13 Things...

I read this in the Reader's Digest and enjoyed it thoroughly. I chuckled as I read and connected to so many of these. For those who are teachers, maybe you can relate too.

Thirteen Things Your Child's Teacher Won't Tell You

"If we teach small children, don't tell us that our jobs are "so cute" and that you wish you could glue and color all day long."

"I'm not a marriage counselor. At parent-teacher conferences, let's stick to Dakota's progress, not how your husband won't help you around the house."

"Your child may be the center of your universe, but I have to share mine with 25 others."

"Guys who dribble a ball for a couple of hours a game can make up to $20 million a year. We educate future leaders and make about $51,000 a year"

"Kids dish on your secrets all the time - money, religion, politics, even Dad's vasectomy."

"Just because your child says he did his homework doesn’t mean it’s true. You must check. Every night."

"Supportive, involved parents are crucial. But some are “helicopter parents”--they hover too much."

"Please, no more mugs, frames, or stuffed animals. A gift card to Starbucks or Staples would be more than enough. A thank-you note: even better."

"We take on the role of mother, father, psychologist, friend, and adviser everyday. Plus, we're watching for learning disabilities, issues at home, peer pressure, drug abuse, and bullying."

"There are days when I just want to quit, but then that one smile from that one kid, changes it all."

A New Home for Aragorn

One year for April Fool's, Brandon thought it would be funny to buy a life-size cut out of Aragorn (you know, the hot scruffy man from Lord of the Rings) and put him in my shower. I nearly peed myself. Since then we've used him for a plethera of jokes and such. We even set him up as our security guard when we went to California. Unfortunately, we forgot to tell my parents, who were showing the house to some possible buyers. You can imagine how that went.

The problem was, he took up a lot of room and wasn't the most fashionable piece of decor. I tried sending him to DI several times but could never part with my cardboard boyfriend. (I have attachment issues) But this weekend we found him the perfect home. A place he could overlook and protect us forever.


Yes, this is us with Aragorn on the top of Timpanogos. This was for you Millie... and don't worry, we made it to the top before the sun came up.


Brandon, Jacob, Aragon, and myself survived a hike to the top of Timp over the Labor Day weekend. We started hiking Monday morning at 2:15. Jacob hiked with us for the first 30 minutes but B and I were only holding him back, so he went off on his own. Holy monkey that kid has the fastest hiking pace. One of his steps equals 15 of mine. No lie.

Jacob made it to the top in 3 hours. It took Brandon and I a little over 4. Seriously, how does he move so fast?!?

We were able to watch the sunrise from the summit. I'm sure it was gorgeous but i was freaking out about being on the top. I hate it up there. It terrifies me to think about where I am. I feel so vulnerable with no protection. I'm a tiny, miniscule ant on this giant mountain and the smallest gust of wind could blow me away.

On top of that, everyone and their dog was up there and that made me even more nervous. I couldn't watch anyone because they would walk SO close to the edge. My biggest fear is falling off a cliff, my second biggest fear is seeing someone else fall. I get nauseous thinking about it. (shutter-shutter) I spent most of the time laying back with my eyes closed, taking deep breaths.

The way down is always harder! Poor Brandon's knee started bothering him as soon as we headed down from the summit. Turns out he had ITBS (iliotibial band syndrom). Jacob diagnosed it and was right.... what do ya know!!! ;) B-don made it down the mnt with his wounded knee and a half. (the other one developed the same problem) :( During the car right home his muscles tightened up and quadrupled the problem. Bad news bears... especially when you live on the 3rd floor. I tried to push, then I tried to pull. But Brandon is no lightweight, and I'm not exactly the strongest woman in the world. I thought I was going to have to call for help to get him up the stairs. I felt so bad but couldn't help but laugh a little. He looked so funny trying to hobble up the stairs with straight, stiff knees. (don't worry he laughed too... through tears) He managed to drag his broken body up the stairs... I helped by unlocking the door and holding it open (what a good wife). He made it... only to face the shower. That was funny.

I promise I'm not a terrible wife. I nursed him back to health with all the sympathy and love I have.