Thursday, November 10, 2011

No we have not died

Wow my blogging habits have become about as bad as my journaling habits.  I always tell Nate I am so glad he is so good at recording what happens in our lives in his journal cause I struggle. 
So what are we up to? 
Well while I spend my days enlightening the minds of tomorrow, Nate works as part of the "corporate America" part of the "evil" banking sector. (At least that is what those Occupiers are saying) 
Yep, it is just as I have said... kind of

I am nobly performing my civic duty as a high school U.S. history student teacher at Syracuse High School.  Or maybe it is more like I am serving my due time of 14 weeks counting down to graduation?
I guess it has been a bit of both for me. Teaching, I have discovered, is a lot like life.  You need to be happy, you need to work hard, you need to have fun, you need to have ENERGY! It is hard, it is rewarding, it is silly, it is draining, it is nerve-racking, it is good. 
I mean, Isn't everyone fascinated studying leadership, tactics, advantages in the Civil War? Aren't people interested at looking at the inter-workings of the government?  Isn't the industrial revolution critical to our understanding of the divisions between North and South?
Answer Dani: YES!!!
Answer students: WHAT!?!

Let's just say that I have empathized with almost every part of this SNL clip where Jerry Seinfeld is teaching a history class.  Click here to watch (it is a great watch) 


Now, with only 3 1/2 weeks left I am somewhat reflective on my experience.  There have been more good days then bad, I have had some really good lessons, and I have gained valuable experience that really culminates my college career.  


Nate is doing just great at his new job with Zions.  He is enjoying working downtown, and liking the full-time work schedule.  Most of all he looks back to last year in his masters and he is grateful to be done with that crazy program. He is also going to start coaching two basketball teams, and playing in a league with friends. 
We have loved being in Salt Lake for the fall, football, family!

We are happy and well, and looking forward to the holidays and festivizing!!!

Friday, August 19, 2011

Summer Slideshow

Do you have four minutes? Well then turn up your volume, sit back, relax, and enjoy the following slidshow!


Monday, May 30, 2011

Thank Heaven for Little Girls

Meet:
Sophie Jayne Burton
Born May 4,2011




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We are so excited you are here! We love you Soph!
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We threw another successful party! Despite the Christenson's moving two days later, Sophie being born, and finals ending! Up Green Canyon we had a zesty taco bar with sweet pork, lime rice, black beans, and guacamole: all to be topped off with Jarritos soda straight from Mexico.  Sara made her own pinata out of paper mache adorned with red spikes and the Mexican flag symbol. The party would not have been complete without our authentic Mexican costumes. I mean look at Nate... can you say Speedy Gonzalez! What a party!

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Easy Tortellini Soup

I wanted to post this recipe for one of Nate and I's favorite dinners as of late. I know we are heading out of the soup season, but this is a healthy, cheap meal so we'll take it!
Tortellini Soup
                                                                                
           
In a Medium Pot combine the following ingredients:
Two 14 oz cans of stewed tomatoes
1 cup frozen spinach
2 cups tortellini (or shelled pasta) cooked separately
1 cup water
1 teas beef bouillon
1 minced garlic clove
Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes
Serve with Parmesan cheese





Enjoy!












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Friday, April 8, 2011

Blessed

I have had such a great week thanks to all of the great people who surround me! It could have just been an average week, but others set out to make a difference in my life, and I am grateful!

First- My amazing husband Nate! Holy Cow talk about totally selfless.  Nate is super busy with his Economics program, and it is a very stressful thing most of the time.  Many of you can probably relate who have husbands who are in school or working, or are yourself.  Yet, he made my birthday such a perfect day! He woke up and made me just the breakfast I had been craving, fruit smoothie and crepes. Then we went to school, and he met me for lunch! This means a lot because usually he has study group all day on Mon,Wed, Fri, but he just left them :) Then after school, he ditched the last 15 min., we went up hiking!! It was what I wanted to do most, and the Logan weather was perfect! That night we had yummy tortellini soup, funfetti cake, and some presents! It was the dreamiest day! I love him!

Second- My family members made my week! On Sunday we had a Home-made Cafe Rio dinner that was delicious, and we got to relax together with conference.  I did not want to come back to reality after that fun weekend! Thanks for coming to my birthday dinner, and for the nice presents. Thanks to all of the other family members I didn't get to see, but called or texted. It was so fun to talk to little nieces and get cards from nephews. I am spoiled that is for sure.

Third- I have the nicest friends! I don't mean that in a bragging way, but a seriously I know the nicest people ever, kind of way! It was so thoughtful of people to call and text on my birthday, it really did make my day! You are all huge examples to me, and I think about our memories together all the time!! THANKS! 

Thursday, March 24, 2011


Happy Spring!
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What the World Eats

These Pictures were taken by a photographer Peter Menzel and are in his book The Hungry Planet: What the World Eats
He found families from all over the world had them buy an average weeks worth of groceries and displayed them as you see below!

La familia Mendoza- 7 people $75.70 per week for groceries- From Guatemala
The Patkars- 4 people $39.27 per week- From India
The Natomos- 15 people $26.39 per week- From Mali

The Melansons- 5 people $345.00 per week- From Canada
The Celiks 6 people $145.88 per week- From Turkey
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Thursday, February 3, 2011

UTAH STATE AGGIES


Last night Nate and I went to the Aggie Basketball game vs. Nevada. They won to advance to 21-2 and 10-0 in the WAC!
We are pumped because we bought tickets last week to the WAC tourny in Vegas over Spring Break! We love watching the Aggies and the Spectrum has the best fans! Watch two of our favorite chants!

I Believe that We Will Win!
(Stew's Favorite)

GO AGGIES!


Thursday, January 20, 2011

This could be Fun!

Today I practiced my first triathlon... and it was exciting! I was pretty tired by the end, and I only did 300yd swim, 2 mile bike and a 1 mile run! I have a little ways to go, but I could see myself getting into this. The real tri that I am working towards is on February 12!  I 400yd swim, 6mile bike, and 2 mile run!
  As far as other races on the horizon both Nate and I have this:
I am sure glad it is the HALF, I am quite enjoying my retirement from Marathons! I am excited for this race because so many of our family and friends will be doing it! And I am pretty sure Nate will rock it!
 Also on the horizon is RAGNAR!!! Wahoo! June 18-19

 After that the possibilities are endless.. any ideas?!