Life is Good

Isn't life so great! So last Friday I left work a bit early to help out with a primary activity at the church. I felt a bit awkward @ first because I was basically the only guy teacher/helper there, but it was so fun to help out some of the kids and to see a few kids from our class. One little girl in particular just got the biggest smile on her face when she saw and recognized me. Well worth it.

Today I got session 3 of 5 total Junior Achievement sessions at the elementary school near my work in West Valley City. The first two sessions were a bit rough, but today was great. The classes there are very diverse and you get a sense the kids don't have a lot of external resources from their teacher and normal class room setting. There was one boy who has little earings and "seems" like a potential trouble maker/problem child, but I don't know if I buy it.

As we discussed what an economy is and how companies need each other he offered to answer a difficult question and did very well. After the class he came up to me and gave me one of his treats he just received in class. It meant a lot, not just cause I like chocolate, but because it showed me that he appreciated the opportunity to learn and be recognized in class.

Oh, and while I was walking in I overheard a couple kids ask the teacher, "where's Steve." I go by Steve and not Mr. Morley.

Mandi just got both of her art submissions accepted into the Art show down at University Mall in Orem, UT. I'm very excited for her, although she doesn't always know it, and know she is a great artist. And then...

St. Patrick's Update

Word -

Since Mandi doesn't like the blogging scene I am going to start updating what's happening. Today Mandi started teaching art to 17 kids in our ward. She is going over painting, drawing, and sculpting with the little fella's. I think this will be such a great thing for her, especially since she is going into Art Education.

Speaking of which, the lady at Wal-Mart last night said, "who would've thought that after I finish my degree I'd be working here at Wal-Mart...that's what a degree in Art will get you." Sad, but often true.

I started my Junior Achievement volunteer program today where I teach 5 class sessions about business to a very diverse school in West Valley City where I work. The class was a bit noisy but very fun to teach and be with. It really made me appreciate these Elementary teachers and realize they do a lot for these kids.

Hopefully taxes will come soon. Last year was the year of the car for us. We had our fair share of car repairs, including a new purchase in January of this year. All in all we have been very blesses though and appreciate all the help from family and friends.

Tomorrow I get a free St. Patrick's breakfast from work, so excited. Hopefully some nice treats will be involved. Wish you all the best of Irish luck!

Weekend Update

Status

In May Mandi and I were married in the

SLC temple. It was so amazing and we love being able to go back to the temple and look at our wedding pictures to help remind us of the amazing day we had on the 23rd of May. Since then we've each been making our own adjustments to married life, trying to balance schedules, habits, likes/dislikes and family activities. All in all it's been great though!

Mandi is back in school working toward her Fine Arts & Teaching degree at UVU. She is also working at Hobby Lobby (@ the District), which has it's pro's and con's. Painting is definitely one of Mandi's main talents and loves in life. She could spend most of the day painting away at different styles and

ideas she has in her head. She has won a few awards recently for some of her artwork and will be featured in a 2010 calendar published by Alpine City. I like to boast that I've hired my own "in-house" artist, something not many people have. :)

For me it's mostly been about work, studying for the GMAT and trying to find time to relax through exercising and organizing our flat. No one can ever say to me, "well, you just don't know what it's like to be the one who cleans and cooks everyday," cause I do. Really though, I don't mind doing it, I just wish I had more time to cook and that Mandi had more time to enjoy a nice dinner with me before hurrying to do some homework.

SNL

One of my all-time most favorite video clips/segments of TV shows. If you don't get it the first time or simply don't laugh, just watch it over a few times and it should hit you by then.

Old School Amanda

For Presidents day I went up to my parents house with my beautiful bride, Amanda, and my cousin Goober. Whilst there my mom had me grab a few items out of the old Halloween box, two of which were these vintage dresses that she wore back in the early 1920's. :)

I never knew Mandi could be so excited to try on such a thing.

Mandi was born to be a disco woman!

Dawgs

So, the other day Mandi and I were at her house and we found a nice little remote control car and decided to play with it. Poor Sammy didn't know where to go so she decided to just jump up on my lap. :)

The New and Old Fettish

So, last weekend we decided to watch an episode of 24 since we had just that amount of time before Mandi had to leave to go home. Consequently, we have watched about 6 - 7 hours of 24 since.

Who can dispute that Jack Bauer is just amazing! If you haven't started to watch 24 as of yet, go on to Hulu.com and get caught up as this is a fantastic season.

-Cheers-