Dear June 3rd...

I don't think you can come fast enough. Though I absolutely love watching Tangled and Kung Fu Panda over and over again but I am ready to give my LCD projector a rest for 2 months. I am ready for locker clean out day and for the farewell assembly to be over; for fines to be paid and seniors to have their cap and gowns. I am ready for my bookshelves to be cleaned out and my stuff stored away. I love the end of the year check out but I love it more when I can turn it in to the secretary and walk away for a few months. It's been a good year but please June 3rd...come sooner.

Sincerely,

The Exhausted History teacher in room B-115

Salmon meets Hunter

Mom, Josh and his 3 friends came down this past weekend. They went on a date with one of my students, Laura and a few of her friends. They had a great time! On Friday we went to Sara's house and took her to a late Birthday dinner. She then left to St. George for the weekend.

The four boys...ready for anything! Jordon, Stetson, Josh and Ryan. After we left Sara's house we headed to Orem where we saw Tyler and then put him to work! All the boys needed ties and Josh needed a new white shirt and shoes. So, off to the Missionary Mall we went and Tyler helped the boys out.

Saturday morning mom and I drove the boys up to West Valley where they met the girls for the first time and headed to the Great Salt Lake for their day activity. We should have known they would have ended up in the water with a Stokes around. When we picked them up they were so wet from swimming in the lake. They had fun though. Mom and I had a fun day shopping! We were very successful and had a great time together.

Oh the dreaded corsage! Laura did a good job!

We walked in to the house and Laura's dad was sitting there with a BB gun! So funny! I love his face in the picutre above. He sure has his eye on Josh!!!! I am glad Josh and his friends were able to come. They all were great sports to go and spend almost a whole day with people they don't know. But, they had a great time and made some new friends! And that is what dating at this age is all about. It was fun to see them this weeked!

Idol finalists and my favorites!

I never thought possible but my two favorites from American Idol are in the finals. Scotty and Lauren. I never ever write about reality television but I just couldn't help it. I want them both to win! I was so nervous but....I'm okay now!

Happy 24th Birthday sis!

Happy Birthday Sis!!!! We had a great day full of shopping and of course a birthday pedicure!!! We pampered ourselves a bit and then shopped and actually buying something! We parted ways for a few hours and then Tyler and I headed over to Sara's with cake and ice cream in hand. We took Sara to dinner and we went to this Chinese place on Redwood Road ( I don't remember the name). We read the reviews and they were good so off we went. We pull into the parking lot and there are 3 cars in the parking lot. We were pretty nervous but it ended up being really good. (and of course I forgot to take pictures!)

We went back to Sara's and watched a movie and had cake and ice cream. It was a fun night. So sis...though you never read my blog this one is for you! You are awesome. I am so glad that you were born! We've gotten to be even better friends since you have moved here and it has been great. I love you so much and hope that your birthday was the best ever!

Tulip Festival 2011

I can't believe I forgot about these!!! I am terrible! A few weekends ago Tyler and I enjoyed a beautiful spring Saturday and went to the Tulip festival. It was so pretty and a great day. I always have this great intention of taking pictures and then I forget. But here are a few from our day!

We thought it would be cool to say we hiked this huge mountain and saw this waterfall! But, it is manmade and a nice little sidewalk! And I found out the rocks are fake!!!! Brilliant because it looked so real!

Along this stream was my favorite! I loved all the colors and how it looked!

It was a great day! We got some good sun and then were so tired we took a nap and were lazy the rest of the day. But, it was a wonderful day and another great memory made!

To the mothers in my life...I love you!

I know it is the day after mother's day but I felt it necessary to thank the wonderful women in my life. And, I can't figure out the pictures and where to put them so, enjoy these wonderful pictures of my beautiful, wonderful mother!

So, to my grandmothers who taught me all that is needed to be a great person. I love you both! To Grandma Jolley who is no longer with us on this earth but who taught me the great value of service. To Grammie Stokes who has taught me about making the best of every situation and not taking anything for granted. I love you!

To my little sister Emily who in the past year blossomed into a wonderful mother to dear Brooklyn Ann (who we spoil rotten and love so much) You are a wonderful mommy and I look up to you in being a true example of motherhood. I love you!

To Tyler's wonderful mother, Janae who from day one brought me into the Hansen home with loving arms and a kind smile; who has raised a wonderful son that I love with all of my heart. Thank youJanae for being a wonderful mother to all around you. I love you!

And now, to my own mother. The woman who brought me into this world and taught me everything that was important about life; backpacks with teddy bears on them, stripes and polka dots do NOT go together, talk of boys, the gospel, life, hopes, dreams, fears and cries. The many talks of marriage and motherhood. Faith and trust. You taught me to be a woman of faith and virtue. I will forever be grateful to have a wonderful mother in my life who is also a best friend. Someone I can always talk to and cry with, no matter the distance. I love you mom! Thank you so much for everything! Happy Mother's day!

A Funny for a Monday

Of course we all know that Osama bin Laden has been killed. It was of course big news at school today and it was interesting to talk about it. My sophomores were in 1st grade when the attacks of September 11th happened so don't remember much but they will sure remember this. We were talking about it in my World History class and I asked them what they thought and they all were very happy but several mentioned that retaliation that will most likely come to the United States. After this comment this cute girl asked very seriously, "Miss Stokes, does this mean we are all going to die now?" It made me laugh inside but very calmly tell her that we will not die!