the countdown...

...More days until Sora Ostler comes home!

Turner Classic Weekend

This weekend I watched this classic:

I really like some good, classic movies. It they are musicals, that's the cherry on top. "The Pajama Game" is no exception. Michael had some extra work shifts this weekend so I watched what I knew I could never get him to watch. A cheesy musical, but I love it!

We also had Keith and Tricia stay the night with us so we had some real pajama friends!

Tricia and I enjoyed some of the movie while Keith was zonked out in the other room and Michael was at work! I'm thinking this should become a tradition!

Any classic suggestions?

It's that time of year again...

*Thank you cartoonstock.com for capturing this moment.

It's parent teacher conference time. That means I get to school at about 8 AM teach until 3:15. Have conferences start at 3:20 PM. 10 min. conferences per student and leave school about 8:30 PM. It's a very long day. Fortunately, my conferences go well for the most part. The parents are usually very supportive and encouraging. I am just left drained at the end of the night. Bless the person who decided the day after conferences is a furlough day.

...an end of an era...

Today my Bobby died. He had cancer. It is a sad day at the Ostler home. For a dog that would leave stolen food from our kitchen under my pillows, he really was a good dog. It's not going to be the same at my family's house. It really is an end of an era.

Sunrise, sunset...

Wasn't it yesterday when this guy (the one on the left) was my baby brother?  

Now, he's a twelve year old boy who is honoring his priesthood, playing church basketball (along with way too many other sports), and about to graduate from elementary school!  He is such a good person. When did this all happen? Well, he officially turned twelve a month ago.  I'm just terribly slow.  However, I really am feeling like time is flying by.  

Will sure did change the dynamics of our family when he came along, but what a change for the better.  We always joked that with 4 older sisters he would grow up to be tough but sensitive.  I'd say he's turning out mighty fine for a young, hansome man.  

{lies vs. surprise}

lies told by my husband.  

The Clark's are making us dinner on Friday night.    That I can go to my classroom and

 get things organized over the long weekend.  We're going to have a small, boring Valentine's Day weekend.

surprise.

The boys made us dinner on Friday night.  We enjoyed a lovely meal while watching the

 Olympics. As we're leaving the boys say to each other, "See you at 6."  To us, "Girls, you better

 pack your bags."  Sure enough, at 6:30 AM we were on the road to some undisclosed location.

  Around 10 we get off on St. George Boulevard....for gas.  10:30 we're back on the road again.

  We pulled into Vegas for some yummy In 'N Out.  (We haven't eaten at the one in Orem yet-  tragedy!)  

*Thanks for the picture, Jenni

Due to some unforeseen hotel-to-website reservation miscommunications, we were compensated with a top floor suite in this beauty. 

 

Proof that it was top floor- we had the biggest button in the elevator- woot!

They also gave us credit to this fancy Mexican Restaurant for dinner. 

I was more than ok with our accomodations.  Although, all other hotels will just not be the same now. 

We also went to a Magic Show with tigers and all...

We  saw the Bellagio Gardens, watershow, M&M World and Coke Factory in the beautiful, warm weather.  

As we were crossing the street we ran into the wonderful Melissa!  It was a fun mini New Zealand reunion!  Anyone up for an official reunion?

The next day we went to Mesquite and stayed at the Casa Blanca. (Also a great movie.)

  

We enjoyed bringing in the Chinese New Year with some great Chinese food.  The boys enjoyed golf in the morning which meant the girls kept ourselves entertained at the Spa including steam room, massages, and some greatly appreciated relaxation.  Not bad for Valentine's Day weekend I'd say.  

Thank you, sneaky boys, for planning a great weekend!

Happy, Happy Birthday!

Due to my computer being on it's deathbed, this is the only picture I have of Camille right now.  Good thing it's one of my favorites of this amazingly talented sister of mine.  She turns 18 today.  When did all this growing up business happen?  Camille has always been one of the most stubborn, hard headed persons I have ever known.  I swear she was over the age of three before anyone could convince her that she didn't need a bottle and a binkie anymore.  Even then, it was her that eventually said no.  She absolutely refused to give up when many questioned if she would be able to walk again.  Instead, she set track records and became one of the most powerful soccer players that I know.  That same stubborness drives me crazy sometimes but, she still is quite the amazing girl!  Happy Birthday to the blue-eyed sister!  Love you!