Siegfried's Specialty

My father and I met downtown today for lunch and we went to one of my favorite spots- Siegfried's Delicatessan. It's a German deli and you can order lunch there. I got the special of the day- two brauts, speatzle, and sauerkraut. It's my fave and oh so good! Thanks Dad for lunch.

I am in love

I am in love. Today is the first day of my life. Today is the day I got to know my love-my new MacBook Pro. It (I haven't figured out its gender yet) has given me a new world filled with endless possibilities. I am worried about taking it to college with me. What if it gets stolen while I am riding trax alone in the dark (class ends at nine)? What if it gets dropped, or a virus? Or worse, my classmates think I am a snob? Philip told me to tell them the reason why I got one is because my husband really loves me. Thanks Philip for such a loving gift.

New student

So I have been completely lost in my changing routine and therefore have not thought about keeping up with my blog. I started as a grad student at the University of Utah. With that I am working at a 20 hour a week practicum/internship at Redwood Elementary School, learning how to become a school social worker. I resigned from my full time position as a care coordinator from Valley Mental Health and now work part-time (Saturdays only) as a respite provider. Life has been a bit hectic with 16 credit hours, my practicum which extends the 20 hours, my job, and my calling as a primary teacher. Oh and taking care of Philip, making sure he eats enough (I fail at that often:). I do love being in school and my practicum. Redwood Elem is a Title 1 school and 90% Hispanic population-the kids are so cute, even the trouble makers who I get to work with extensively. Some problems with the area surrounding the school: continual gang violence such as drive by shootings, people living in shacks (I've visited them), rampant poverty. I can't believe these kids can even get themselves to school everyday and pay attention in the classroom all day! I am growing an increasing appreciation for public education system and respect for its workers. I am noticing a constant struggle in the school district to cover basic costs. Our school was given $1300 for paper supplies for the entire school year-ridiculous! Anyway, I will get off my soapbox.

24th of July Weekend

On Saturday morning, I went with my parents to hike Albion Basin at Snowbird ski resort. It was so beautiful but infested with clouds of mosquitoes when we hit the water areas. Despite the little pests, I highly recommend this hike. Give me a ring if you need more info. There were millions of wild flowers and it was shaded in most spots. We went pretty early, at 7:00, so we beat the crowds which was nice.








Then that afternoon we had to work at Dave's sweat shop. We all got together to stuff 500 wedding invitations. Let's just say the detail became sub par after the first 20 or so. Just kidding Jennica. Actually it was fun, and we all owe it to Dave, the last "single son" of the family as he calls himself right now.

Lindsay designed the entire invitation and printed them, ordered the envelopes, the stamp, etc. She is super talented. Below is the invitation. I am offering a give away on my blog for one free template from her. It could be non-wedding, such as a thank you card or baby shower invite. Whoever comments on this post will be entered in the giveaway and I will draw randomly. (I'm trying to be like my sister in law who has an awesome blog that's world-known, we'll see if anyone even reads this. Her blog is found at blackeiffel.blogspot.com.)

We love you Grandma

On July 14th my Grandma Rosa Lee Parkin passed away in her home. She was 85. She was surrounded by her children. I will miss her, but I know that she is in a better place with her husband Jay. At her funeral, all five siblings were able to attend and be together. Family at this time is most important. I surely love them.

TRAX

I had a splendid time with my sister Dana and her two kids. We took TRAX to the SLC Library downtown. Dana and I agree that it was an opportunistic time for Avery and Ian to become educated on different ways of living. For instance, they learned that some people need to take public transportation to get around. They also learned that not all people are nice. As a young woman was departing off the train, she dropped her big jug of orange juice and it spilled all over poor little Ian and his stroller. She scooped up the jug and got off. Avery made the observation of propriety that "she didn't say sorry" and stated this to the homeless-looking man sitting across from us. He laughed along with the others on the train. Ian too it with dignity and continued playing with his beloved truck while Dana wiped him down. At the library we explored the different floors and we were able to access the roof, something I have always wanted to do. The bottom floor has a great childrens section and Avery and Ian were able to play. We took trax to temple square and then to gateway. I got yelled at by the TRAX driver because I used the ramp off of the train to get off with Ian sitting in his stroller. He said it was only for the disabled and I said "what about people in strollers?" I think he lacked any compassion for mothers.

Fireworks

My brother Dave and I watched the fireworks from his complex right outside BYU stadium last night. Phil was sick so he didn't get to come.
Happy July 4th!!