Thursday, June 25, 2009

A few last things...

Today I turn in my keys and my laptop to my principal. My time here has officially ended, and the new chapter is soon to begin. Summer school is over in an hour and a half. We are having a super cool water party. My principal came in and told the kids to make sure to get the teachers all wet. Sounds fun eh? Families are coming into town today, I'm going to finishing moving (Taylor: Where'd you get ALL this stuff?), and hopefully I can fit a nap in there somewhere. Oh, I can't wait to be on the beach next week! 

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Happy Father's Day!



Happy Fathers Day!!! I am so lucky to have such a wonderful father. He has taught me so much over the last 24 years! I have had a chance to reflect (and bawl my eyes out) as I pick a song to dance with my dad for the reception.  He has always been such an involved dad, and willing to do anything for his kids. When we were little we used to have daddy daughter dates, and I looked forward to those every time they came around. Another fun thing my dad and I used to do was make spice pictures. I would choose a page out of the coloring book. Dad would put the glue in each section, then we would use all my mom's different spices to create our masterpiece. Thanks dad for all the fun times, the adventures, your patience, your perseverance, and love. You mean the world to me. 


I also couldn't go without saying thank you to my soon to be father-in-law. He has raised four great children, one of whom I am lucky enough to be marrying. He has taught Taylor about hard work, having goals, and the importance of family. It has been fun to get to know him over the last little bit. Thanks Scott for being a great father! 

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Crazy. Times Three.


Crazy. Crazy. Crazy.

First, crazy how much I love this man. He loves me for who I am and is so patient with me. He calms me down, builds me up, makes me believe I can do anything, and supports my love for Diet Dr. Pepper. He drives an hour both ways just to see me on his few and far between days off. He has called me every night, without fail, since our first date. He is wonderful and amazing and I am so lucky.

Second, crazy that I am almost his wife. What I originally thought would crawl by has simply flown. Only eight days until we are sealed for time and all eternity. I can hardly wait.

Third, crazy how I am packing up my life once again. This is my 5th move in 6 years. And we will probably move again next year, bringing the total to 6 in 7. Starting a new job, surviving grad school, finding a place to live, hopefully not dying in a tornado (that's my ultimate goal), and living on a teachers salary, all big hurdles to conquer. Luckily I get to do them all with my best friend.

This might be the last post for awhile. It might be the last post on this site. But don't worry, those that want to watch our tornado dodging adventures can follow us at themcfarlandteam.blogspot.com. Send me an email or comment with your email, cause sorry folks, it's private. (now come on, we're not that interesting that complete strangers would want to read our blog!)

Friday, June 12, 2009

The Temple


Today I was able to go through the temple for the first time. What an amazing and special experience. It was so nice that Taylor was able to come. We also had my mom, Taylor's mom, my aunt Gina, and my Nana and Papa there to support me. It was great to be surrounded by family. It was a special day that I will always remember!

The Illinois Conclusion


So, after I finally got my bag in Illinois, I calmed down a little bit and was able to enjoy my vacation. It was fun riding on the airplane with the boys and they took their turns sitting with "Linny". After 3 hours on an airplane, with 4 year olds, things get a little crazy.

While in Illinois we had a big party for my grandparent's 50th anniversary. It was fun to see how many friends they have and hear stories from the past. My grandpa's college roommate was there and told us some of his antics back in the day. We mostly hung out, ate, and played whiffle ball. We got in a little fishing, complete with Papa's famous Wheaties bait.


The flight back home was just as crazy, but I made it and so did my bag. I think it will be a long time before I fly anywhere again! (P.S. Did I mention we have some Cub Fans in these pictures?)

Friday, June 5, 2009

The First 24 Hours in Illinois

Yesterday was completely crazy. It started off with Taylor taking me to work. What a nice treat. It just made my whole day. It made up for the craziness that was to ensue during the following 24 hours after.

After work, we went to lunch and he dropped me off at the airport. I was on my way to Illinois for my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary. My mom bought our tickets online, and therefore I was scheduled on a million different airlines. I was to fly from SLC to Boise, then to Denver, and then to Peoria. I went to Delta, they told me I was on United. Went to United, they said I was on Delta. After frantically making it to my gate, I arrived in Boise to find that United had given up my seat on the flight to Denver. I was supposed to meet my family and fly the rest of the way with them, but they had to go and I had to stay. Luckily my aunt and uncle and their adorable 3 boys were flying out an hour later on a direct flight to Chicago. Even though the airline had no idea where my bag was (details later) I got on the plane hoping that everything would work out. On the flight we watched Gilligans Island, took a little nap, and drank all the free 7 up we could get our hands on.

We arrived in Chicago, I had the twin boys with me, and we were walking through 5 lanes of traffic trying to get to the rental car shuttle. We barely made it out of Chicago and had a 2.5 hour drive ahead of us. We made it to the hotel, met my parents and settled in. I still had no bag, no pajamas, contact solution, toothbrush, etc. My mom was nice and stopped by the local walmart and picked me up a contact case and a toothbrush.

We woke up early this morning, got ready and came to Gmas and Gpas to hang out. I had been trying not to drink Diet Dr. Pepper, but after this adventure, I needed one. I called the airline this morning, and they said my bag had ended up in Minneapolis (seriously?) and that it would be here by 5pm. After that we were on a mission to change my return flight to avoid the same problems. My mom was on the phone with the airline for an hour and a half! Somehow they deleted all legs of my flight except from Denver to Boise. So, after an hour and a half of ridiculousness, I was back on my original flight, and we weren't going to worry about it. Well, not for now at least. I got my bag at the airport, the 45 minute drive took Kels and I two hours (go figure). At least now I don't have to wear the same clothes for 3 days.

I think tonight I am going to sit in the hot tub and soak it all away. Oh, and next time, I'm going to carry on and fly only on one airline.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Grand Plans

Today I had grand plans. I even had to get out my planner to write them all down. Then, after summer school I went to see my favorite podiatrist (really, he is wonderful). We talked hockey, camping, and then he gave me the news. I need surgery. He asked, "Do you want to be in a boot for your wedding?" I promptly replied no, and he decided to try some other measures before we go ahead with surgery. Needless to say, the list of my grand plans has kinda gone out the window because I have a numb foot. I put my sandal back on after the procedure, and had to look like 5 times to make sure the straps were right. I felt like I had straps in between my toes. What a weird sensation. Oh well, there's always tomorrow to carry out my grand plans.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

A Memorial Weekend to Remember

Taylor and I had been planning since March to go and visit his parents in northern California. I was so excited. I have been to Southern California more times than I can count, so this was going to be an adventure. Plus, spending 5 days with Taylor was reason enough to go. 

It was a long drive, but we stopped at In and Out to refuel. It was delicious! 
Friday we woke up early and headed to San Francisco with Tay's parents and his sister. I was excited to go to San Francisco. We went to Golden Gate Park, walked around Haight Ashbury, went on campus, and went to Pier 39. Despite the freezing cold and ridiculous wind, it was such a blast! It was a day well spent. 
Saturday we woke up early (again) because Taylor was determined to beat Megan at a game of tennis. Tay is one of those people who can do anything he tries. Isn't it annoying? I was the designated photog, and sat on the sidelines and took pictures. 

After the fabulous bridal shower that Taylor's mom's friends threw for me, we went out to the lake. We wakeboarded and got rocked on the tube. Let's just say Taylor's dad took us for quite a ride. One run and I was done! 
Sunday we went to church, looked at old pictures of Taylor growing up, talked wedding plans, and just relaxed. We ate a scrumptious dinner of Tri-tip and rolls, baked potatoes, salad, and dessert. We packed up and tried to mentally prepare ourselves for the long drive home. 


Monday morning we got ready to leave. It was quite the task because we had lost Taylor's cell phone and sunglasses. We cut our losses and just left. We made it to the gas station down the road and realized we had the keys to the suburban. We had to drive back home. Then we decided to go to the storage unit and look for the missing items in the boat. No luck. Then we headed out again. 15 minutes into the drive Tay's parents called to say they had found them. We drove back to get them, and then left again for the 3rd time. An hour and a half later, we were finally on our way. 

It was such a nice relaxing weekend, and I am excited to go back in four weeks! I love my new family and all the "McFarland Adventures" we had over the weekend. Let's just say we were never short on laughs and fun. Thanks Scott and Stacy! 

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Almost there...


In 24 hours I will be in warm, sunny California. Here is what is to come: 

-Hanging around San Francisco. 
- Touring Sacramento
-A bridal shower
- Swimming and boating on the lake
-Delicious Sunday Dinner (Tay has put in multiple meal requests)
-Seeing my fabulous soon-to-be in-laws. 
-Spending 5 uninterrupted days with my man... and 18 hours in the car. 

Did I mention... I CAN'T WAIT!!!! 

Monday, May 18, 2009

Dance Festival 2009

It's true. We made it to the dance festival. This officially marks the beginning of the end. Every year I am in charge of making up the dance for the whole second grade. We started learning it way back in April, so the kids were ready to show off what they had been practicing. Besides the speaker starting to smoke mid-performance, it went off without a hitch. And, it was nice for the other second grade teachers to go along with my crazy idea to tye-dye shirts for every second grader! I think they turned out great. I'm sure going to miss Geneva when I'm 1,000 miles away in Kansas!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Itching

Itching.... to be here: 

To eat here: 


To be with him: 


7 long days and I will be!!! 

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Butt officially kicked...

So tonight I went to Spin Class (my friend Leslee got me hooked last year!) I absolutlely love it! But tonight, there was only two of us in the class. Personal attention is great, but I think the instructor went crazy on us cause were regulars. Let's just say I got my but kicked. I can't remember the last time I sweated that much. Though at about 4:00pm I was seriously considering not going, I'm glad I went. I always am. I'm going to sleep well tonight!

Sunday, May 3, 2009


(Goodbye beautiful mountains. At least we
captured you in our engagement pictures!)


In about two months this blog will be shut down. You can follow the happenings of the McFarlands at themcfarlandteam.blogspot.com. It will be private, so if you want to be able to see all of our adventures in Kansas make sure to text, call, email or post a comment with your email address so I can send you an invite! Have no fear, I still havea about two months, so you'd better believe that I'm going to innundate this dang website with my 2 cents!

The past 5 days have been so much fun. Here's why:

Wednesday: Stacy (My wonderful future mother in law) was in town so we met her in Salt Lake for dinner. I always order the wrong thing, and then regret it, but Tay let me have some of his (isn't he wonderful?).

Thursday: I headed up to Park City for my last round of meetings for the associates program. All the meetings have been about improving our classrooms, schools, and school district. These two days we focused on change. I found it so perfectly fitting. An answer to prayer. There are many changes happening for me this summer. I'm not nervous one ounce about getting married. It's the picking up and leaving everything I've ever known part that kind of gets me thinking. This is what I learned at my meeting:
  • Change is a journey and not a blueprint.
  • It's not that we're so in love with the old ways or afraid of change, but it's that place in between trapezes. it's the part in the middle that frightens us. It's like Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to.
I'm excited for a change. I couldn't do it if I wasn't going with my best friend.

Friday: Slept in, took a nice hot shower, went to my meetings, was done by two, got a pedicure. I went up to Ogden and met Taylor for his dinner break. I hung out at Brianne's hous with her two cute kids.

Saturday: Taylor's cousins threw me an amazing Pampered Chef Bridal shower. I seriously got SO MUCH stuff. It was fun to meet everyone and I couldn't be more excited to be a part of the family. Thanks Kara and Brianne! After that I went to Ronna's to finish my veil. I absolutely LOVE IT. It's a short little birdcage veil with feathers and rhinestones. I ended up staying at Ronnas. Erin and I convinced her that we needed pizza and a movie. We had a girls night, and even though I live 15 minutes away, we had a little sleepover. Gotta love cousins.

Sunday: Went to my cousin's baby blessing. Baby Bridgette is so cute. She seriously does not cry. I learned something about my family (well, I think I've always known this but..): At the blessing there was a ton of my Uncle Dave's family and only a handful of my family (Gina's family), but I'm not kidding my family is SO LOUD! You wouldn't have even known the Murphy's were there with how loud we are. Love it!

Now I'm home relaxing. Only 3 more Mondays of school. Hard to beleive, kinda a relief. Then good ole' summer school starts. Did I mention that this week I have my bridal pictures, cake testing, more school meetings, and I'm flying home on Friday. Crazy, crazy, life.

You Might Want To Know...

I have so much on my mind and so much to post about, but I can't get it all figured out in my head, so until I do, I'll leave you with this. I saw this on my friends blog and thought is was kinda funny.

65 Questions You Are Rarely Asked

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
Hair

2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
Blue

4. Do you plan outfits?
Yes, usually the night before.

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
Excited to see family, and thankful that I had such an amazing four days with friends, fiance, and family.

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red right now?
my hairspray bottle

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
Last night I had a dream, but I can't really remember what it was about. The last one was that I had really long hair on my wedding day. That's wishful thinking.

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
I met lots of new people yesterday, will meet more today at Bridgette's blessing.

9. What are you craving right now?
Last night it was pizza. Erin and I went and got a pizza, watched a movie, and had a girls night. Thanks Ronna!

10. Do you floss?
Yes

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
Asian Salad that I eat all summer.

12. Are you emotional?
It depends on the situation. Sometimes I surprise myself. I cried watching Grey's Anatomy the other night. haha!

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
Yes

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
Lick it.

15. Do you like your hair?
wish it was longer, but then I want to cut it all off. I like it, but never feel like I can style it right.

16. Do you like yourself?
Most of the time.

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
Yes, I think there is much to learn from everyone.

18. What are you listening to right now?
my church CD

19. Are your parents strict?
Being the oldest, I wasn't allowed to do things that my siblings were. I was also a pretty good kid. I never had a desire to rebel, so that made it eaiser.

20. Would you go sky diving?
Maybe, for money.

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
Only with yogurt and grapes in it.

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
Yes. I literally RAN INTO Larry King. (He's little).

23. Do you rent movies often?
Lately, I have been more.

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
A couple of pairs of shoes, jewlery. Oh, and this gorgeous ring on my finger. ;)

25. How many countries have you visited?
3- Cayman Islands, Mexico, and does the U.S. count???

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
Yes.

27. Ever been on a train?
Not that I remember, but I want to. I tried to convince Taylor that we should ride the train to Sacramento in a few weeks. 16 hours wasn't too appealing.

28. Brown or white eggs?
White

29. Do you have a cell-phone?
Yes

30. Do you use chap stick?
Yes, daily.

31.Do you own a gun?
Yes. My dad bought me my own gun when I was 8. It's at his house though. I'll get it some day.

32. Can you use chop sticks?
No.

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
Family and roomates.

34. Are you too forgiving?
I don't think there is such a thing.

35. Ever been in love?
Yes

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
Going to school.

37. Ever have cream puffs
Yes

38. Last time you ate a snickers?
Not a huge fan. Can't remember.

39. What was the last question you asked?
If Jenni was paying her rent today.

40. Favorite time of the year?
First week of June

41. Do you have any tattoo?
Nope

42. Are you sarcastic?
Yes

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
Parts of it.

44. Have you ever walked into a wall?
Yes, unfortunately this has happened numerous times.

45. Favorite color?
I love brown, but with accent colors like red or mustard yellow.

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
Yes, playfully.

47. Is your hair curly?
No

48. What was the last CD you bought?
Reflections of Christ

49. Do looks matter?
Yes

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
I would like to think I could, but I don't think I could. Betrayal is huge.

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
No, thanks to my teacher discount from Verizon wireless

52. Do you like your life right now?
Love it!

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
Nope.

54. Can you handle the truth?
Usually

55. Do you have good vision?
I have horrible vision. But my soon to be Father in Law is an amazing ophthalmologist. Lasik is hopefully in my future.

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
Hmmm.. depends if I'm at work or not.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
Daily

59. What are you wearing?
black pencil skirt, green shirt, belt

60.What is your favorite animal?
dogs (only certain kinds)

61. Where was your favorite picture taken?
My friend's wedding.

62. Can you hula hoop?
Yep. I hold the record on WiiFit. so there.

63. Do you have a job?
Yes. And I love it. Can't imagine doing anything else.

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
Gelato. Another splurge for our girls night.

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
Yes, at Taylor's apartment. Don't ask.

More real stuff coming soon!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Realizations of Reality

Kelsey and Grant packed up their moving truck this weekend, and are currently headed into the large abyss we call Texas. I was talking to my mom today, trying to cure her of her depressed state as she realizes that this is the first of many moves over the next few months. First Kels and Grant moving to Texas, Taylor and I moving to Kansas in July, and Robbie moving to Provo sometime in August. Oh, the life of an empty nester. It's wierd to think that we will all be so spread out. Kels and I will only be 5 hours apart, but for the past few years we have only been 20 minutes apart. Today I called her at 6:45 am hoping to talk to her before she took off. She didn't answer. And still hasn't called me back. It was a realization that she is no longer just a few minutes away. Now I will have to rely on the phone and her blog to keep me updated. I also thought I'd be here when Rob went to BYU. I dreamed about having him over for Sunday dinners and going to his Hockey games. Last night as I put on my BYU Hockey shirt for bed, I realized that I might not get to see him play any games. I got kinda sad. I guess we have all done some realizing here in the past little while. You realize that life changes, people change and go on adventures, and things dreamed up in your head rarely come to fruition. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining one ounce. I wouldn't change my life right now for anything. Absoultley nothing. You just realize that all the changes you once anticipated are reality, and sometimes that bites.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Seen The Wizard Of Oz Lately?

So someone must have heard our complaints about all this weird weather here in Utah. Someone also must have thought we needed a change.  In July Taylor and I will be moving to......




WICHITA,  KANSAS!!!!! 

Taylor got accepted to Wichita State to complete his Masters in Sports Administration. I knew he would get in, but it's just nice to know for sure. I am so proud of him. He is going to do great. It will be an adventure for sure, but I'm glad I'm going with my best friend. We're not in Utah anymore Toto!!!! 

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Spring Break...More Like Winter Break.


Spring break has been wonderful...and very busy. Easter started it all off with a bang. I spent the weekend up in Ogden. Went to church with Bri, Court, Kara and Brandon, had amazing dinner courtesy of Pam and Co., played outside in the fleeting sunshine, and played the Wii (yes, I did beat Taylor in bowling). Let's just say Doubles Tennis is not our best sport.

Monday we took our engagement pictures. Four hours and nearly 500 pictures later, we were beyond satisfied with how they turned out, and starving. Taylor had heard rumors about 5 buck pizza, "You can get all the toppings you want for $5?" They closed at 9, and we knew we couldn't make it to Ogden by then, so we called ahead and picked it up in Layton. Taylor ate as I drove, and tried to feed me a few bites. We were that hungry.

Tuesday we hung out, finished registering, and went to Kels' dance show. It was great, and Taylor was a great sport for going with me. I must admit he offered to go with me, but may change his mind in the future. I mean, it can be shocking if you've never seen guys in tights.

Wednesday I got my oil changed, learned that I need new tires, learned that they are going to cost me about $800, and stressed about it all day. Met the lady that's going to make my veil. I also got my engagement pictures, and LOVE them even more than I thought I would. I was also in charge of the barbeque for my ward. I wondered how many people would want to endure a barbeque in the snow, but when you feed them, they will come. It was a success.

Thursday I woke up to about 5 inches of snow. Yes, snow in April. So much for Spring Break, it feels more like Christmas. Went to the gym, kinda overdid it I think. I met my dear friend Kacey at Jason's Deli. Ran some errands. Spent 2 hours scanning old pictures with Kelsey for my grandparent's 50th aniversary in June. And now am preparing for a cousin sleepover. Movies, painting nails, pizza, and no boys allowed. Sounds fun to me.

Only 3 more days of break. Somehow I don't think I'll really be able to rest. It's been a BUSY, BUSY, BUSY, "Winter" break!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Here Mom...



So my mom called me yesterday and said she had been getting a lot of questions about my ring. It seems that the picture that I posted before was not a very good picture and people have been thinking that my ring is "open". I was having a hard time picturing what she meant, but in order to alleviate her having to explain it to everyone, here are some pictures. My ring is a round cut diamond mounted on a thick solitaire band and the sides come up almost to the top of the prongs. We put two pave bands on either side. I LOVE IT!  Don't mind the fact they were taken at school with my little Mac. You get the idea.