Field trips are fun.

Today I got toIt was my first time there. I sure am glad I got to spend it with 9 13 year olds!

They were more interested in their worksheets than actually seeing the sites. I finally forced them out of the visitors center and we headed to the Mansion.Don't worry. They continued working on their worksheets while we waited in line.
And their highlight was standing on the path's brick ledge.
I thoroughly enjoyed the back porch with the fabulous view! One day...And this really cool looking tree...A trip to Mount Vernon wouldn't be complete without playing
Corn on the Cob Toss with the locals...and a trip to the gift shop for a magnet to add to my collection.I will have to go back again someday as that is pretty much all I got to see.
But it was a great day.

Monday Manners Moment

I am tired of dealing with rude people so I am going to change the world one etiquette tip at a time. Etiquette is something I focus on in my classes. and so why not make it a part of my blog. I do not profess to be an etiquette professional but I do try. I have read several books and learn so much with each page I turn. Here are some interesting things I have learned from the current book I am reading... (I didn't have the book with me when I first posted this so I have edited it with direct quotes)

1) "A boy may enter a revolving door first to get it started. A girl enters first if it's already moving." (apparently I made the part up about not sharing a "section" but I am SURE I read it somewhere!)

2) the person who called should say goodbye first. "Ending the call isn't only their option, but their responsibility." If you REALLY need to go, then you should politely end the conversation. Interesting.

3) "When someone makes a remark, even 'I see what you mean' or 'hmmm' is better than complete silence. With kids, not responding is an innocent omission, but it's good not to get into the habit." VERY interesting. (see pet peeves post)

Tune in next Monday for another Manners Moment!

I would like to introduce you to...

Lola Falana! The clear winner with a whopping 45% of the votes!

Congrats Darin.

I am excited to spend some time with Lola and create something delicious for your prize!

It's A Wednesday Miracle...

I went to the temple today. When going to the temple, I try to leave work before 3 so I can "miss" the traffic on the infamous beltway. (by "miss" I mean sit in traffic for an hour rather than 3 hours). Today apparently did the trick because I made it from parking lot to parking lot in 25 minutes. A miracle indeed! According to mapquest, it should take 24 minutes. HELLO! I just had to share this miracle of miracles.
The drive home, though, is another story....

You are all winners to me!

I am pretty much the most indecisive person ever. And thanks to your fabulous suggestions, I am having a hard time picking a winner. So today I will announce the top 5. In no particular order:
*Sugar Lips
*Lottie
*Lola Falana
*Kit
*Sweet Caroline
*Fannie

Okay the top 6. I really like them all though. Sheesh this is going to be hard. I loved Darin's suggestion of Margaret but goes by Peggy. Ha ha. I work with a lady that has that name situation. I don't understand...
I am going to sleep on it. Maybe make some cookies tomorrow. And I will get back to you! Feel free to vote for your favorite... but you can't vote for your own!

Welcome to my blog.

Today I was told by 3 people in my ward that they have found my blog. Yikes. Now I feel even more pressure to be entertaining and funny. I don't make any promises but I will try my best. To welcome my new readers (and anyone else who hasn't admitted it yet) to my blog I think it is time for a contest.

Name my Kitchen-Aid.

My Kitchen-Aid and I have been together for 46 days now. And what a 46 days it's been. We've laughed together. We've cried. We've made sugar cookies, chocolate cookies, rolls, mashed potatoes, and so much more. And we've only just begun. It is time though for him/her to have a name. That is where you come in. Make a comment & suggest a name. A favorite will be chosen and that person will win something. If you are local- perhaps something made in "the soon to be named mixer". If you live far away, I will think of something fun to mail you. If you are a member of my family, your prize will be a visit from me at Christmas. :)

Let the naming begin!

It's been a long day.

I was at work today for 11 1/2 hours. That was about 10 hours too long. I am going to bed. And I hope I don't wake up for at least 11 1/2 hours. I think everyone should sleep longer than they work.
Who is with me?

I sure do miss these guys...

These cute kids belong to my sister Kristi.

She is the rebel of the family! ha ha! Love the tattoos.

(She made the shark & Mario costumes...)

Jack the Shark
Jed as Mario

Maggie the bunny
Sadie as Pippi.

They sure are cute. I am still waiting to see the costumes of my other 9 nieces & nephews.

Hint hint.