The Nius

Back Again

2010-09-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

Wow. It is amazing how things can just get away from you. We are finishing up our fourth week of school tomorrow. How time flies! I know that I have a lot to catch up on including three birthdays and a summer of fun. But, in my limited amount of time tonight, I wanted to show you our poor son and his new contraption. Thanks to the Ure side of the family, Anthony has my mouth and gets to wear what is called a palatal expander with a head gear (very similar to what I had to do). The palatal expander is attached to his back teeth and runs across the top of his mouth. Every night we take a little gadget and widen it one notch. Then, he gets to sleep in the lovely thing that you see here. Luckily he only has to wear it at night. The first week was a challenge. He couldn't eat and it was hard to sleep. He is getting used to it although he has lost about 10 pounds. Good thing he isn't a tiny guy or I'd be worried. I am looking forward to a long weekend and hopefully catching up. I promise there is much more to come.

I'm Back!

2010-06-06T20:13:00.001-07:00

So, school is out and we are enjoying our summer, and it is time for me to get back into the blogging scene. I had a really great year and feel fortunate that I had the seniors and I get them again next year. The kids are glad to be done and look forward to moving up a grade. If you look at their pictures, I updated our status. Anyway, I know it has been forever and there is so much I want to tell. However, I don't know how to fit it all in. So, I will focus on my latest memorable excursion. Mexico

Matt took me on a trip to Mexico for our ten year anniversary. I was concerned. First, it is only three and a half hours away and I couldn't imagine a very pretty Mexico that close to a very (I don't want to say ugly but..) deserty Arizona. I was also concerned that it would be cheap. I was also a little bit concerned with safety. However, it was beautiful and we were totally safe. We rented a beach house on the side of the beach that was private. I don't know how Matt does it, finding these fantastic places to stay. I told him he should be a travel agent. Here is a photo of our place:

Although this particular picture looks pretty amazing, don't get too excited because we didn't stay in the big house but if you look to the left there is a separate rotund section which is the guest house. That is where we stayed. Here is a better view of it.

Not as grand, but it was really great. We had a little kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. We had a wonderful view of the ocean ...and spent a lot of time on the beach. And the total three nights cost less than 300 dollars. Not too shabby for a beach front room. We were able to go on a "dinner cruise" (a ride around the bay on a big boat with a little fish and rice for dinner-not as glamorous as dinner cruise sounds but it was fun!).

There was a live band on the bottom level and Matt even danced with me which was one request I had-I wanted to go dancing. We also saw dolphins swimming along the side of the boat. It was amazing!

One day we went for lunch along the pier. They sold fresh shrimp and cooked it right there. Wow-it was the best shrimp I have ever eaten.

We hope to take the kids there next year or sooner. They would love the beach. Overall, it was a pretty fantastic weekend. And they let Matt back into the country:) I couldn't have asked for a better ten year anniversary get away.

The Trump

2010-03-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

Matt and I were able to get away for Valentine's Day. Matt helped his boss out a few months back and received two nights at the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Our room was really nice. Here is picture of our little kitchenette. This was my favorite. The bathroom had a television built into the mirror. I took at least three baths in the Jacuzzi tub. I vegged out watching television while soaking in the tub. LOVED IT!

We went sight seeing a bit on Saturday. Matt had never been inside the forum shops at Caesar's Palace so we wondered around that area of town. However, we mainly hung out in our great room, watched some movies, and played some games (a card game I took-No Gambling-wink, wink). It was a very needed and relaxing get away.

Strange Weather

2010-02-03T12:13:00.001-08:00

This is not a lake, but the park next to our house. Mom and Dad lived across the street from it when they were here. We had many days of rain fall a couple of weeks ago and I was amazed at the chaos it caused. Arizona has a very tough terrain and the water doesn't soak into the ground very quickly. So, they build a lot of drainage areas, such as our park, for the rain to go when it gets bad, which it does every once in a while. I however, was amazed at the reactions from people. Yes, it was a record rain fall, and yes, the winds got so high that we had a tornado watch, but in my mind it was "just rain." But, "just rain" in Arizona can really be a big deal with flash floods, and high winds, that it was a bit scary. I sat at home that night and watched the many "winter weather warnings" that continued to interrupt my television shows and was just rather intrigued by it all. Now, this would have been an awesome snow storm in Idaho, but it caused a lot of chaos just the same here in Arizona.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T11:18:00.001-08:00

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas and New Years. Unfortunately my camera broke and I therefore don't have any pictures of Christmas to post. However, we had a wonderful Christmas. Anthony and Nathan were thrilled that Santa, Mom and Dad went in together to get a wii. They have been playing non-stop since Christmas. Jaylyn made out with some dress up clothes, and a few other toys. Matt and I didn't go too crazy with the gifts, but I am finding much more pleasure in watching my children's faces as they open their presents.

Probably the greatest thing that happened this holiday season was Anthony's eighth birthday. We were able to baptise him on the 31st as well. He was so excited. He asked Micheal, his 12 year old cousin to play the piano (and he did great), Auntie Emily to lead, and his grandmas to speak. He told me I couldn't do anything which I had decided was probably a good idea since I would be an emotional wreck.

One funny thing that did happen was when Matt flooded the cultural hall. He then had to put on a "way too small" baptismal outfit and get in so that he could unplug the font. I laughed and I think he has laughed about it since, but he wasn't very happy about it that day. In the end though, eveything turned out great.

The day was very special. Anthony had all of his cousins there on the Niu side. He also had many friends there. He is such a wonderful boy and we are very proud of him. The spirit was there to witness to us all that he was making the right choice. I took some pictures with my phone. He is such a handsome boy!

A Star is Born

2009-12-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

This video made me laugh hard! It is a video Matt's sister took of Jaylyn at his mom's house. She is very talented. She is our very own one-man-band.

Who knew she could play the paino with her feet?

I also added a vidoe of her at her dance recital on Saturday. She took tap and ballet this fall and her dance teachers put on a very grande production. I was a little disappointed that they didn't get her jacket off of her before she went on stage, but it makes her stand out a little bit. So, if you didn't recognize her she is the one in the front with the blue jacket on. She is pretty cute.

So Much to Love

2009-11-29T19:24:00.001-08:00

They make us all want to pull out every hair on our head at times, but then there are those moments that make it all worth while. Here are a few of mine that have happened recently.

Nathan said something so cute in primary today. They were talking about what specials things parents do. Sister Randall asked what special things their moms and dads did. Nathan raised his hand and said, "my mom has the prettiest hair."

Yep, Matt in a suit. He hasn't worn one since he grew out of the one he got married in. Well, a few weeks ago we had to buy a new one. President Niu (his dad is in the stake presidency) called us in for an interview. He then asked Matt to be the second councilor in the bishopric. CRAZY! As wives we know the good things and the bad. On one hand I can point out all of his faults and say he probably isn't the best man for the job. On the other hand, I can't imagine any one better. Well it has been two weeks and he is doing great! Better yet, I have survived Sacrament meeting.

Jaylyn had pictures for dance the other day. I haven't seen the dance yet, but she is a little elf in this number.
She did the funniest thing last Sunday. Matt and I were napping and her and Nathan had been playing outside. Anthony came in and said that they were putting sugar on him. So, I came out and sure enough there was sugar all over my table. There was still some left in the sugar jar. It was full of dirt. Jaylyn had brought in some weeds from the backyard and tried to plant them in the sugar jar. I had a hard time getting too angry at that.

Here is a picture of our yearly turkey we put up for our family home evening around Thanksgiving. Each feather tells of something we are thankful for. I am so very thankful for them!

October

2009-11-08T20:16:00.001-08:00

This year for Halloween we went through a variety of costumes. We had a ward Halloween party on Friday night. I wore the costume that I wore to school that day. I went as a picnic (aren't I clever?).

Anthony went as a ninja (he called himself Viper Ninja).

Nathan was a ninja turtle.

Jaylyn was a kitty cat (or titty tat-as she says).

However, I had loaned our Buzz Lightyear costume to a friend, but it was too big for her son. So, she returned it to us at the ward party. On Halloween night, Nathan decided he wanted to try the Buzz Lightyear costume and it fit so well that he wore it that night.

We had borrowed Jaylyn's costume from our friends. They gave us an entire suitcase of costumes for us to pick from. She decided to play dress up with them all.

Since she loves to dress up, I bought her some costumes at the after Halloween sale. Here is an angel costume that I got her for only $3.50.

We spent a family night making cookies for our neighbors. The kids did a great job cutting them out.

Nathan had some issues putting the sprinkles on his cookie.

He cried.

All in all, October was a fun month. We had a good Halloween, but I am glad it is over. Now we are looking forward to the real holidays!

September

2009-10-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

The month has come and gone. I can't believe how busy we have been, but it makes the time fly by. Matt is crazy and started his Masters degree now too. So, we both stay busy with work, kids, and school. However, we have still made time to do a few things together.

We went camping for our ward camp out. I didn't do very well at getting pictures. Here is Jaylyn playing in the dirt outside our tent. The boys were never around so I didn't get any pictures of them playing on the mountain...
.
...so I took pictures of them in the car when we were ready to head home.

We finally got us a decent tent. It isn't the Marriott but it will fit our needs for the next few years. We could fit our big and comfy air bed and that is all that mattered.

Arizona isn't all desert. We have some rather pretty mountain sceneries.

Here is a fun pictures of the kids all sleeping on our floor. I sometimes wonder why we have a three bedroom house when really we could be living in a loft. Maybe I'll turn one of the bedrooms into a craft room?

Our ward had a great activity. The primary started saving for trees to plant at the temple a few months ago. On Friday night they held a fireside to discuss the importance of the temple and why we keep them beautiful. The next day they all went to the temple to plant their trees and to plant flowers. Here they are all in line waiting for their turn to pour dirt on their tree.

Jaylyn even got to add her share of dirt to the tree.

Sadly enough, I missed the activity. On Friday night I helped out a friend by working in the food shack at the homecoming football game. She got really sick at school and needed my help. On Saturday morning I administered the SAT at our high school. I am glad Matt took pictures. I am also glad my children were able to participate.

Funnies

2009-08-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Some funny things have happened this past month. I wanted to share them. Here they are:

Nathan's Funny

The other day I stayed home with Nathan. He had been running a fever and really wanted me to stay home with him. He had been feeling better but was just laying on the couch. This is what he said to me: "Mom, I really need my blanket. If you don't go get it, your really not a very good mom."

How's that for MANIPULATION!

Spider Experience

Matt and I were watching television when we heard Anthony say, "Dad, there is a really big spider in the hall." When I went to check it out, I found the biggest spider that I have ever seen! Matt grabbed the bug spray, but I wanted my camera since I knew that you would all be amazed at the size of it. So, we were all standing around, staring at it, trying to figure out how to get past it and get my camera without scaring it.

All of a sudden, here came Jaylyn running down the hall. We all started yelling "no, Jaylyn, stop" but she just laughed, thinking that we were all funny. You guessed it...bare feet and all...she stepped on the spider. Even worse than her having bare feet was the fact that as she stepped on it, baby spiders scattered. Matt acted quickly with the bug spray, while I was jumping up and down yelling in the kitchen, and Jaylyn was still laughing, oblivious to what had just happened.

Matt got all of the babies and we made sure the mama spider was dead. I cleaned the carpets this weekend and as soon as we pay the bug man for the last time he came, we are getting him here again. What we did learn is that Arizona has a spider called a wolf spider, and thank goodness they are harmless. However, they carry their babies on their backs. That's Arizona for you.

Pizza Party

Matt went to Utah a couple of weekends ago. The kids and I made homemade pizzas. They had a good time rolling out their dough and making their own individual pizzas. We missed Matt but made the best of it.

Primary Talent Show

2009-08-17T22:21:00.000-07:00

Our primary had their annual talent show. Anthony's first choice for a talent was to have his cousin, Isaac come and do a light saber fight with him. However, after watching it on the computer, he decided to sing a song off of Pokemon. He sat there, day after day, practicing and memorizing the words. I was so impressed that he would do it by himself, that I decided Pokemon would be okay.

Nathan did his famous Hakka. We were going to try to learn some new stuff for it and have him add it. Well, we didn't get around to it so he did what he knows. Many of you who have seen it, know what it is. For those of you who haven't, it is a Polynesian war dance. He picked it up on his own after seeing it done at a few parties that the family has had. We think it is great and plan on helping him learn more one of these days.

Goodbye Summer, Hello School Year

2009-08-09T20:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, summer is at an end for us. I started school last Monday. I know, it seems crazy that we start so soon. The only good thing about it is I can look forward to fall break, two weeks at Christmas, spring break and then getting out the third week of May. Anyway, we had some summer fun before getting back into the swing of things and then we started right up. Here are some pictures to show what's been going on.

The kids spent many days out in our backyard pool. I am amazed how much fun they can have in such a small space. Around here, anything to keep cool.

Here is one of our friendly neighborhood bugs. One day while we were doing some work in the garage, Nathan was playing on the front porch. He came screaming about a giant mosquito in the bushes. This is what we found. The first time I ever saw one, it was dead in my garage (right after moving in) and I freaked out. I have seen many since and it isn't that big of a deal anymore. I wanted to get a picture of a lizard too but none of them will stay still for me. While I was in Washington, Nicki wanted to know what Arizona was like so this is just a little view.

Say hello to and goodbye to our pigs. We spent a week feeding them while the Peterson's went on vacation. For those of you who don't know, we went in on some pigs with our friends. They are currently at the slaughter house. We are expecting a nice, big ham for Christmas.

The Peterson's also have chickens (well they have recently discovered that those that haven't been attacked by their crazed cats are roosters. Not a hen in the lot). We fed them as well while they were away. It was Nathan's favorite part.

On August 5th, the boys started school. Our Nathan started kindergarten. He goes all day. His first day of school he came home and slept for two hours. When we asked him what he did at school he said "played with legos and puzzles." When Matt when to pick him up on the second day he was no where to be seen. When Matt drove around to the front, there he was waiting for the bus. They had a bus practice for the kindergartners and then he was bound and determined to ride. He threw the biggest fit when he saw his dad. They will be riding this week. It gives me time to get Jaylyn and get home. Hopefully he likes it as much as he thinks he will.

Anthony started second grade. He loves it. I hope he continues to love it.

I am teaching senior English. My first week was great. When I gave them a pre-test and they actually worked quietly, I thought I was in heaven. I am looking forward to a good year.

2009-07-12T22:15:00.000-07:00

I made a slide show to highlight some of the many photos from our three week vacation. It was so much fun and I wanted to show as many pictures as I could without taking up so much space.

For our vacation we went to visit Nicki and her family in Washington, we spent a few days in Idaho with my mom and dad, and we finished out the vacation in Utah-first at our family reunion on Mount Timpanogos, and then with Anna and Boyd at Boyd's family cabin in Mount Pleasant. On our way home we spent the 4th of July at Rychael's house and we traveled through Grand Canyon National Park and made many stops there on our drive home.

On our trip to Washington we were able to hang out with the cousins and play. Nicki got me into the aweful habit of starting a movie at ten o'clock or so and then sleeping in the next morning. A habit I still have. She showed me the views from her town which include the Columbia River.

At the family reunion we hiked up Mt. Timpanogos to the caves. We really had no idea what we were in for when we took Jaylyn with us. She started to struggle about half way up. We took turns carrying her as much as we could, but she had to walk most of the way. Nathan even had a hard time. Anthony on the other hand cruised. We made it up and went through the caves which were pretty amazing. On the way down, Jaylyn sat down on the path and gave up. She refused to go any further. Nathan then joined her, sobbing that his feet didn't work anymore. We had to carry them the remainder of the way. Thank goodness we only had 1/4 of the way left.

After the reunion we went to Matt's sister's house (Anna) and they took us to Boyd's family cabin. It was really nice with a loft that had rows of beds. It was in a nice area with great scenery. It was the kind of camping I like to do with a microwave and running water. They brought their four wheeler and plenty of games. It was very fun.

On the way home we stayed at Rychaels on the fourth and watched the fireworks from the comfort of his backyard. The next day we drove home via the Grand Canyon. The boys really enjoyed the views. It was nice for us as well since it broke up the monotony of our regular drive home.

I hesitated taking such a long trip this year, but I don't know when I will be able to make another trip like it again. I have been trying to get to Nicki's for a couple of years now and was so glad we were able to do it this year. We had a good time, and the kids had a chance to get to know her kids better.

It was a fun vacation. The kids traveled well and enjoyed seeing all of their cousins. We love you all and enjoyed being with you. See you again next year, if not sooner!

Nathan's Birthday

2009-07-12T21:40:00.000-07:00

We had Nathan's birthday party while we were in Washington (we traveled back to Idaho on his actual birthday). He had a great time opening presents.

Nathan requested a Diego birthday cake. I don't have any clue why he wanted Diego since we never watch it or have anything Diego around the house. Nicki, Mom, and I looked all around for some kind of Diego toys to put on a cake so that we could call it a Diego cake. We finally found some at Toys R Us. We laughed when we found the Diego candies at Walmart right down the street. Oh well, the toys made it cuter.

Happy birthday Nathan. Here is a little information about you. You are such a joy. You have the most endearing smile and contagious laugh. You wear your emotions on your sleeve. You are happy most of the time, but when you are not, everyone knows it. I think you are going to be our little entertainer since you love to sing and you aren't afraid to show everyone your haka (it's a polynesian war dance). We love you!

School Ends

2009-05-22T21:45:00.000-07:00

The day I thought would never come has come at last, and gone. I am so releaved. I wanted to shout with joy as the bell rang for my fourth hour class to be released. I know that I was blessed though with the endurance that I needed to survive this short but trying time in my life. I also think that I will be better prepared for the up coming year although I will not be teaching freshmen.

In my 2nd hour class today we were watching youtube (since grades were due yesterday and no-one was willing to work today). We were watching some very funny videos and it made me think of one that my sister-in-law took of Anthony at his cousins school carnival. He is sumo wrestling with his best cousin Isaac and it cracks me up. I hope to give you all a laugh too.

Anyway, my goals for the next few months include decluttering my house, reading, and spending some quality time with my kids. I am also looking forward to a long vacation to Idaho. I hope that everyone has a great summer.

Another Month Come and Gone

2009-05-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

I'ts been a month since I last blogged. So much has happened. So, here is an update full of pictures and fun. Enjoy!

Jaylyn's birthday was April 19, the last day I blogged. However, I didn't blog her birthday, thinking that I would do it the next Sunday. How time gets away. Here she is on her birthday, ready for church in her new dress that Auntie Emily gave her. We gave her a bike and we went for a little ride in the afternoon before cake and more presents. She's a pretty little 3 year old.

Anthony and Nathan played baseball this spring. Anthony did coach-pitch and Nathan played t-ball. It was a busy, but fun, six weeks.

Jaylyn went to her first birthday party, alone. It was a princess party. She looked so pretty all dressed up. She wore my crown from my junior prom.

Anthony's school did a play. It was called Three of a Kind. He was one of the three wise men. He had a few speaking parts. It was very cute.

Jaylyn loves to get into my make-up. I had it up high enough but she has grown so tall she was able to reach it. I've moved it higher.

Nathan had a little pre-school graduation. I didn't make it but Matt went and took pictures. I can't believe in a few months he will be going to kindergarten.

That is our month in a nutshell. I only have one week left and am exstatic! Hopefully I will be better at blogging over the summer!

Happy Easter

2009-04-19T21:09:00.000-07:00

We had a very fun Easter. The only problem was that I didn't take my camera to any of the Easter egg hunts that we went on (we went on two, one at church and one at grandmas). So, I took some pictures of the kids on Easter day. However, nobody had new Easter clothes this year. I usually get Jaylyn a dress but Diedre sent a very pretty dress from Leah that was perfect for Easter, so I saved my money.

On Saturday, we went to Grandma's house for a get together. We also had a little pre-birthday for Jaylyn. Grandma had found her some fairy wings at the dollar store and Jaylyn got some water wings with her Easter basket. Nathan got some swim goggles in his basket. Put it all together and this is what you get.

Isn't she cute?

Birthday Wreck

2009-04-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

What a week. Not only did I suffer yet another birthday, but I had my first wreck. Luckily it wasn't very bad, but it was still very scary. It happened Thursday. I was driving through a green light when the other driver ran a red light and hit me. He tried to say it was me who ran the red light but there was a very nice lady who stayed behind and gave her statement that it was him who ran it, not me. Thank heavens! However, he didn't have any insurance. My fantastice agent came right away and is taking care of business for me (in case you don't know, my agent is Matt, my husband).

We had a fun get together with my neighbors for my birthday on Monday. In the picture with me, Jaylyn, Anthony, and Nathan are Sean and Niki, the little boys who I used to babysit. We had them and their parents over and they made me my birthday cake. I had lots of little helpers when blowing out my candles.

Matt sent flowers to school but my actual present is going to be a built in entertainment center (we have a cute little niche where it will fit perfectly). We have a friend who really wants to do it for us so I decided to get Matt to make final plans as my birthday present. It might not get done for a while but it will get done eventually. It was a good day.

On Sunday we got together with Matt's family. His mom made me sweet and sour pork (one of my favorite meals that she makes). We had brownies and ice-cream. We were also able to go out with friends on Saturday night. I decided that Mondays are a good day for birthdays since I got to celbrate for three days in a row.

I Will Survive!

2009-03-21T18:13:00.000-07:00

With eight weeks of the school year to go, "I Will Survive" is my new motto. With everything going on right now, I have found it hard to blog. I am still working fast and furious on my masters program. Along side of that, I am finishing up a three credit course I have been taking through ASU (just one more week of that one). I am surviving day by day with my freshmen students. All in all, I might be super busy but it is going okay. Anyway, I have a few precious moments that I want to share with everyone. These things keep me going!

The other day Nathan decided he needed to "make Jaylyn beautiful." So, he found every bow, every barette, and every clip he could and wa-la, she was so pretty.

SPRING BREAK!
We had a week off two weeks ago. We didn't do too much. I managed to clean out a lot of things and take a big load of stuff to the D.I. (wish I had a picture). I tried to potty train Jaylyn but that didn't go over very well. I enjoyed being home with the kids. Here are the things they were doing:

Anthony reunited with his x-box. He has discovered that the games that were too challenging a year ago are now actually fun. Nathan joins in once in a while too.

Jaylyn found a new hobby. Every time she found a basket, she emptied it and made a little lounge chair out of it. Here she is, sitting in her basket and watching Micky Mouse Clubhouse. I would load her up with a drink and snacks and she was as happy as could be. We had to pretend the baskets were cribs too and she was the baby. She would make me rock her and put her down into her basket where she would pretend to sleep for a few minutes and then she would cry. I would then have rock her all over again. It was very cute.

Nathan played as much as he could. He played with his brother on the x-box, he watched Mickey Mouse with his sister, and he found a few of his own games to play.

I enjoyed being home with the kids and am looking forward to the summer.

Anthony finished his basketball season (it was only a month). But, he was pretty cute and I needed to put a picture of him playing. He really enjoyed it.

So, that is what we have been doing.

On a side note, I went in and edited my Los Angeles blog since through the entire thing I had spelled it as Las Angeles (thanks Teri for pointing it out). I don't know what I was thinking but it is a little bit embarrassing. Way to go English teacher.

Our Valentine's Day

2009-02-21T21:42:00.000-08:00

Here is what I got to do for Valentine's day. I went and had my hair trimmed and highlighted. Then Matt brought Jaylyn and we trimmed her hair up a little. I also had my nails done. I told Matt not to get me anything because I was just going to go and get my nails done. So, he went and got me a gift certificate for the whole package.

Nicki asked if I had done three blogs in one day and the answer is yes I did. I hadn't blogged for a while and wanted to put all those posts in as separate events. So, last night I did three separate blogs and today I added this one. If you haven't been here for a while, check out the next three blogs as well.

Los Angeles

2009-02-20T22:42:00.001-08:00

Two weeks ago we took a trip to Los Angeles. Matt has a friend from Chile who lives there and her mom was visiting and getting ready to go back. So, we went for the weekend. They are only a 15 minute walk to the Hollywood walk of fame. So,we took a walk and saw the sights. It was interesting and a bit scary. These crazy movie and television characters all hang out and beg money off of you for a picture with them. Very strange.

This is all of us together. Their names are the Guzman family.
On Sunday, we drove down to the Santa Monica pier to show the kids the ocean. Then we headed home. Although quick, it was a fun weekend.

I Miss My Students!

2009-02-20T22:30:00.000-08:00

This is my ELL class at Coolidge High School. I guess many of you have heard that I was transferred to another high school in our district. Due to the financial crisis and the need to save money, I was asked to go teach a freshmen English class since they were paying a long term sub and our ELL numbers were low and there were two of us. So, I did and my first week was awful (probably one reason I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks-I needed to be more upbeat and positive). I cried all the way home on my first day. Things are much better this week, but I am hoping and praying to get back into an ELL class next year.

Anthony's Middle Tooth

2009-02-20T22:26:00.000-08:00

Anthony lost his two front teeth and now you can really see his extra middle tooth. Pretty crazy. I need to get this kid to the dentist!

I've Been Tagged!

2009-02-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

When we were in Idaho, the summer of 2006, I decided to take family and idividual pictures. My 6th folder is that family photo shoot. The sixth picture happens to be one of Anthony's many pictures. He was 4. I have always struggled getting Anthony to give me a good smile. Even now. I can get him to smile but they are always pretty ridiculous looking. It is fun looking back though. He looks so young and it is hard to imagine that he was Nathan's age. I have to say though, he is a cutie.

Tag-your it: Nicki, Tiffany, Christy, Michelle, Katie, Leilani

1. Go to your documents/pictures

2. Go to your 6th file.

3. Go to your 6th picture.

4. Blog about it.

5.Tag 6 people to do the same.

6. So here we go...

LOL

2009-01-28T19:40:00.000-08:00

I got this very funny e-mail and I wanted to share it with you all. I decided that more of you blog than e-mail so here it is. All the mom's will chuckle.

(Here's the reply the teacher received the following day)
Dear Mrs. Jones,I wish to clarify that I am not now, nor have I ever been, an exotic dancer. I work at Home Depot and I told my daughter how hectic it was last week before the blizzard hit. I told her we sold out every single shovel we had, and then I found one more in the back room, and that several people were fighting over who would get it. Her picture doesn't show me dancing around a pole. It's supposed to depict me selling the last snow shovel we had at Home Depot.From now on I will remember to check her homework more thoroughly before she turns it in.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Smith

Anthony's Haircut

2009-01-28T19:23:00.000-08:00

Matt cut Anthony's hair the other day. Cracked me up when he came out with it half done. Not the most attractive pictures, but hopefully they will make you laugh!

"The Place with the Rooms and the Beds in it"

2009-01-23T22:19:00.001-08:00

We decided to spend a night in Las Vegas on our drive home from Idaho. Sort of a last harrah for our little trip. Matt asked for a four star hotel for $55.00 on priceline or something like that and we got a really nice room at Planet Hollywood.
This is a picture of the bathtub. The boys thought they were in heaven.

A funny story about Nathan. On our way to Vegas he asked me if we were going to "the place with all the rooms and the beds." We thought that was pretty cute.

They were fasinated with Las Vegas and the lights and the big "place with the rooms and the beds" where we stayed, but a funny thing happened to me being there with my children. I noticed the bad things much more than I ever had before. I guess when we've been there alone I could block things out easier, or at least try to ignore them. With children I noticed everything: the naughty places and the half naked ladies on billboards. And, as everyone knows, you have to go through the casino to get to the hotel rooms. I used to stroll and check things out, but with my kids I practically made us run. I didn't want them to see all the bad.

We still had a good time but as we were leaving I told Matt that I wouldn't want to be on the strip during the second coming because it's going to be one of the first places of destruction. Then we made plans to visit there next time without the kids:)

Anthony's Birthday

2009-01-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

Anthony turned 7 while we were in Idaho. He got an mp3 player that he was pretty excited about. (He listened to it all the way home and hasn't listened since).

We had a New Year'e Eve party at Tiffany's house so he got to have cake and ice-cream with all of his cousins (and they were all there).

Here is a picture of Anthony and his cousin Kevin who shares his birthday and turned three that day.

A Snowy Christmas Vacaction

2009-01-23T21:28:00.000-08:00

We spent Christmas this year in Idaho. It was the first time in five years that we have been back. The kids were so excited to go out in the snow but when we first got to Grandma and Grandpa's the snow wear hadn't arrived yet (Tiffany and Teri were bringing it later). The kids didn't care so we let them go out in what we did have. They had a great time.

We didn't let Jaylyn go out but someone helped her get ready (I don't remember if it was Nicki or Tiffany. I want to say Nicki). She then escpaed from the house, without any shoes or socks on. She made it all the way to the trampoline before she decided it hurt and started to cry. And then I don't know if she was crying because of the pain or the fact that I made her come in. Pretty tough cookie.

After that, we just couldn't keep the kids in. The went out every chance they had. Jaylyn finally got out too and then I had to join in the fun. I tried to teach Jaylyn how to do a snow angel but she didn't quite catch on.

I love this picture of Anthony helping Jaylyn. I hope he is always there for her.

Happily for us, it was a white Christmas!

The Niu's Family Blog

2009-01-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

Wow, how many of you have bugged me about starting my blog. Well, here goes. The kids were sick today so I took a day off. Crazy, but it is four o'clock and I haven't done a thing and now I am doing this? Wish me luck and I hope that when it is done, you all love it!