There are bigger things

After being absent from school for several critical days (yearbook distribution), I came back to quite the hurricane of events.

1) Somewhere in the communication line, the publishers of our yearbook didn't get 201 names that needed to be printed on the books making them Personalized. Students pay an additional $10 for a personalized book, so when they realized that their book was NOT...their entire year of high school memories collapsed and I was the reason for their pain! Really kids? There are bigger things in this world then this!

2) Some students demanded that they get their $10 refunded. Jostens (the publishers) tried to compensate by printing missing names onto a transparent plastic cover that could be put on the book. These usually sell for a buck so you can imagine their flimsy-ness. Some kids bought that as an even trade. Others didn't care enough to come pick it up. But a FEW were appaled that we would try to trade something so valuable as their name actually ON the book with something like this. They demanded their refund! This was an outrage and they were not about to be "bamboozled by the political bureaucracy of the public schools trying to steal their hard earned money; especially in an economy such as this". Really people? Its 10 bones. There are bigger things!

3) At the beginning of the year we had a Yearbook cover contest for students to enter their "doodle art" and the best one was chosen to be on the cover. It was a really nice sketch of an eagle; our school mascot. The book was printed and 1125 copies later, the artist comes into my room in a fit of rage! Her artwork doesn't have her name next to it. There is no credit given. We STOLE her artwork. That was copyrighted and she is going to sue! Really Sandy? You drew it on a piece of binder paper. In like 2 seconds cuz you're that good. And we gave you a certificate at the awards deal. You're really going to raise such a fuss? There are bigger things!

4) On my first day back, a parent called raging that their student wasn't in the book. At. All. She demanded a refund or a free book since there was no account of her student ever attending La Sierra. Really mom? You're a grown adult. Are you really going to raise such a fuss? You really think that your kid cares enough? First of all, she is a sophomore. Need I say more. Secondly, there are 3200 kids on this campus, it is VERY DIFFICULT to get all students into the book. Thirdly,

5) A choir student came in this same day red in the face becuase the choir students were sharing their page with the Jazz Band's group shot. Um...really girl? YOu didn't BUY the page so get over it. She didn't. She felt that they deserved an official apology from the entire yearbook staff for this gastly oversight. Really? There are bigger things.

6) Many of the students on campus have noticed our mistakes throughout the book. Some saying that they are annoyed and even shocked that such a publication could be published. One I have heard has even asked for a refund. Really kid? I'm sorry, I didn't realize that you had published a 272 page book including 3200 individual students and 125 adults, a myrid of activities and sporting events all in 5 months. Perfectly. With no experience. My bad! I suppose you do have room to complain.

7) Lastly, a parent came in raging at the cost of the book. Our book is $90 up until delivery. Pre-sales are $60 if purchased before Christmas. The price goes up from there. If you do not purchase before the books are delivered, then they are $100. This parent was so mad, she demanded to have an itimized invoice explaining why the book was $100. And HOW could we discount the book 40%. What kind of a profit are we making? Blah.Blah.Blah. I'm sorry woman. I didn't realize that when you shopped at WalMart you had an invoice for your picture frame and why it cost 9.99. Really? There are bigger things!

It is so interesting the immaturty level of some of these kids parents too. The complaints we hear. Its almost comical. School is out in EIGHT DAYS. Delightful.

**As a side note, I've started Jillian's Burn Fat Boost Metabolism DVD workout and seriously, she kicks.my.butt! I've heard people say that before, but its real-serious-torture everytime I push play. I have a love-hate relationship with this crazy lady. I'll forever pay tribute when my bod looks like hers! :)

The Flarp Face

There are some amazing things that can happen with some people who are tired beyond the ability to think, and a camera. This little trick is called the Flarp Face. When you relax your face completely, put your lips together and blow....this is the beautiful aftermath. My wife may kill me for posting this, but we laughed so hard taking these that I thought it to be post worthy.


Trenton was the first to attempt. I literally cried I was laughing so hard.


Then there was Tessa....a true platypus!


Cory got himself some lips!


David looks like a ______ (please fill in the blank).


Aunt Lorie was one of my favorites. Look at the shape of her lips. Amazing.


I had many scary ones taken of me, but we will use this one of us so that my wife Kaylinn isn't completely embarassed.


Love the ripples in my face! No matter what my wife does, she is still absolutely adorable.

Anyway, if you want some good times, try it. It is really quite funny, especially when you are super tired. So here is to the Wright clan for being willing to get a little crazy with me!

Ho-ppy Birf-day

Though she is spending her birthday driving 14 hours with 2 kids and her mother-in-law, I wish this woman the bestest birthday wishes! We have some of the funniest memories!

• I've mentioned it before, but we would ride the bike down Regency Drive to Diana's house. Talk about a little scary. It totally was!
• We use to play restaurant. Funny that neither of us wanted to be the customer. That would have been boring.
• Our bedroom was a small war zone. And we would make paths through the mess to our beds.
• She somehow slept through my sleep-talking. Guess it was just practice.
• She was the bestest Maid of Honor ever. My train was beautiful in the pictures I've seen.
• We have traditions. Like Only-Me-October and the Birthday Quilt.
  
• She listens to my stupid phone call rants and takes my side even when I'm wrong.
• She is always good looking. She knew everything there is to know about makeup, hair, and cute clothes. Way before I ever did. And she still helps me out a little.
• She makes wicked desserts. No additional sugar added! :)
• She laughs, super hard, at my stupid jokes.
  

Love this girl! Happy Birthday Sister

Utah

Mark and I have spent the last week in Utah for Dad's funeral. He was buried in the Salt Lake cemerty. A beautiful program was held in Bountiful where my brothers spoke and Uncle Doug gave the concluding message. Jeff and Kris Page sang bringing such a sweet spirit. Seeing my dad one last time brought good closure although it was hard. The cancer had eaten everything that really made him look like my Dad. His hands were the only thing I could recognize. Overall, it was a great service. Thanks to all who supported our family during this time.

The Pallbearers included some of my dads dearest friends and of course my brothers, Cory and Mark, and Uncle Kirk. What a sight to see them carry my dad to his final resting place.

What a beautiful location too.

I think the hardest part was not seeing Dad in his casket but seeing his name on the safe that surrounds the casket before it goes in the ground.

After all was said and done, our dear friends the Brewers took us away from life for a few days and up to their fantastic cabin in Weber Canyon. What a delightful chance we had to be together. They fed us like royality. Our schedule was pretty rigid. Eat, Nap, Eat, Activity, Nap, Eat, Nap again, Eat, Movie, Sleep. :) I guess you could say we were "ruffin" it.

Barry took us fishing the first morning we were there. Mark and I were the only ones brave enough to go. Fantastic nature moment which I just loved. No fish were caught, but it was totally worth it anyway.
The highlight of the cabin experience wasn't the excessive amounts of glorious food Kathy Kay cooked for us, or the laughs around the table, or the giant dorm-like room in the loft with the giant TV, or the delightful weather, or my family all being together, or the smores, or the even better-then-sex Ebble-Skeeber syrup which Danish spelling I don't know...no, it wasn't any of those things. It was the ATV rides we took up the ridge and around the bend to overlook Park City and the mountain canyons there. So beautiful!! Its impossible to say how I would have made it through this whole thing without my husband. What a remarkable man to stand by my side and always tend to my needs. He was right there all the time and I am so lucky to have someone so great. So an especially big thank you to him! I am so glad to have such a good friend in my husband.

My Dad

Jonathan C. Wright

August 11, 1953 - May 17, 2009

We love you!

Be seeing you again.

My dad passed away Sunday at 8:48pm. How lucky we were that he was at the wedding, and for Trent to get home from his mission, and even made it until Tessa arrived at the house just moments before.

I am doing okay. Prayers in behalf of my mom are appreciated. Services are being held Tuesday morning in Clayton and Thursday Morning in Bountiful. If you're interested in details and would like to attend, please let me know and I'll send them.

Has anyone ever told you?

At school today I had this brief conversation with my student Michael as we waited for the bell to ring. (if you recall, he was the one who asked about catching fire in an earthquake...) I've always thought it was interesting how on TV, in scenes with high school classes, the teacher is in mid lesson with no sign of closure, the students are all attentive with no sign of knowledge the bell is about to ring, and then; as if by complete surprise, the bell rings and all the students jump to leave! Really, it isn't like that. At least it isn't in my class! If by the rare chance I even have "too much" lesson for the day, the kids are well aware of the bell ring-age and will let me know if I forget. Sorry, I digress--the convo:

Michael: Mrs. Morrell. Did you know in Germany they made a machine that will help you get stronger? You do this shaking thing...blah blah blah (He starts doing motions with his hands and I just stop listening)

Me: really? wow!

Michael: Mrs. Morrell. Do you want an apple?

Me: No thanks Michael.

Michael: When you were a teenager, did anyone ever tell you that you look like Hanna Montana?

Me: Well, being that she didn't exist when I was a teenager, I'm going to have to say no!

Michael: Oh. Well. you do. (pause) Except you're fatter!

Me: ???? And poorer.

I don't see it...but maybe?

Is he trying to tell me something? Perhaps that donut yesterday should have been avoided. Self-great day. :) I'm still laughing!

Keepin' On

I feel like most our days are routine. I could take pictures of the grocery store adventures, the Bed, Bath, and Beyond trips, the Costco sample ladies, and trips to Yogurt Delight. I could blog all the movies we've watched, the skookies we've consumed, the pollen that continues to accumlate on our cars cuz we refuse to wash them. I could mention I've picked up running again, Mark is beginning to be annoyed with the basketball games on Wednesday night due to "overpopulation", and we've made a renewed pact to eat better. All those things have been happening but none of them seem really blog-worthy. So...here are a few "other" happenings that I can mention.

Party in a Can:

We've just spent the most delightful weekend with our friends the Richards filled with food, laughs, and random theme songs including "jookie" and "puppy surprise". We went out to see the Wolverine movie; Mark's second time. And enjoyed the frozen yogurt bar I am obsessed with. (As a side note, last week I asked if they were hireing, they said no, a new kid was training when we went. Did they lie? Poosers, don't know what they lost!) And lastly, it was only natural to make the trip over to the Happiest Place on Earth. Mark and I haven't been over there in almost a few months now so we were both really excited. Pirates is still our first Disneyland ride. Toy Story Mania is still my favorite California Adventure ride. I'm still not a fan of Tower of Terror but neither was Michelle so I didn't stand alone. Mark imparted all his Disney knowledge and we ate at the Blue Bayou...again. And at the delicious Bread Bowl place at the Bakery. And a churro. And a lemon icee. So--we ate a lot! What fun! Our Space Mountain picture was by far my favorite! I wish so bad it wasn't all blurry...or we just purchased it. Mark is on the cell, and Michelle was wearing Brandon's glasses and the lense fell out, so she looks like a pirate. It was so fun!

At the Factory

Our schedules are still opposite making our time together limited. But we are both happy to have jobs. Looks like Summer School is going to pan out in our favor. We've got about 3 weeks of school left, and then finals. Woo-hoo. Mark has been given more responsibilities on his end which is a good thing; we're hopeful this means we'll get a permanent position.

More Teaching

Mark and I have been called to teach the 14-15 year olds in Sunday School. Convient since that is the age group I teach every day, and Mark's experience with EFY. We had our first class this last Sunday. Interesting to say the least. I feel a little bad, we've already picked out those we'll "like" and those we find more of a struggle! Overall, we're both really excited.

Family Ties

I've gotten several questions on an update of my father so I thought I'd throw in a broad thought. Dad made it to the wedding as you saw in our pictures. A blessing we didn't think was going to happen. Shortly after our pictures he headed home and didn't recover enough to make it to our reception that evening but did come out to our open house in Utah. Since then, things have been touch and go. Some good days, many bad days. Mom figured out how to keep him more hydrated then before which has improved the quality of days by a margin. Overall, the road looks dim. We are just happy to still have his company.

Trying Tennis

I've always wanted to learn how to play tennis but have never found anyone who knows how to play willing to be patient enough to teach me. Once you know, you just want to play. This is when a husband comes in really handy!

Mark got me a new (and super nice) tennis racket and so we went out yesterday to try my hand at it. I was terrible. Of the 8 balls we brought out there, we only came home with 3. Whats that tell you! He was so patient! Despite the lost balls, I got a better swing and a more accurate approach. Am I any good? Goodness no but, with 70 more sessions I might be an average player. It was really fun--after I got over the frustration of not knowing what I was doing! How I love having things to do with Mark!

Prom Night

This was my first year attending the High School's prom. As the Junior Class Advisor, I am required to attend and my official duty was the Prom King/Queen Ballots. Mark had to work that night so I was prepared to attend stag yet again. A trip down memory lane shows both our Junior and Senior dances when I was in High School I did not have a date. LAME! Anyway-here is where it gets good.

Saturday arrives and I'm totally not excited about the evenings events. Going in the first place isn't on my "want to do" list and going alone just makes it worse. Mark had to work at 2 so, as usual, he gets ready and heads out the door about 1:30. I cozy back on the couch and make fake bets on the Kentucky Derby in an effort to keep myself occupied. A few minutes later, a knock at my door. "Who could that be? I'm not even dressed yet!!!"

I peer out the peep hole and what do I see? My sweet Mark called in sick so he could take me to Prom! (ooohhh...cute!) I was speachless. He had been planning it for a few days! So great! So, he took me out to dinner and then down to the Phoenix Club in Anaheim for the dance.

As for the decorating and such, I wasn't in charge of much. The kids picked a theme and deocrations out of a magazine, and that was it! The rest was taken care of. Mark and I sat at the ballot table the majority of the evening. I was surprised how few of my students I saw and the few I didn't remember! We decided the "in" color of the year is purple; far more purple dresses then any other color. There were lots of a bohemian style "hippie" type dresses. That was different. And LOTS of skin. I can't lie, I prayed for them last night, that they might make good choices. :) The night moved kinda slow. The food was average! We entertained ourselves trying to take pictures. That only lasted so long!

The royalty was read, and Mark and I skipped out for the last hour. So cheers to Prom night. Double cheers to my husband and his surprise. Pretty sure this qualifies him into the Husband Hall of Fame.

Not A Gracious Host.....

You may think that I am talking about us going to a party and they weren't very kind, but no...I am talking about a little something I brought back with me from Hawaii. A souvenir that I did not purchase, nor did I ask for, but was thrust upon me due to some sort of unbridled hatred Hawaii has for me.

It all started about 3 years ago when my family took a trip there. When we first got there I had my first body-boarding experience and lets just say that the ten foot waves had no mercy. I was taken down and taken down hard and salt water filled my sinuses. Yep, the next day I woke up with a sinus infection to which I suggested I go to the doctor but was told that we would wait until we got home. So, I spent 6 out of my 7 day trip to Hawaii miserable.

Fast forwarding to a couple days after the Honeymoon. I had been getting the worst migraines the last couple of weeks and a very sensitive neck. So, I went to go visit the ever amazing Dr.Mike Okouchi who did a strength test here and touched my neck there, and he says, "Whoa, your whole body is on lock down....did you get bitten by something?" To which I replied that a couple of mosquito's had bitten me in Hawaii. "Dude, that's not good"

Apparently there was a Japanese mosquito and I was it's Pearl Harbor. It had me in its sights and it left me with a couple of uninvited guests in the form of a parasitic infection. So, he gave me some supplements that started to work almost instantly and now here I am. Why is it that one of my favorite places in the world has it in for me? I guess I may never know....but cheers to Dr. Mike and thank goodness for supplements whose main ingredient is garlic. As my dear wife said, "It is like coming home to an Italian restaurant every night!" Lovely.

Bathroom Toiletries

I am curious; what genius in the pages of history formulated what we know today as "Bathroom toiletries?" Although this post isn't any new information-as a newly married woman, I have come to the stark realization that this world is terribly tilted in an unfavorable direction. How you ask? Examples:



1) THE SHOWER: Why is it that men can purchase their entire showering needs in one bottle? Wash, condition, body, scrub, rinse and done! They don't even need a lufa! I however have 2 shampoo bottles & 2 conditioner (some days you want volume, others you want moisture..switch it up a bit; you know?), 2 bodywashs in differing scents, and 3 different kinds of shaving cream(depending on the area if you catch my drift), 1 razor, 1 lufa, and some cheap soap that was a gift that I don't really use but its in there!



2) THE DRAWER: Contents of my side: hair ties, flat brush, round brush, comb, bobby pins, clips, face wash, face lotion, finger nail clippers, chapstick, stray Q-tips, & 2 toothpaste tubes. (Why I have 2, I don't know, I just realized it the other day). Contents of his side-a razor and more toothpaste (a much smaller tube).



3) THE MEDICINE CABINET: My body spray, eye makeup remover, more perfume, hair smoother cream, delightfully smelly lotion, pills for "girl" needs...and his deodorant.



4) UNDER THE SINK: This is just an array of things that I need and use. MORE lotion (how many bottles do I need?) other "girl" things (you know?), makeup, more soaps, bubble bath stuff, hair dryer, straightener, spare razors, mouthwash...plus a few cleaning supplies. I don't think Mark has a single thing under there.



Which draws me to THIS conclusion-yes I like dressing up, and I don't mind the frills and products that require this feeling. I do however think its funny that the storage needs of a man are a little less...bulky shall we say! Can the corporate offices of "bathroom toiletries" stop creating essential products? Much thanks!

Angels in the Outfield

America's past time! Who doens't like going to a baseball game? Mark had landed a few field tickets for us and some friends to see the Angels play. We were surprised when the weather turned cold after 100+ weather all week, so we froze a little, but enjoyed ourselves none the less.

Mark enjoyed some high quality baseball peanuts. More expensive then they should have been. Both of us had delicious hot dogs, and I got an ICEE just cuz all that advertisements around the stadium said I should. My bad. Grand total baseball meal purchase....$18.00. They don't joke when it comes to food!

We all participated in the ritualistic "crowd wave" which is always amazing to me how it starts and everyone joins in. It went the entire circle of Angels Stadium a few times! Here's to our company Jason and Elsie. Neat friends! We love hanging out with them.

By the 7th inning stretch we were pretty much baseball bored. I think its one of those things that is funner when you're drunk. :) Still, I wanted to go down and do the Angel wing flapping thing from the movie. I'm sure the rest of the crowd would have looked at me strange...sort of like, "this is your first Angels game isn't it." Except for the doobies who have never seen the movie. HaHa.

Lastly, I have our "we were here" picture that didn't turn out well either time. First I have too many chins for comfort but Mark looks amazing. Then our second attempt I fixed the chins but Mark lost the photogenic moment! Whatever.

Yearbook Title

Today we are voting for what we want next year's book title to be. I of course am all about clean lines and timeless themes. These kids don't see that vision.

So I'd thought I'd petition the world. Take the poll and see what you'd think is the best yearbook title. :)

And for your comic fancy-the students had the choice to write down several Title ideas on the white board. Gerald writes "Blue Jeans". Kenny who is standing by responds with a questioned face..."Blue Jeans? Whats' that? This isn't sisterhood of the travelling pants!" Oh how I laughed!

Being Particular

As some of you may know, I really enjoy grocery shopping. I don't know why, I can't explain it, but it is really great! Since the move I haven't been able to find my perfect grocery establishment and its a little sad--I'm border-line frustrated. Henry's has fabulous produce and we'll continue to shop there for that goodness. Vons is a store I enjoy shopping at, slightly overpriced but not out of control. Plus I LOVE their french bread so that's a huge selling point. HOWEVER, the Vons by our house is poorly stocked. Their produce section appears to be a joke. I think perhaps the space is too big so they spread everything out. It just makes it look really empty. Often times I can't find exactly what I'm looking for. It just feels sort of Ghetto. Then there is the glorious Ralphs. Its right around the corner from the apartment. The downside is that their prices are so outrageous that I can barely feel justified shopping there.

So-the moral of the story: a boring post to let the world know that I wish I could go to my amazing Super W or the WinCo in Chino. Amazing stores of shoppingness.

The end

Fun New Gift

See what my husband bought me shortly after our return from Hawaii? A NEW iPod Nano. Super neat.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bit behind in the music world. That should translate into A LOT! So, with my new toy, I've been transferring all my CD files into I-tunes. This has turned into quite the time consuming feat but one that will be well worth it!

I'm super excited to be a little more in with the times.