Eating Watermelon at the National Arboretum

We went to the National Arboretum on Mother's Day. This is Adelaide and Maren sharing some watermelon.




The day before we went to Great Falls National Park. It was Adelaide's first time in the Kelty backpack. She liked it.

Adelaide, Outer Banks 2011

Hello!

Here are a few pics of Adelaide (and Maren) from our trip the Outer Banks last week.

Enjoy!

Joseph

2009 !

Wow! I am blogging for the first time in weeks (okay, really months. And in fact, Joseph actually posted my last entry). But one of my NYR is to blog at least once a month. Pitiful as that may sound to some of you, for me that is a big stride :)

The year ended relatively peacefully...with me taking a nap on Margo and Tim's couch while an eventful game of Monopoly ensued. I guess I'm just not the party animal I once was.

The Holidays were wonderful. I loved being with my family. I enjoyed seeing old friends and beautiful white snowfalls. I relished my mom's amazing cooking (the woman has it down). When I saw her week-long food itinerary I knew I had better stick to that resolution to visit the gym more frequently. I thrilled at the marriage of my brother to Joseph's sister, Elaine. They are truly a match made in heaven (cliche as it may sound, it's true). Ben, you've met your match! **picture to come later**

The hubs surprised me with the gift I've been dreaming of. Sadly with the start of school again I haven't had as much time as I would have liked to learn and practice, but it's already been fun to play with! It will be one of my projects for 2009.

I was trying to come up with one word to sum up 2008. And honestly what kept coming to mind was the word CHANGE. Now to some of you that might conjure up images of the most recent presidential election, but for me it brings back memories of the many beautiful and exciting changes that I encountered this past year.

For those of you who got our Christmas card this may be a little repetitive.
I changed careers when I was accepted in the DC Teaching Fellows program in February 2008.

We moved into DC just before starting school in August.

We changed scenery, wards, callings, and our circle of friends (not an easy change)

Joseph received a promotion and began grad classes at Johns Hopkins

Both Megan, Margo and Ben were married in 2008! (Bless my mother).

My family welcomed our first niece and nephew, and Joseph added one to his.

Karen (Joseph's sister) left to serve a mission and Sam left for college. We miss them both.

On the other hand, there will always remain the constants in my life. My incredible husband, my family and dear friends, and most importantly, the Savior. I am so grateful that in a world that changes so frequently that we can have an assurance in the grace and love of our brother Jesus Christ.

Hello September

Well, a few weeks ago I got my own very special google reader and so have been keeping up with a few people's blogs and maybe I kind of like the whole blogging things...anyway, Maren did say I could post on her blog back in early 2008, so I guess I'll take her up on her offer by posting a few things to get all you loyal readers up to speed. Maybe one day I'll even get my own blog.

So here we go...

Maren and I were asked to bear our testimonies in church today as new members of the ward…I'm hoping that counted as our introductory talks! Maren was called to be the Laurel (Young Women's) advisor in our ward and I was called as the Elder Quorum 1st Counselor last week. So we are excited to serve in our new ward. After our testimonies were the testimonies of two new converts in the ward, both very different and nice in their own way. The first brother was from Jamaica and was a Rastafarian priest for 25+ years and Islamic for 10 more years after that before joining the church. He was similar to a black-gospel preacher…very loud and powerful. I really liked his testimony. The closing testimony was by Mary from Cameroon, and she told us her entire life story…pretty much literally…needless to say we went way over time!

This week was another STRUGGLE with a capital S for Maren as a third grade teacher. It has been really hard and hasn't been getting much easier…but I know over time she will prevail because she is such a hard worker, doesn't quit, and has the natural talent to be a very effective teacher. There is just a lot to learn and manage on the fly. The main problem has been listening. Lots of disobedience, space cadets, outright defiance and behavior problems. She has about six boys that are real trouble makers that make it hard for the rest of the class. She has called quite a few parents every week and by the third week (last week) she started sending kids to the principal's office…one child's behavior even merited calling the police on Wednesday….um, yeah.

So anyway, it's been a battle of survival for Maren; long days, lots of preparation, and lots of crushing (her spirit). I make the meals, make sure she is fed, and try and keep the house kind of clean. =) On Wednesday she started her university class (how to teach Elementary math) and was able to meet up with her old DC Teaching Fellow buddies and they could all commiserate and swap stories…so she felt much better after that. We also visited her old roommates last night, one of which is also an elementary school teacher in the area, who had a lot of good advice and funny stories…so I'm hoping with that and the spiritual fortification of Sunday she will be ready to do battle again on Monday morning… I'm sure she will succeed and win out in the end…but for now she could use a few extra prayers on her behalf and also on her student's behalf!

We have been really glad we moved into the city because of the close proximity to Maren's school. This week we also bought a sleeper sofa so we can have a place for guests to sleep if anyone wants to come visit!

As for me, work in starting to settle into a routine, after making the transition to a new job and training Shawn in my old job. Fall classes started for me two weeks ago as well. I really like my macroeconomics professor: he is very passionate and enthusiastic and is a great teacher. My econometrics teacher is probably the exact opposite, boring to the extreme. But I will be grateful for the one good instructor.

On Monday I went to traffic court; in May I had received a "reckless driving, passing a school bus" ticket, so Monday was my day of justice. Paul Mickelson, my old Elder's Quorum President, represented me as my lawyer...free of charge! Luckily we got the charged reduced to improper driving (just a normal traffic ticket) instead of reckless (which is a misdemeanor). So I was very thankful for Paul's help. (Thank you Paul!!!!!!)

We went to Les Miserables at Wolf Trap last Saturday – right when tropical storm Harriet (or whatever it's name was) was sweeping through DC. So it was soaking wet…but the show must go on! You can see some people wearing rain coats in the background. It was my first time seeing the musical and it was very moving and powerful. What a great story, such a powerful message of the atonement.

Last Sunday we had Sara Bartles and my Virginia family over for dinner and it was Sara's birthday, so we had a little celebration. Lorna was kind enough to perform a few dances for us while Maren sang Disney princess songs for accompaniment…at the end of each song Lorna would take a deep bow – like the one you see in the picture!

Other People's Children

I spent yesterday in a fourth-grade classroom in one of DC's public schools. Immediately I loved the inquisitive natures and bold personalities of Miss A's students. The students wanted to give me hugs and ask about my family; they wondered if I was going to be their teacher next year. I loved it! But there were also things that didn’t match the picture of care-free learning I’m sure we would all like to have. 70% of the students are low-income, a metal detector is at the door, and just blocks are several “project” areas in DC’s southwest corner. Miss A is the only white teacher in her school; and about 15 years younger than any of the other teachers.

While observing her classroom I realized that her story will soon be my story too. I will be putting long hours and a lot of work into other people's children. Children who didn’t grow up the way I did, who may not share the same world view I do, and who certainly do not have the sort of educational support I grew up with. What is it about this challenge that excites my mind and makes me think that finally I may have a job that doesn't generate boring days or lack creativity? I think it's the feeling of doing something meaningful in a world of otherwise unmeaningful work (okay, this might be an exaggeration, but sometimes that's how I feel). I think there are two jobs that, for me, would fill this description of meaning. One is teaching your own children, and the other is teaching someone else’s! I know this will require some real self-evaluation on my part, because what’s right for “my” kids might not be what’s right for someone else’s.

I have enjoyed reading Lisa Delpit’s book about cultural conflict in the classroom. She talks about the codes of power that teachers (especially white) have when it comes to contributing to the success or failure of a child within the larger community. Of course, a teacher can only do so much, but what I want to make certain is that my part of the “much” is infused with as much understanding and love as I can possibly make it. I already feel like there is so much I don’t know, but what I do know is that I want to make a difference, and I want to make it in the right way. As Delpit puts it, we should not be seeking to give another voice to a child who already has their own, but to teach them to express their voice in ways that are recognized by a larger community, a community that will provide opportunity and a greater acceptance of their potential for success.

thoughts while not working

Isn't she darling?!

I guess I'm kind of on a blogging rampage today. But why work if you don't have to, right? Haha. I was looking through some pictures of my little sis' wedding (courtesy of my brother in law) and suddenly I got all sappy and sentimental. I have two amazing sisters who mean the world to me. I just wanted to give a little shout out to the two of them here.....for no particular reason. Just to tell them. I LOVE BEING A SISTER!

Post Memorial Day blues

I was so bummed to have to return to work after a killer Memorial Day weekend. We spent the holiday at Lake Anna, a beautiful Virginia State Park. We rented a little cabin with Megan and Perry (and Bailey, their puppy). The weather was incredible and I was happy spending my days playing in the lake, laying in the sunshine and reading in the rocking chair on the cabin porch. Coming back to work was a shock to my system. Really, if it's going to be a four-day work week, and Congress is in recess, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't just begin a Memorial Week holiday...

So amidst my post Memorial Day blues, my darling husband calls:

J: Hey babe, how would you like a frosty with your lunch?

M: Ummm, that would be great, but seeing how the nearest Wendys is....oh 8 miles from here, I don't think that's going to happen

J: Chocolate or Vanilla?

M: Uhh, chocolate.

J: I'll see you in a few

And that's when I knew I had married the man of my dreams :)
Nothing says I love you like a frosty from across town on a hot May day.

Family days in May

It's been a family filled month. Megan got married out here in April and Margo got married in early May, so we spent time with my family in DC and while we were in Utah. It was especially wonderful to see all the family that traveled to DC and UT, from New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, Alaska, and more.

Adorable Margo and Tim. Congrats you two!!

Megan & Perry

The fam at Margo's weddingWe have also got to spend a lot of time with Joseph's family while living here in VA. I really count myself lucky to have such wonderful in-laws. I know a lot of people who struggle with an aggressive mother-in-law, or a nosy sister-in-law, but really the family I married into is just the best! Karen was recently called on a mission to....FIJI! Wooowooo! And we got to go to the DC temple with her earlier this month. Rachel, Joseph's older sister, came down (or really, across) from Oregon and I loved seeing her and little baby Ruth...sooooo precious.

Our future missionary :)

I love having family so close.

re-entry

Can I just say I'm so embarassed that the last time I blogged was....oh....in FEBRUARY! What the? It's not like my life suddenly got so insanely crazy that I had no time to....oh, wait, it did!! Just kidding. Well, sort of.

The last few months have been exciting. I was accepted into a fellowship program through American University. My program begins in June, and I will start teaching at a DC Public Elementary School in the fall, working toward a MA in Education. Wow, I know! Kind of a change from the old political realm. I just felt like it was time to move on, and find something that was fulfilling in a different way. So if my employers are reading this now (I haven't yet told them about the new job thing....errr, I hate doing stuff like that!), just know I have loved working here, but it's time for a new and exciting challenge. I am now studying for the Praxis I and II exams. So if any of you have any experience or insights you would like to offer me, they would be much appreciated.

Spring is always a season of weddings, but I didn't really think that both of my sisters would be getting married! Yep, all three Farnsworth sisters, married off in one calendar year. My poor mom! Soon after I finished taking a Wilton I cake decorating class at the local Michaels I was asked to make my first wedding cake. Ummm, do note that I only took Wilton I, but that didn't seem to make any difference and I did Megan's cake, for her April wedding.

It was surprisingly very fun. And after only one melt down, at which point Joseph told me I would be going to bed and coming back to my project in the morning (smart man), I was quite pleased that the finished product actually looked good enough to display. The wedding was beautiful. Washington, DC during the cherry blossoms really can't be beat. As soon as she gets her pics back I'll post some. For now here are some pictures of the seasons first blossoms. We saw these back in March when we visited the National Catherdral with our friends, the Dances.
A few of you (Natalie) have asked about my quilt exchange. We had a few people drop out, so there's been some shuffling and waiting. But my first block arrived last week!! It's darling. Sadly, my little squares are not yet ready to send. With visitors and vacations, weddings and working, I haven't had as much time to craft and quilt as I would have liked. So there will have to be more of an update....at a later date.

I am so excited that spring is here. I took a walk today, on the off-chance that I might run into the pope, or at least get a glimpse of his famed Popemobile. I strolled down Pennsylvania Ave (a tip in the Express, for all you Metro readers, had said he was leaving the White House around 1:00 and heading to a lunch). And although I didn't see the man himself, I did love seeing all the people gathered. I think that is one neat thing about religion. Regardless of the faith, religion is something that can bring people of many different backgrounds together. For instance, a group of small children carrying proudly their signs that bore messages such as, "Welcome! Our German Shepherd," followed by the group of young hispanics strumming their guitars and singing a beautiful spanish melody. I am grateful to know that God loves all His children! Anyhow, I guess that is something Spring reminds me of, God's Love.

Sew time

Well friends, I've decided to expand my domestic realm and recently joined a quilt exchange. I'm super excited! Thanks to my good friend Jane who linked me up with some other quilters, some experienced and some "wannabes" (like myself). The fabric collection is so bright and beautiful, and my lovely choices just arrived in the mail today-hooray!!

We are doing a rail fence design. And, to all you readers out there, we are still lacking 3 quilters in order to make the full 16 square quilt, so if you are interested let me know and I can give you the details. And honestly there is no need to be intimidated...even if you've never quilted. This is a great way to get your feet wet for first-time quilters and it ends up being less expensive because you make all your squares out of the same fabrics.

Here are my choices: (everyone will be doing white for the third strip in the block)

And if you have any quilting tips I'd love to hear them!

So long BFG

After 28 years resting at Hains Point, this sleepy giant-a wonderful DC monument and a favorite of mine-has moved! The Awakening, created by artist J.Seward Johnson, was transplanted this week across the river into Maryland. And I'm sad to see him go.

I first discovered Hains Point with some of my intern buddies. One of them, his last name Hains, insisted we visit this 'namesake' place. One cold winter evening we did; and I have been bringing people there ever since. After taking a full-time job in DC I used to run to Hains Point after work. I felt like it was a place where I could clear my head, and feel distanced from the fast-pace of the city. What better place to think than in a giant palm?! The statue has always reminded me of a scripture in 2 Ne 1: 13 & 23
• • •
"O that ye would awake; awake from a deep asleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, which are the chains which bind the children of men, that they are carried away captive down to the eternal gulf of misery and woe.
"Awake, my sons; put on the armor of arighteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust."
• • •
That's what The Awakening represents to me. The strength of man, shaking off the shakles and arising from the dust (literally) to a better and new life.

I've been tagged

10 Years Ago: I was nearing my 15th birthday and wishing I was old enough to 'date'. My friend Heather and I were the only two freshmen on the dance team, and I think we thought we were pretty cool (right Heather?). I was involved in speech and drama (my mother is an English/Theater teacher) and we were getting ready for my first region and state competitions...that year I was region impromptu champ. Let's just say I've always had the gift of gab :)

5 Things On My To-Do List Today: 1)workout with Joseph 2)set up appointments for clients at work 3)fold the laundry 4)finish sewing a few baby shower gifts I've been working on 5)go grocery shopping so I can make dinner (my poor husband! We've been a little busy and our pantry shelves are a little bare).

Things I Would Do If I Were Suddenly Made A Billionaire: Pay off school loans. Visit family and friends. Buy this million dollar + house in Georgetown that I've had my eye on. Own a Bed & Breakfast. Travel, travel, travel. Save. Invest in the Perpetual Education Fund (I have this thing for education. I don't think there is a greater investment than in someone's education). But you know, I honestly don't think I have to be a billionaire to do all the things I would like to....it just might not be as easy!

3 of my bad habits: 1)I am a clutter-bug. No matter how hard I try I am always absent-mindedly leaving my stuff everywhere. Literally, at the end of the day I will look around and there will be little piles of "maren" everywhere--my coats, shoes, books, crafts scattered all over my house. (Never is it any of Joseph's stuff)... 2)The above to-do list should be telling enough. I sometimes procrastinate folding the laundry or going to the grocery store among other things. This was a particularly bad habit in college 3)I am never really ready for work when I leave the house. Just knowing that I have a 40 minute metro ride somehow slows down my entire morning process and I end up putting my makeup on while I metro to work, everyday!

5 Places I have lived: Utah, Alaska, South Dakota, Virginia...and...heaven (is that sad I really haven't lived in 5 places, haha)!

5 Jobs I have had: Shelf stocker at Al's FoodTown, EFY counselor, Bryce Canyon cowgirl, teaching assistant, Senate scheduler, legislative anaylst.

Things most people don't know about me: For a comprehensive list you can refer to this post.

I am tagging....anyone who is reading this (lurkers and all).

Happy Valentine's Day: Even more than before

I left a little Valentine note for my hubby this morning, just to tell him how much I love him....it said, I love you even more than I did before. I realize that might come off a little wrong. But what I am trying to say is that I think it's a miracle how love can grow so much in a few short months, a week, or even a day. I was laughing as Joseph danced in the kitchen last night (he has some really great dance moves, by the way) and I told him, "this is why I married you!" The thing is, I didn't know all of those crazy, quirky dance moves before I married him, so it wasn't really true. So I thought (and said aloud, of course), "why did I marry you?"...(meaning what was it that I loved about you then that I have since added to now) :)

Let me tell you a few reasons why:
He is always thinking ahead. I knew it from the moment he told me one of his New Year's resolutions was to marry me in the temple (this was prior to our becoming really that serious).

He is unpretentious. He is never false or showy, regardless of the numerous life-experiences he has had. I loved this about him from the moment I met him. His direct, to the point kind of attitude makes him oh so loveable!

He is my goat. And by way of explanation let me tell you something about relationships and an old tradition. In every relationship there is a goat and a race horse. The goat is the calming influence that keeps the race horse from being in an incredibly wound-up state for much of the time. Traditionally, Goats have been placed in a horse’s stall on the night before the race, because they are thought to have a calming effect on high-strung thoroughbreds.

He is determined. When he makes up his mind to do something, he is going to get it done (and in the most efficient manner possible, too).

He is patient. I think he would disagree with me on this one, but I have seen his patience in our marriage time and time and time again (thanks honey)!

There are many more, but I'm not going to bore you all with a never-ending list of reasons. I just hope that today you will remember to tell the person(s) you love-WHY.

Great men remembered

As we celebrate the birth of one great man today....
We also celebrate the birth of another....
Happy Birthday Ben! You are GREAT in so many ways. I hope you have a fabulous day--full of love, smiles, songs, cake and of course, snow! I LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday Baby!

This one is for my other love....(besides those cupcakes).

Joseph celebrated his 26th birthday today. I was so excited I had a hard time sleeping last night(of course. I'm weird about things like holidays and celebrations). We had strawberry crepes and eggs for breakfast and wished that we could just take the day off. But, seeing as how I have already used 21 of my alloted 10 vacation days (do remember that I got married this year) that wasn't really an option!

After work we met up for a quick dinner at this little Mexican place by my office, where I presented the hubs with the previously blogged about cupcakes. Of course I was far more excited by them than he was, but you can't argue that they are divine.

The evening ended with a show at the Wolly Mammoth Theater in DC, where we saw a one-woman show based on a teacher's experience in inner city schools dealing with No Child Left Behind. We went with the inlaws (who are fantastic) and really, really, really liked the play. To any DCers, we would highly recommend it.

And I am now typing this post as a little tribute to the handsome man that is the reason behind all these celebrations!! So...HAPPY BIRTHDAY, honey.

For the Love

Cake Love, that is.

Today is Joseph's birthday, and because we are going with his parents to a play tonight we won't really have any time to have the traditional cake and ice cream at home. So...I hopped on the metro to U Street to a favorite little bakery of mine and picked up a few of these babies.

Inside this little box



Is a delightful treat, ready to satisfy the biggest of sweet tooths (uh, that would be me).

Four mouth-watering flavors: Chocolate buttercream on chocolate, strawberry-chocolate, raspberry-chocolate, and German chocolate on chocolate. They're for my husband, but let's be honest...

if this were staring you in the face could you say NO...to just one tiny little bite?! I think not.

And, once again, Cake Love does not disappoint.

Holiday Happenings

Okay, so I've been off the blogging bandwagon for a little while, but in an attempt to jump back on this may turn into a "super post."

The holidays this year were particularly wonderful. It may have something to do with the fact that I now have someone particularly wonderful to share them with. Some of the best parts were spending time with family and friends, seeing old friends, shopping for Joseph (does it ever get better than spoiling your sweetheart?), eating mounds of delicious holiday treats, and enjoying the outdoors and a white, white Utah Christmas.

Seeing fall meet winter is a beautiful thing. An early snow in Virginia put us in the Christmas mood...
As the holiday treat cravings set in I invited some USU alum friends over and we had a great time making peppermint bark, caramels and other goodies.


I also got to catch up with an old friend, Anne Marie. I loved meeting her sweet baby, Jaclyn and enjoying some good laughs. Good friends and good memories are some of the sweetest parts of life.

Then it was on to Utah for the festivities. Snowmobiling.

There was a lot of this.....

and some of this...

And of course there was this.....

Christmas morn and the family pajamas (Designed and produced by yours truly...8 pairs of pjs...never again)!

Christmas Dinner

We've been friends since kindergarten, and even though we may only see each other once ore twice a year, we never skip a beat. I was so glad Shayla stopped by to say hi.
Getting all dressed up for dinner is the tradition at our house. Actually any excuse to get dressed up is tradition at our house :)
I also got to see my friend, MaryJo and her beautiful family. The Floyd Farnsworth family made a pit stop in Duchesne and had the famous pre-Christmas clam chowder. As well as Eric, another family adoptee.
And at the end of it all, I think this is how we all felt :) After all his hard work, the old elf was just tuckered out!