'm not allowed to blog until I'm married. Oh well... Here we go!

I'm still waiting to find out about jobs. I shouldn't be worried but I am. I have had my contract since March... but I don't know what school yet. At least, I know it will be in Gilbert Public Schools. Julie Pearson has a position at a school I interview with... I would love to teach with Julie! :) When I find out where I'll let you all know.

Summer! YAY!

I went and saw my 2nd graders and Mrs. Di Giulio Monday and Wednesday. It's hard to say good bye! I had fun celebrating the end of the year with them! On Wednesday, I had Landon (9 month old nephew) and the kids were all wanting to play with him. I was a totally distraction. :)

Wednesday, was my last day watching Kyle and Val's Kiddos. I love watching them but 20 dollars a day... please. :)

The highlight or most hilarious part of watching Lillian and Landon was on Tuesday. I get to their house and Lillian isn't dressed, hair knotted... I go to dress her and the clothes, I had bought the week before were ruined... Kyle must have washed yellow carpis with dark colors... they are no longer a cute yellow. I look at her thinking oh man, we have to do something about this. Then I ask her to get shoes... she does... I look at myself and the mirror and thought gross, why didn't I wake up earlier to get ready? So Lilly isn't looking so cute and neither am I. Landon looked great but when I put him in his car seat he stuck out 5 inches and it wouldn't buckle! So I thought, Lilly and I look like White Trash and Landon is sitting in White Trash... I knew I needed to go to Wal Mart, most would say we would have fit right in, but I was so embarrassed! We went to my house, Grandma's, and I got ready. Went to Wal Mart to buy new clothes and on the way there Lillian was in tears because her shoes were too small. So she walked through Wal Mart shoeless... I had no idea it was so hard to buy tennis shoes for children. And they are so expensive! Landon's car seat... the one we went to get... it was on sale, but they only had for girls! Pink with flowers! I knew Kyle would kill me if his tough son was buckled in all pretty and pink. Anyway it was a long day, we got Lillian new clothes but no shoes and no car seat. Now they are left to someone else... If anyone wants to watch them this summer, Let me know :).

My cousin, Marci, called and was looking for someone to watch her kids... I promised myself I was going to be selfish and enjoy my summer and NOT WORK. However, that quickly changed.
I don't know it I was ever taught to say NO when it comes to helping someone out or babysitting! I thought this chapter of my life was done but it's BACK.
I don't mind. The kids are adorable. Reese is 2 1/2 her twin brothers, Grayson and Hudson are 4 MONTHS old!

All I can say is.... I won't be having kids of my own for several years!
This weekend my family was all going to our house in Payson but with this yucky rainy/ snowy weather, I think I might stay home. The plan was to play at the clubhouse, lay by the pool, hit up some tennis, ride bikes, etc. Anything to get out of the hot heat... but it's not hot here this weekend. It's rainy and humid. I just wanna curl up and read or watch movies!

Graduations:
Nick graduated yesterday from Corona Del Sol. It was nuts! It rained so the ceremony got spilt into 3rd and students/parents each had a time slot. Nick was the latest time at 9 we got there stood in the rain for 15 minutes... stayed in the rain while the group before us left... ran inside sat down and the ceremony was rushed. I feel bad for everyone who had to graduate yesterday with the rain! Everyone was drenched so most people are going to look awful in their pictures! Oh... on top of that... Nick only was allowed to have 3 tickets for the ceremony. So I went with my mom and dad. Trying to play the role of the child, I didn't think to be responsible. We get there and my dad says wheres your camera? haha I didn't bring one because I wanted to be the child... He forgot his. POOR NICK! All his pictures are lame cell phone shots. I wish I would have had a camera.

Nick is so tall! Like who knows... 6"3 -6"5 ish. He sat on the aisle and when it was time to toss the cap. He stood up and chucked it all the way to the back of the auditorium. Oh ya... if I die soon it's because I was stuck in a molding school... with even more water of the carpets yesterday due to the rain. Hope they aren't planning on holding summer school. One of the schools clubs raised thousands to fix the CO2 levels of the campus haha... aka replace carpets and air systems, etc. Then the principal stood up to say she had the best high school in the east valley.... haha

Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Interview #1 and #2!

2008-05-13T16:42:00.003-07:00

Last night, I had an interview for a second grade teaching position in Gilbert. The interview went well. The school is doing interviews all week. I will know by Friday either way. I would love to work at this school!

I have an interview tomorrow morning with a different school. I'm not sure what grades they have open. It is alittle bit of a drive from my house. We'll see how it goes! :)

2008-05-11T23:06:00.002-07:00

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T20:47:00.002-07:00

Today, at church some of the men spoke about women and motherhood. They all did awesome! Four of the guys even sang to us! It was precious! The song was called Mother's Love. I'm not sure who wrote it but it was amazing! I'm so grateful for my Mom and all the other women and Moms who have been in my life. The last few months I have also had the chance to be around some of my friends who have recently become mothers. YOU GALS ARE INCREDIBLE! They are all wonderful examples to me!

For Mother's Day, I got my Mom (sick :() But I bought her a sweet beach cruiser! It's PINK! Who knows if she will ride it, but hey it ROCKS! My brother and sister in law delivered it tonight! I think she was pretty surprised! I have one just like hers if anyone wants to go for a ride, I'm down! :)

ASU GRAD 2008!

2008-05-11T20:40:00.003-07:00

YAY! GO DEVILS! I am done with school at ASU! I'll be teaching in Gilbert starting in August! (TOMORROW I have an interview with a school in Gilbert for a second grade position! I would love to work at this school! I'll keep you posted.) I will probably step back in to the college scene in Jan. for my masters. Thank you to everyone who came to my graduation ceremony and party. I have the best family and friends ever! I had so much fun with my school buds at my ceremony! I got sick on Thursday and missed the big ASU ceremony. On Friday, Julie Pearson took care of me and helped me through the education ceremony. Thanks Julie! Four years goes by so fast! I'm so excited for the new journey, I have ahead! I will be calling everyone who is around to help me decorate my classroom, speak to my kiddos about their jobs, and anything else I can think of. :)

Lara Morgan is NOW Lara Broadbent!

2008-05-11T20:15:00.007-07:00

I haven't blogged on here in a long time... I made a blog to keep my students posted on my job status. I have been updating that one, you can check it out if you want. http://www.misshendrickson.blogspot.com/ I want to catch everyone up on my weekend! There were 3 important events I want to share so I'm going to do them in 3 separate posts! :)

Lara (Morgan) and Tyler Broadbent are now officially married!

I'm so excited that Lara and Tyler tied the knot! They are an adorable couple! I missed seeing them come out of the temple but I'm sure it was wonderful! On Friday night, they had a beautiful reception at the Broadbents house! It was alot of fun! I got sick the day before so I wasn't very helpful at the reception. It's hard for me to just sit back and watch. :) Katie (Auga) Krietemeyer and Jen Cordon flew in to be bridesmaids along with all the sisters. I was thrilled to have the girls in town! I have missed Katie so much!

We had a GIRLY PARTY on Tuesday at Dave and Buster's for Lara. It was a blast! We all had matching shirts that said "Oh Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"!!! That's all we wanted was to have some fun with Lara! Her Mom, Mother in Law, Sisters, and some friends gathered to eat and play! Although, Lara was the one we tried to honor: the nieces, nephews, sons, and daughters were the stars of the show. The kids had a blast playing together and running around pretending to play games, smart moms!

The Best Part of all of this: I got to see LARA!

2008-04-22T19:22:00.002-07:00

I'm so excited for Retreat for Girls! I found out a few weeks ago that my group is related to the Apia Samoa Temple. Our group name is going to be the "Hula Hotties". I kept my same nickname, Flip Flop! It will be so much for to be with some of the returning counselors. I'm also looking forward to meeting the new counselors! Last year, I had an awesome groups of 12 year old girls! I'm sure this year will be great too! If you know of anyone 11 almost 12 - 15 send them to Retreatforgirls.com It is an incredible program!

Bloggin Time!

2008-02-15T19:16:00.002-07:00

Here I am joining the blogging trend! Hopefully, I will find time to
update this ocassionally!