June Baby!!!

So I have to apoligize for neglecting my blog for the last month or so. Here's a catch up of what I've been up to in June!

The first of the month Nick and I decided last minute to join some friends in Vegas. We had a blast enjoying the sun, shopping and eating way too much.



After the Vegas trip, I came back to watch Cori's 3 little munchkins with my parents all week while Cori and Craig enjoyed a 5 year anniversary trip to Cancun. We had a blast together... could these little one's be any cuter???








I turned the big 2-7 this month... happy birthday to me!



I made a quick trip out to Cali to see my BF Nicole... she's having a baby boy at the end of August and I won't be able to be there since school will have started back up by then. It's always good to see Colie and friends. My trips are never long enough and I feel bad that I don't get to see everyone... especially family. My next trip out is devoted to seeing family... I promise!







This past weekend Cori and her little one's came up to Logan to play!!! Craig had a ward camp-out he had to go on and Cori didn't want to be home alone all weekend with the kids. We had so much fun together. Thursday we went to the Aquatics center with Hannah and Carter--the kids had a blast-- they even went on the big twirly slide (with Cori and I holding them of course). Friday, Nick and I took Cori, Hannah and Carter out on the boat. The kids had fun zipping around on the boat, Hannah even got to drive. Nick and I skied (sp???) and Cori got very close... next time sis! She did so good for someone who has never even attempted to slolom ski with a ski that was way to big for her. We pulled over to a little shore and skipped rocks with the kids. After boating that night, we went to Mom and Dad's and I made homemade spanish rice, refried beans and chicken and steak fajitias for the fam! Saturday morning, Cori, Mom, the 3 little munchkins and I hit up a few garage sales, went to the local farmer's market and did a little damage at the mall. We had a great weekend! It was truly delightful!









I'm looking forward to the upcoming holiday weekend. Next Monday I start teaching summer school for 4 weeks. I'm actually really excited to go back to work. Summer school is only 4 days a week and 2.5 hours a day so I will still have plenty of summer to enjoy!

Jam Session

So somehow at Sunday dinner a few weeks ago we got on the topic of Pam Tillis...I think we were reminiscing about a birthday party of Meghan's several years ago... there were bathing suit costumes, funny makeup and a Pam Tillis song I believe... Raquel you should remember. Anyways... Dad busted out some old Pam Tillis CD and we rocked out-- country style. We had a blast dancing, singing, cheesing it up. Dad loved it-- "a serrendipidous moment"-- he likes to call these type of happenings. It was random and fun. I love my family! Don't mind our sweaty- lazy day pics!

Birthdays!!!

It's been a while since I've blogged! I've been going crazy with the end of school year happenings, birthdays and last minute trips to Vegas!

Nick turned 30 on May 26th and Matt turned 28 on May 28th! All Nick wanted to do for his big 3-0 was go camping and boating (we live to waterski in the summer) BUT the weather was crummy--so we did lam-o indoor stuff for his birthday. We made up for it last weekend with a last minute trip to Vegas. I'll blog about that later. We plan on skiing this weekend! For Matt's birthday we went to see the new Indiana Jones movie. Afterwards we had pizza, cake and ice cream and opened up presents. Anyone that knows Matt--knows that's a perfect day for him! Happy Birthday to two men I love and adore!

Field Trip

Last week our 3 classes from the high school went on a field trip to the dinosaur park in Ogden. It was a perfect field trip. The bus drive wasn't too long, the timing of the activities was just right, the students were really well behaved and it was actually kind of relaxing--believe it or not. I really had fun just hanging out and playing with our students. I have some really great pics of the them but of course I can't post them. So you just get some funny ones of me! You really are never too old to climb through small spaces. I was proud that I still can... my kids thought it was great. Don't mind the totally unflattering first pic... not my best shot!

It's Official

Well after all the hard work and so much time... it's official! I'm a college graduate. Meghan and I both graduated last Saturday from the College of Education. I received my BS in Special Education with an emphasis in severe disabilities. Megs received hers in Family Consumer Human Development (FCHD) with an emphasis in community and family relations-- I think. Sorry if I messed that up Megs. I've been teaching for the last year as an intern-teacher (basically a teacher at intern pay until you get your degree). Now I can really make the big bucks... Ha Ha! It was so great to have all my family and loved ones with me. Thank you to my friends and family who have been so supportive and helped me get through everything. A big thank you to my family for making graduation so special for me and Meghan. YIPPEE!!!

Shout Out to my Sisters!

I really have the most amazing family. I have been so blessed to have so many sisters. I would like to share a few thoughts about each of them.

Lynners Beginners (Cori)- Those of you that have known us through the years-- know that Cori and I were a little like water and oil together growing up. We tended to butt heads and judge each other. I remember my Mom being so worried that we would not be friends when we grew up. Well maybe our differences as children endeared us as adults because I absolutely adore my little grown up sis. I'm amazed at what she has accomplished in her twenties. Cori and I are still different but I think we truly appreciate and love our differences. I love her and her sweet family!

Megs/Meggie/Sheller Bells (Meghan)- Meggie has always been and still remains one of the sweetest girls in the world. Meghan has this sweet innocence about her that I really believe is rare in anyone anymore. Meghan and I are probably the most alike when it comes to our emotions and how deeply we feel things. When we love-- we love with everything, when we cry--we really cry and when we laugh--we act like teenagers. Meghan still has so much to offer this world-- people love her--I just know she's always going to be one of those girls that others adore!

Tar Bear (Tarah)- Tarah is definitely the most laid-back of all the sisters. Tarah does not have that crazy intensity that most of us Meaker girls have--the intensity that usually gets us in trouble or saying/doing things that we regret. Tarah has a very calm, collected way of doing things... she really helps balance our family out. Tarah is also super creative with just about everything she does. I am not artistic and all of my sisters are-- it's not fair! Tarah has always been a good listener and I really appreciate that about her.

Pookie (Heather)- Heather is definitely the most energetic of the "girls" in our family. She's a ball of fire-- and always has been. She used to rock out to "Wild Thing" when she was 2 years old. She has always kept the family fun. She has great comedic timing--and her impressions are hilarious. Heather is also super-talented. Just about everything she tries-- she's amazing at. Again another trait I wish I had. Heather is also extremely helpful... anytime I have ever needed help with anything she's right there to help out. She's got an amazing work ethic.

I also need to mention my sweet Mother- Nora. All of us girls would not be who we are without our Mom. She is the most compassionate, caring, hard-working, understanding (and every other amazing adjective there is) person. I'm more grateful for my Mom than is possible to express in words. Anyone who knows my Mom understands. We tease my Dad a lot for this but he say's it perfect. "Nora is my Mary Poppins wife... practically perfect in every way."

I sometimes wonder how I was ever so lucky to be born into my family. Reflecting on all the wonderful characteristics of my sisters... I am humbled by who they are and hope that someday I can possess some of their wonderful traits. I love you all!

Home Stretch

I can't believe that May is already here! I'm in the home stretch of my first year of teaching-- our last day of school is May 30...21 school days left. What a ride this has been! I'm so grateful for all of the support I have had from family, friends and co-workers. I'm especially grateful for my students. They have taught me a ton and been patient with me as I've learned the ropes. Teaching special education is a different experience from anything else I have ever done. I have not had the opportunity to start a family yet but I'm so happy for the wonderful experiences I get to have with my students every day. They bring me joy and make all the hard work worth it. I just hope that in time I can become better at what I do. So... here's to a great last month of school... a fun summer... and another amazing ride next year!