We spent time on the beach, going four-wheeling, eating, swimming at the clubhouse pool, and doing foot spas. The restaurant seen here is where Philip and I stopped at to try in Park City on our way back.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Bear Lake Trip
Every year my Uncle Brent invites the entire Parkin family (my mom's side) to their cabin up at Bear Lake. I look forward to it every year. We just got back a few days ago. I think I gained 5 pounds, I;m slowly trying to work it off... Here are a few pictures.
We spent time on the beach, going four-wheeling, eating, swimming at the clubhouse pool, and doing foot spas. The restaurant seen here is where Philip and I stopped at to try in Park City on our way back.
We spent time on the beach, going four-wheeling, eating, swimming at the clubhouse pool, and doing foot spas. The restaurant seen here is where Philip and I stopped at to try in Park City on our way back.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Some Florida Pictures
Here are a few pictures from our Orlando excursion with Philip's sister Ray and her husband Kev. (they live there). We went last May, and yes, this is long overdue...
Here are some from Saint Augustine, the oldest town in the US. It's very haunted, and I wanted badly to see a ghost, but to no avail. I guess I need to plan another trip for a hunt. Philip's dad Rick joined us on that day, it was really quite fun.
There of course were many tastey treats along the way. This awesome Italian ice cream place called Jeremiahs in Orlando. We stopped there several times. I liked the oreo mixed with vanilla gelato.
Rick of course made us his amazing fruit pizza. Sorry, no link to the recipe--it's top secret to the public. You have to marry into the family for it.Kevin made his hom
emade version of wings that had this amazing Parmesan and savory flavor.
We ate at this place on Daytona Beach and I had the best coconut shrimp of my life. My mom got me hooked on coconut shrimp, which we only eat on vacation. It was definitely worth going despite the crazed college co-eds.
Of course we had to try the Cuban food. The Cubans are famous in Florida for their Cuban sandwiches shown here. I also liked the fried plantains.
My favorite part was the beach. I tried skin boarding for the first time and actually didn't wimp out. We saw thousands of fish in the waves. I loved it. This is in our hotel room Ray found us on priceline.I can't wait to go back!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A month in review
Wow, April was H-E double hockey sticks at times, but there were many ups too. I hope that my alluding to a swear word is not too offensive, but it was for lack of a better word. I made it through finals, whew, and am gearing up for my graduation ceremony. I am not technically graduating but I have to walk in the spring.
Here are some highlights I had throughout March and April (and today May 1st).
My sister Dana had her third baby boy on St. Patricks Day. His name is Matthew.
In my play therapy class we learned about sand tray therapy. It's an experiential therapy intervention in which you have the client arrange items in sand and then talk about it. For some, they may find it a bit hokey, but for certain clients it's quite beneficial. This one is mine, I'll let my readers interpret a possible meaning, but remember, in sand tray therapy one should avoid making any conclusions.
On our last day for Grief and Loss therapy, we went on a field trip to Garner Funeral Home in the Avenues. This experience was very informative and memorable for me. I also want you to see how interesting and diverse my courses have been.
My parents are doing a major remodel of their home. We helped them (we meaning Philip) build a plastic tent of some sorts while they replaced the tile with hard wood. It is still going on. I will show pictures some day of the finished product.
I took my respite girls to hunt for Easter eggs at a free Easter egg hunt at a nearby elementary school. It was over in less than 10 minutes so I had to find an emergency activity at the park to fill up time until lunch at Dee's in West Valley (which I love by the way and so do the girls).
My last day at Redwood Elementary School was last week. The office staff, counseling staff, and the administrators all threw me a going away luncheon. We had homemade cafe rio salads and they were amazing. I was really sad to leave that day. It was hard saying goodbye to the students, the students on my caseload, the teachers and the staff. I had a remarkable year there. I learned so much. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the staff. I will miss it.
They brought me a Tres Leches cake.
So very good...
Crazy weather in April, giving me many hangups when I wanted to go running outside and not on the treadmill at the gym. However at least it will make Florida even more wonderful. (This picture was taken yesterday morning)
Last, today is our Anniversary of two years. Since we cannot access the kitchen upstairs due to the hardwood drying, I made us a gourmet meal out of our microwave (not so very good but hey). Philip gave me two dozen roses. Lovely!
Here are some highlights I had throughout March and April (and today May 1st).
My sister Dana had her third baby boy on St. Patricks Day. His name is Matthew.
In my play therapy class we learned about sand tray therapy. It's an experiential therapy intervention in which you have the client arrange items in sand and then talk about it. For some, they may find it a bit hokey, but for certain clients it's quite beneficial. This one is mine, I'll let my readers interpret a possible meaning, but remember, in sand tray therapy one should avoid making any conclusions.
On our last day for Grief and Loss therapy, we went on a field trip to Garner Funeral Home in the Avenues. This experience was very informative and memorable for me. I also want you to see how interesting and diverse my courses have been.
My parents are doing a major remodel of their home. We helped them (we meaning Philip) build a plastic tent of some sorts while they replaced the tile with hard wood. It is still going on. I will show pictures some day of the finished product.
I took my respite girls to hunt for Easter eggs at a free Easter egg hunt at a nearby elementary school. It was over in less than 10 minutes so I had to find an emergency activity at the park to fill up time until lunch at Dee's in West Valley (which I love by the way and so do the girls).
My last day at Redwood Elementary School was last week. The office staff, counseling staff, and the administrators all threw me a going away luncheon. We had homemade cafe rio salads and they were amazing. I was really sad to leave that day. It was hard saying goodbye to the students, the students on my caseload, the teachers and the staff. I had a remarkable year there. I learned so much. I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the staff. I will miss it.
They brought me a Tres Leches cake.
So very good...
Crazy weather in April, giving me many hangups when I wanted to go running outside and not on the treadmill at the gym. However at least it will make Florida even more wonderful. (This picture was taken yesterday morning)
Last, today is our Anniversary of two years. Since we cannot access the kitchen upstairs due to the hardwood drying, I made us a gourmet meal out of our microwave (not so very good but hey). Philip gave me two dozen roses. Lovely!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Nice Sunday
Poor Philip was sick today, so I taught our Sunday school class alone. We teach the 10-11 year olds and they are a lot of fun. Even though I was apprehensive about teaching alone, it turned out to be just fine. The topic was on Jesus teaching about keeping the Sabbath day holy. It reminded me of something I have been trying out this year, which is to refrain from any homework on Sunday. Throughout my undergrad I would fall into the ruthless trap of playing Friday and Saturday, and then frantically trying to study and write papers Sunday night. Monday would role around and I would be exhausted, not ready to start a new week. So throughout my graduate school-year, I decided to try being better with that commandment and try resting for a change. The payoff: a 4.o GPA, something which I never achieved as an undergrad. It's interesting, because now I actually have to push myself not to do homework on the Sabbath, but it's just like tithing, if I do it, I'll reap the blessings. Some commandments are much harder for me, so commandments like keeping the Sabbath day holy is a given.
Today, Sunday, was a nice day. In springtime, lasting for about only 2 weeks, our beautiful tree out back (which I wish I knew what kind it was), is in full blossom. I love it because I keep forgetting about it and when I walk upstairs I see it's branches and think "snow again?!" but then quickly discover it's the flowers.
This afternoon, we made Rick's Carrot Cake (Rick is my father-in-law who is an amazing cook). I have been craving carrot cake ever since April started.
I made Philip grate the carrots because
that is the only part I dislike in baking a carrot cake. I can be such a cruel wife.
Afterwards, we tested out the finished product and it was delish. Thanks Rick!
The best part about my Sunday is that I am on spring break Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this next week (for my internship, which is an elementary school) so I don't have the impending feeling of having to go back to reality on Monday which I normally experience on a weekly basis:).
Today, Sunday, was a nice day. In springtime, lasting for about only 2 weeks, our beautiful tree out back (which I wish I knew what kind it was), is in full blossom. I love it because I keep forgetting about it and when I walk upstairs I see it's branches and think "snow again?!" but then quickly discover it's the flowers.
This afternoon, we made Rick's Carrot Cake (Rick is my father-in-law who is an amazing cook). I have been craving carrot cake ever since April started.
I made Philip grate the carrots because
that is the only part I dislike in baking a carrot cake. I can be such a cruel wife.
Afterwards, we tested out the finished product and it was delish. Thanks Rick!
The best part about my Sunday is that I am on spring break Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this next week (for my internship, which is an elementary school) so I don't have the impending feeling of having to go back to reality on Monday which I normally experience on a weekly basis:).
Monday, March 21, 2011
Too Busy
Okay folks, it has been a long while since I have posted. This semester in school, along with my practicum, my respite job, being a good wife, having a church calling, and my re-entering into the gym has kept me too busy to post. Looking at all the blogs I follow and how cool their posts are, makes me feel a tinge of guilt and jealousy that I don't follow their standard. So here is a brief update on happenings in my life:
1. On Valentines Day, Philip bought me the greatest gift ever: a gym membership at Planet Fitness
-I have been going almost every day and it is changing my life around, back to being more active. When I started the masters program, I stopped exercising, and thus becoming the most non-active I have been since my early teens. I noticed a big difference since I stopped exercising (choke...for 8months...) and then starting back up again. My headaches and tension have gone down, my sleep is better, I have more energy, I'm happier, and I look better. Philip and I are really getting into running and plan to run the Layton half marathon in October.
2. For an assignment for my advanced admin/management class, I asked three people (who are very close to me) for feedback on how I can improve. Two out of the three told me that I could improve my diet (hard to hear I must admit). So I changed my diet to eating more vegetables, fruits, protein, and fewer carbs. I am not perfect, but I have lost 6 pounds. Yeah me! My goal is to lose 15 pounds by May 6th.
3. I am starting to get really burned out by this semester and am trying to push to the end, but realizing that I have so much to do until April 29th when the semester is over. I still have two 10-page papers, three group presentations, two video clips of me with a client, several smaller papers, and one grant proposal to complete in order to pass all my classes. I don't know how I am going to get it all done (maybe I shouldn't be blogging then...).
4. My sister Dana had her baby on St. Patrick's day! His name is Matthew Chase Earl and he is adorable. So I've been helping watch her other kids while she is recovering.
5. Philip and I are excited for our Florida vacation to visit Ray and Kevin
6. I am constantly trying to figure out my career, wondering where I will end up with a job, what I will be doing, and where in the valley I will be working.
So anyway, I've had a few things going on, that I'm looking forward to, the I'm worrying about, etc. I'll try to be better about blogging.
1. On Valentines Day, Philip bought me the greatest gift ever: a gym membership at Planet Fitness
-I have been going almost every day and it is changing my life around, back to being more active. When I started the masters program, I stopped exercising, and thus becoming the most non-active I have been since my early teens. I noticed a big difference since I stopped exercising (choke...for 8months...) and then starting back up again. My headaches and tension have gone down, my sleep is better, I have more energy, I'm happier, and I look better. Philip and I are really getting into running and plan to run the Layton half marathon in October.
2. For an assignment for my advanced admin/management class, I asked three people (who are very close to me) for feedback on how I can improve. Two out of the three told me that I could improve my diet (hard to hear I must admit). So I changed my diet to eating more vegetables, fruits, protein, and fewer carbs. I am not perfect, but I have lost 6 pounds. Yeah me! My goal is to lose 15 pounds by May 6th.
3. I am starting to get really burned out by this semester and am trying to push to the end, but realizing that I have so much to do until April 29th when the semester is over. I still have two 10-page papers, three group presentations, two video clips of me with a client, several smaller papers, and one grant proposal to complete in order to pass all my classes. I don't know how I am going to get it all done (maybe I shouldn't be blogging then...).
4. My sister Dana had her baby on St. Patrick's day! His name is Matthew Chase Earl and he is adorable. So I've been helping watch her other kids while she is recovering.
5. Philip and I are excited for our Florida vacation to visit Ray and Kevin
6. I am constantly trying to figure out my career, wondering where I will end up with a job, what I will be doing, and where in the valley I will be working.
So anyway, I've had a few things going on, that I'm looking forward to, the I'm worrying about, etc. I'll try to be better about blogging.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Highlights from 2010
So I thought it might be fun to highlight some favorite memories from 2010. I know it is a little cheesy, but it was fun to look back on my year.
I started a new position at Valley Mental Health as a Care Coordinator for children in foster care. I worked in this position for 8 months until I resigned to go back to school.
In February, I took a cake decorating course through community ed with my sister Dana, this was a final product. I enjoyed spending time with Dana, but realized I better keep my day job:).
On April 5th, I became an aunt to really adorable twins, Collin and Keegan.
Philip and I celebrated our first anniversary on May 1st (we went to the Sandy Aquarium which used to be an old grocery store, we found it comical).
In July, my Grandma Rosa Lee Parkin passed away. In August, my Grandpa Jim passed away. These are my siblings and myself at my Grandma's internment. I played the piano at my Grandpa's funeral and it was an honor.
In August, Dave and Jennica were married. We had a lot of fun preparing for their wedding day, which was beautiful!
Also in August, we went to visit Philip's parents in Indiana. We visited Sagatuck, Michigan. It was so much fun! The dune ride scared me, but it was a blast. I loved seeing the Amish, they were so kind.
September I started my Masters of Social Work program at the University of Utah. I also started a year-long practicum (internship) at Redwood Elementary School. It has been going very well, and I am so thankful for my friend Sarah and my husband Philip who influenced me to get my masters--I never imagined doing this before having kids, but I believe this timing is good for us. The picture on the right was taken my last day of work at VMH.
When I went back to school, I started working part time as a Respite Provider for children with Serious Emotional Disorders through VMH. I took them to the state fair one Saturday, they loved it. This work has been extremely hard I must admit, but very rewarding.
In October, a big storm knocked over our trees.
For Thanksgiving, Philip and I drove to Oregon to visit Holly and Cory, along with Philip's relatives. We stayed with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Paul in Woodburn, Oregon (right outside Portland). I loved Oregon, and I loved learning more about Philip's "roots". I would move to Oregon in a heartbeat, it was gorgeous and feels like the right place for us.
In December I got to spend time with friends from high school. I think it's truly amazing we have kept the friendship strong through all these years. We have been through all walks of life and all have diverse experiences to offer. It's great to learn from each others experiences. I love these gals (sorry Rachel you weren't in this picture).
Lastly, Philip's birthday party was on December 31st. Everyone chipped in to get him an AR Drone, something he wanted for a long time. The look on his face was priceless. The party was a lot of fun. Perhaps, with the risk of sounding really sappy, the best part of 2010 was being married to Philip and getting to know him better. I have learned a lot this year about marriage and have made many mistakes. Philip has been extremely patient with me as I have learned and continue to learn about what it takes to make a marriage work. We are very happy together and I am so grateful for him.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!
I started a new position at Valley Mental Health as a Care Coordinator for children in foster care. I worked in this position for 8 months until I resigned to go back to school.
In February, I took a cake decorating course through community ed with my sister Dana, this was a final product. I enjoyed spending time with Dana, but realized I better keep my day job:).
On April 5th, I became an aunt to really adorable twins, Collin and Keegan.
Philip and I celebrated our first anniversary on May 1st (we went to the Sandy Aquarium which used to be an old grocery store, we found it comical).
In July, my Grandma Rosa Lee Parkin passed away. In August, my Grandpa Jim passed away. These are my siblings and myself at my Grandma's internment. I played the piano at my Grandpa's funeral and it was an honor.
In August, Dave and Jennica were married. We had a lot of fun preparing for their wedding day, which was beautiful!
Also in August, we went to visit Philip's parents in Indiana. We visited Sagatuck, Michigan. It was so much fun! The dune ride scared me, but it was a blast. I loved seeing the Amish, they were so kind.
September I started my Masters of Social Work program at the University of Utah. I also started a year-long practicum (internship) at Redwood Elementary School. It has been going very well, and I am so thankful for my friend Sarah and my husband Philip who influenced me to get my masters--I never imagined doing this before having kids, but I believe this timing is good for us. The picture on the right was taken my last day of work at VMH.
When I went back to school, I started working part time as a Respite Provider for children with Serious Emotional Disorders through VMH. I took them to the state fair one Saturday, they loved it. This work has been extremely hard I must admit, but very rewarding.
In October, a big storm knocked over our trees.
For Thanksgiving, Philip and I drove to Oregon to visit Holly and Cory, along with Philip's relatives. We stayed with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Paul in Woodburn, Oregon (right outside Portland). I loved Oregon, and I loved learning more about Philip's "roots". I would move to Oregon in a heartbeat, it was gorgeous and feels like the right place for us.
In December I got to spend time with friends from high school. I think it's truly amazing we have kept the friendship strong through all these years. We have been through all walks of life and all have diverse experiences to offer. It's great to learn from each others experiences. I love these gals (sorry Rachel you weren't in this picture).
Lastly, Philip's birthday party was on December 31st. Everyone chipped in to get him an AR Drone, something he wanted for a long time. The look on his face was priceless. The party was a lot of fun. Perhaps, with the risk of sounding really sappy, the best part of 2010 was being married to Philip and getting to know him better. I have learned a lot this year about marriage and have made many mistakes. Philip has been extremely patient with me as I have learned and continue to learn about what it takes to make a marriage work. We are very happy together and I am so grateful for him.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!!
Hopes for 2011
I admit that I am happy that 2010 is over and I am ready to start a new year. 2010 was full of ups and downs. Some hopes I have for 2011 are (not in order of importance):
1. Find and move into a place of our own again (out of my parents' basement, however I am extremely grateful for their generosity)
2. Join a gym and go religiously
3. Graduate with a 4.0 (is it possible?)
4. Find a job in Utah County so that we can move down there for Philip to attend BYU
5. Re-vamp my scripture reading and read religiously
6. Diminish eating at restaurants to twice a month at most
7. Visit Ray and Kevin in Orlando
8. Re-visit family in Oregon (have to give the state a try in the warmer months)
9. Have all my student loans paid off
10. Be a faithful and helpful companion to Philip
I think the best part of my goals is that they all are definitely achievable this year (I hate picking new years resolutions that are unachievable, and every good social worker knows do not pick goals which aren't achievable).
1. Find and move into a place of our own again (out of my parents' basement, however I am extremely grateful for their generosity)
2. Join a gym and go religiously
3. Graduate with a 4.0 (is it possible?)
4. Find a job in Utah County so that we can move down there for Philip to attend BYU
5. Re-vamp my scripture reading and read religiously
6. Diminish eating at restaurants to twice a month at most
7. Visit Ray and Kevin in Orlando
8. Re-visit family in Oregon (have to give the state a try in the warmer months)
9. Have all my student loans paid off
10. Be a faithful and helpful companion to Philip
I think the best part of my goals is that they all are definitely achievable this year (I hate picking new years resolutions that are unachievable, and every good social worker knows do not pick goals which aren't achievable).
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