Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween!!

Driving Too Fast

My grandpa sent this to me the other day, and I just had to share it. Apparently this is what would happen if I drive to fast when Baxter is in the back seat...

Best in Show Sister

For those of you who don't know, my sister is an incredible artist. This summer she entered one of her drawings into the Puyallup Fair, and guess what: she won Best in Show!! I'm quite proud of her. But that's not all...her drawing was also featured in the newspaper with a little blurb. Laura, you're amazing!!

Smashing Pumpkins....Literally

The Saturday before last we took a family outing to Fir Point Farms. Maren, Blake and baby Braden were in town, which made it even more exciting. Unfortunately, Toren was at work and missed out.

Though it was kind of raining and cold out, there were tons of people gathered at the farms...and for one main reason: to watch 1000 pounds worth of pumpkins smash a car. That's right, they hoisted up 2 huge pumpkins (totaling 1000 pounds) on a crane and got ready send them crashing down on a car.


We waited....and waited....and waited...and waited with great anticipation. For some reason they couldn't get those pumpkins to drop. Workers had to bring the pumpkins down slowly three times and retie the ropes. Finally, after about 45 minutes of waiting, those pumpkins plummeted to the car below. The smash was worth every minute of waiting.


Unfortunately the camera on my battery died and I couldn't get a video of the smashing, but below are a few pictures, though they don't quite do the phenomenon justice.

Free Handbag!

I absolutely LOVE handbags, as I'm sure most of you do. Check out Handbag Planet to enter to win a free one!! Seriously...free!

A Working Stiff

I've been a pretty unexiting blogger lately, and this time I do have an excuse: I'm a working woman!

I'm working as a substitute instructional assistant for the Oregon City School District. Instructional assistants aren't quite teachers (I'm not certified yet), but they help in classroooms - especially with special needs students and students that are far below their grade level. So, I can sub in any school in the district. I really enjoy it. Sometimes it's challenging because I feel like I don't know what I'm doing, but I also like the variety in the job. So far I've worked in a few elementary schools and at the high school. I plan to start my Masters in Teaching soon so I can become a full-time regular teacher.

Last week was homecoming week at the high school. It was pretty nostalgic for me. I loved hearing all the student drama - who's going out with who, who hates homecoming, who can't find a dress....it was all very exciting. I even went to the spirit assembly and cheered for the crowned homecoming queen and king!

What's even more funny is that there is almost as much drama at the elemenatry schools as at the high school. In one 3rd grade class, two boys (Justin and Austin) had a crush on the same girl, Ashley. They wrote her initials all over their journals, couldn't stop talking about how cute she was, and teased her at recess. One of the other girls in the class told me that Ashley was bossy. To that Justin said with a gleam in his eye, "I know....that's why I like her!" How Ashley feels is still a mystery.

Oh, and one of my favorite things about working at the high school: writing hall passes. It's awesome. It makes me feel like I have all sorts of power. It's great!

I'm also working part-time at the Buckle store in the mall. I wasn't sure how I'd like it at first - it is retail after all. But, I really think I'm going to love it. This week was my first week, so it was pretty much all training. I've mastered all the denim fits for both men and women and I've brainstormed how to "outfit" our guests. I also get an incredible employee discout - 40% off!!! Unfortunately (for you), I'm the only one that can enjoy the discount. The challenge is going to be to not spend all the money I make.

Our Needs, Courtesy of Google

This is funny, especially for those who might be unaware of their needs. Just type "[Your name] needs" in Google to find out what you need.

Some of them are quite accurate. Here's what we need today:

Audrey needs more wooden spoons.
Audrey needs to stop being so freaking gorgeous.
Audrey needs to be willing to take on a leading role.
Audrey needs to have a huge range and a flexible voice.
Audrey needs to come back so she can prepare for her next client.
Audrey needs to learn a new facial expression.
Audrey needs to get a brain transplant.
Audrey needs at least 28 ounces of milk to keep her sanity.
Audrey needs to block harmful ultraviolet rays with an SPF.
Audrey needs treatment and a year in a women's halfway house.

Toren didn't need anything, according to Google.
I decided to search for Eric.

Eric needs cable.
Eric needs to keep up.
Eric needs a hug.
Eric needs medication.
Eric needs a timeout.
Eric needs about $3.50.
Eric needs mental help.
Eric needs ’92 Ford fenders.
Eric needs a better policy with regard to books.
Eric needs your help with childhood bladder and bowel problems.

And, of course...

Baxter needs a home.
Baxter needs public support.
Baxter needs ample social stimulation.
Baxter needs sleep.
Baxter needs a hobby.
Baxter needs to be institutionalized.