New year, new class, new school, new city, NEW EVERYTHING!

A couple weeks I started in Murray School District. I was pretty nervous. I have never worked in another district besides Provo, and I wasn't sure what to expect. I already knew the technology would be lacking, and technology is what I love about special education. There are so many fun things you can do with it in a classroom! And, let's be honest, I got really used to the luxury of having it available!

After a few days of new teacher meetings, (I had to start all over, I still get my years in some respects but as far as PTO and Sick days,- a provisional three years. Boo!)

I met a few people on my new team, and fell in love! I love working with people who know how to get the job done, yet can have a fun time and laugh along the way. I work best under those conditions!

I was able to set up my room with the help of the fabulous lover boy that is my husband. It was a bit of a rush, but we got it done!

On Friday 2 weeks ago, I had 7th graders. Oh boy. So cute, so little! Such dolls! A few toughies, but nothing this pro can't handle! (Ha!) We only had 4 that day and I was covered in sweat, curtousy of no AC and chasing around kids constantly. It is a hard transition to Jr. High!

I had the weekend to recover, but Monday brought the 8th and 9th graders. They were just as cute and fun, and not as difficult! Tuesday was all grades, and we had a few accidents and injuries. All was well, and I was shocked by the amount of support I had and the various amounts of people who came to check on us!

I am loving Murray and Riverview Jr. High so far! Everyone has been so welcoming, and I am thrilled to be working with Severe/Profound students. They have such a sweet, special spirit about them. It is such a blessing to be able to work with kids that you know have a ticket straight to heaven! I hope that I can be all that they need, understand them, love them, and most of all, I want them to know how much I love them and care for them. It is truly a blessing to have this job. I hear a lot of, "Oh, you are going to Heaven!" "What a talent you have!" "You must have so much patience!" "You will be blessed for doing this work!" - I agree with the last statement. I am blessed. Maybe not for the reasons one might think, but I truly feel rewarded every day. The smiles, hugs, and small progress bring so much joy to my life. I can truly say I love my job! Who else can say that? :)

There she be! Can't wait for those spring blossoms to reappear!

Family BBQ, Masterson style.

So before I go any further, allow me to preface this post with the fact that Devin, Carson and I were the only sober ones present. Love my family. They sure like to party!

My uncle Marty is a fantastic BBQ-er. He made us tri-tip, linguica, beans, salad, bread, the works! It was so much fun, and a great way to end out time in California. This was the first time in a LONG time, as in YEARS that we were all able to get together!

 We were pretending to kiss- just being goofy!

 Our pretend kiss turned into Samantha falling and it looking like I am eating her face.

 Gang banger.

 Devin got some sisterly love.

 Don't worry. HE IS NOT really drinking that! (It is a wierd family traditon to take a fake drinking picture when you are a baby. Don't judge.)

Fake kiss for my real lover.

My sisters, myself and Uncle Marty!

I have more pics but blogger is being slow. Oh well.

San Francisco!

Before we headed back home to Utah, we decided to take a trip to San Francisco, to visit our lovely friends, The Pattens! Jeff is currently in dental school there, so we wanted to see there new home! Gena and I have been friends for years and we just adore them! Gena was so gracious to take Carson for the evening so that Devin could check out the city with me! (He has never been!)

 We headed over the golden gate bridge in the glorious bay area fog. Devin was bummed. The whole time I sang the theme song to "Full House." How could you not!?

 The wind was pretty intense. We got out and stopped to lookout at alcatraz and the bridge, but couldn't see too much!

 We headed over to Pier 39 for some touristy stuff. The fog had cleared so Dev got a nice view of Alcatraz!

 Holy mini donut heaven! We decided to try some since the line looked long. We assumed they must be popular. We got a dozen to split, and ended up going back for more! We wanted to bring a BUCKET. Yes. A BUCKET of them back to Gena and the kids!

 We also checked out some fun stores, went to Haight and Ashbury, and drove the windy steep hills!



Upon return, the girls and Carson were having a fun time dancing around to the Tangled soundtrack. They didn't have a pretty dress for Carson to wear. I don't think he minded. :)

Around the corner from the Patten's, on our way out of town, we found an awesome view of the bridge, minus the fog! We needed to take a picture to show to Carson when he is older!

He was pretty tuckered out after a fun vacation. He loves his Milton Monkey!

La Vie Petite Winner!!!

La Vie Petite Winner!!!

                               Yes. I WON. That beauty in the picture!

I don't even know what to say except for today has been fabulous!

We got back from CA late last night (will blog about that later) and today we have been running on little sleep and adrenaline! We unpacked, I checked out my fabulous new school, unpacked my classroom, went and bought posters to hang in the room, and found out I won this fantastic skirt! I am beyond excited!

My throat hurts now because I was squealing. Carson was concerned and Devin thought I won the lotto or something! I grabbed Devin and we jumped up and down while I shouted, " I WON! I WON!" Over and over again. All I can say is wow.

                                             I feel lucky today!

Extended Stay

Well folks, it is about time to go home. {Utah}

Last night Carson had his FIRST ever SLEEPOVER! He spent the night at his Grandma and Grandpa's in his Auntie Samantha's room. They were all very excited to have him over! {Jessica, Melissa & my mom & dad} Mia, one of their dogs liked him being there a little TOO much! Carson was laying on my parent's bd drinking his bottle, and Mia got right in his face & licked off his milk dribble. Carson was pretty amused, until Miss Mis got a little too fresh with him & went for the french kiss. That pissed him off a bit. ;) He did not want us to leave! We ended up having to run to the store to get him more milk, because he wasn't going to settle down without a little refill. He fell asleep right after!

It was strange not having him with us, but we slept amazingly well! We even got an extra hour of sleep this morning!  

After I zumba-ed, {is that a word?} I showered and went over to get him around ten. My mom wanted him to stay but I brought him home for his nap. He was in one piece still & seemed happy so it alieviated my concerns and he will most likely stay again before we leave!

After his nap we went & visited my Uncle Marty & Aunt Carolyn. Carson played with their "goggie" and crawled in the grass. it was fun! Tonight Amanda and Danny joined us for some of Grandma's famous Spoon Tacos! {Fancy talk for Nacho's with Taco toppings} We had a fun time visiting!

My friend Mickaela took some wonderful pictures of Carson last week. They are on facebook right now. I will add them to the bloggy when we get home!

Speaking of home, We have decided to leave Tuesday morning instead of Monday. I wanted to stay a day longer because Nancy had a fever and we couldn't really see them today & we still aren't certain about tomorrow. When I talked to my Grandpa on the phone he seemed upset that we were leaving so soon. I felt bad because I wanted to spend some more time with them as well. On Thursday we went to dinner with them but I wanted to be able to hang out with them at their house so they could play with Carson. Now we will do that on Monday!

Getting ready to go home sucks. I want to go home, don't get me wrong, but I don't want to leave! It's like ripping off a band aid I guess. I hate the packing, loading, and the pull out of the driveway. I hate the stop at the gas station and the road out of town to the freeway. I just want to snap my fingers and be back home. I hate goodbye's I guess. I just have to remember it's not a godbye, just see you in October!

{Guilty} Pleasures.

Let's talk about my current guilty pleasures. Some guilty {and somewhat embarrasing}things that make my day enjoyable. :)


In no particular order:


Big Brother
Jersey Shore
The Today Show
All of the Real Housewives shows
Arrowhead Lemon Water
Diet Pepsi
Bran Muffins
Teen Books
Blog stalking
Taking Silly Pictures of Carson
TMZ.com
Pretty Little Liars
The Secret Life of the American Teenager
Home decor
Slim Fast chocolate shakes
Bananas with Peanut Butter and Honey
Zumba
Walking dogs
Roaming Wal Mart for no reason
Making lists
Planning
Buying cute cothes
Kissing my sweet boys
Night time cuddles
Country Music
Lil Wayne {edited}
Jamba Juice
Gossip Magazines
Thrifty crafts
Thinking about the future
Laying out in the sun 
Plucking my eyebrows
Facial exfoliations
Pedicures
Fun nail polish
Visiting my Grandpa
Reading stories to Carson
Degrassi
90's are all that on Teen Nick
Dirt Road Anthem Remix! Jam of the summer!


Sure! I could say more, but this good. :)

Sad day.

i was on a walk this gorgeous evening with my sister Jessica, Carson and my Grandma's dog, Molly. As I was walking around the neighborhood, chatting with Jessica and listening to Carson sing his lovely song I dubbed "Mama", it hit me. We go back to Utah in FOUR days. FOUR. This summer had flown by! I am having mixed feelings about going back. I am a bit homesick. I miss my stuff, I miss our own space. I miss my Utah friends and family.. I am excited to start my new job. I am worried I will not keep up with working out. I am scared for Carson to start daycare. I am happy my family was able to have so much time with Carson. I am glad we had the chance to make so many memories. The memories are what I will take with me. It is inevitable- we have to go back. I am okay with that. I really can't believe we are done with summer! I just try and fill my head with thoughts of fall...candles, leaves, cool air, halloween decor, ahhhh...!

Ok. I feel better.

All Dressed Up {La Vie Petite Giveaway}

All Dressed Up {La Vie Petite Giveaway}

i want this skirt!