Angie's Place

Thailand - So Far

2011-11-29T00:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry it took so long to update. I was going through photos and dealing without internet.

So after Kuala Lumpur we headed to Pattaya.

On our second night in Pattaya there was some kind of festival. There were fireworks, flowers being send into the ocean and floating lanterns.

It is hard to tell but that speck of light is a lantern. The sky was full of them. It was beautiful.

Since I mentioned that I wish I could have let a lantern go E searched for days to find one for me.

It was really cool. And we got to watch it for a while, because it was the only one in the sky.

Though we did enjoy the beach during the day...

...the kids like it a little more at night

E has been on a mission to see that I have a lot of fun...

Like a special dinner just the two of us

Pretending to do a chocolate shot

and trying to climb a palm tree.

She also wants to see me have a lot of "firsts" ...

First time getting my feet eaten by fish. Yes it feels weird and tickles.

Trying a mango for the first time. I have no idea what Jim is doing? Though in this picture it looks like he is licking my mango, but I assure he didn't.

First time eating octopus. It was WEIRD. Very Chewy and those suckers felt funny.

Riding in a Tuk Tuk (truck version). The kids loved it.

After about a week we went to Phuket

We didn't get out much, but Oh was it beautiful.

Right now we are in Chang Mai, but that is another story. For now I will leave you with some videos that are cute and funny from our trip.

Just a cute short video of B stating the obvious.

Now before you watch the next video. Do you remember the taxi in Kuala Lumpur. It had a sign...

Now watch the video and notice the last sign.

More to come soon. I'll show you the house next!

Update coming

2011-11-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry I am trying to post an update about Thailand, but between no Internet and now being on my own with the kids this weekend. I will post the new update as soon as I can.

Kuala Lumpur - Part 3

2011-11-13T00:41:00.001-07:00

Beware there are two post today. If you haven't read about the Batu Caves yet, that post is below.

Again there are too many pictures for this post. You can see more on Facebook.

The last day in Kuala Lumpur we all went to a Butterfly park and a bird park. They were both beautiful.

First the Butterfly Park

Caterpillar

Some of the different butterflies we saw.

But they also had some other animals. We fed the fish and looked at turtles.

Next we went to the Bird Park, which was just next door.

This Peacock came right up to us. It even ate out of our hands. (you can see the video on Facebook)

This Peacock was just showing off for no reason. It was cool.

This was a striking red bird. I think it is pretty.

We came upon these Flamingos and then saw this Pelican hiding in the middle

Of course I found some more flowers.

We then took a taxi to a restaurant and I thought this sign was funny.

The restaurant was at the top of a tower and moved in a circle. These are some of the views from the top. I think the second one is of some kind of palace maybe. At least that is what it looks like.

I hoped you liked Kuala Lumpur. I sure did. We have now been in Thailand for about a week, but I will tell you about that in another post.

Kuala Lumpur - Part 2

2011-11-13T00:19:00.001-07:00

Ok Well one day E, the kids and I went to the Batu Caves. It was amazing and beautiful, but also exhausting.

Here are a few pictures of our trip.

Before we started the journey up The journey we were about to take

B was a real trooper. He almost made it to the top on his own.

Finally at the top.

The view from the top.

MONKEYS!!!!!!!

We gave one monkey an apple

And then we felt bad and made sure the baby could get one too

We saw this monkey on our way out. He was trying earnestly to get orange soda out of a bottle.

At the end, exhausted.

Kuala Lumpur - Part 1

2011-11-08T00:10:00.002-07:00

Well I have been in Kuala Lumpur for about four days now. It is great.

But I guess I should start at the beginning.

In Cali we stayed at J's parents' house. It was beautiful. The neighborhood was amazing.

All the houses looked like cute little cottages, but they went back farther and were really a decent size.

The flights here were ... well lets just say interesting. The first started at 11:50 and was 14 hours. The kids, I think, only slept for about 3-4 hours, but on the plus side the food was really good. We then had a six hour layover in Seoul, Korea. The airport was very cool. Right by our gate was a enclosed, very clean play place. Which kept the kids entertained.The next flight was 6 hours. B fell asleep right away. M waited until the last 2 hours.

When we got here we were taken to our hotel.

Kuala Lumpur is beautiful. We found some interesting flowers, right by the pool.

One day E, the kids, and I went on an adventure to the aquarium. It was cool. There were rays as round as a table. There were sharks and snakes and even seahorses.

Here E and B are inside the tube. If you look close to the right of E's head there is a shark resting on the top of the tube.

E and Me standing in front of a tank.

After the aquarium we went to this park near by. Now don't let the pictures fool you.

This is what you might typically find at an American park. Now times that by at least 20

and you get ...

...the park we found. It has at least 20 different climbing systems, on over 3 levels. There is also a pond, and splash pad/swimming pool. An that is only the kids area.


It also comes with a great view of what I call the twin towers.

We then stopped by those towers for lunch. And discovered the place my sister would be jealous of.

These are outside the towers.

And this is the inside. A mall that is at least 6 stories high. With all the name brand store like Gucci, Chanel, and the Gap. Plus so much more.

Well this post seems to be getting long. I will have to save the amazing trip to the caves for another day.

The Adventure Begins...Fianally!!!

2011-11-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

So it is official we are definitely going.

Today I flew to Cali to meet up the Emily and the kids.

Tomorrow we all get on a plane at 11:50 to fly to Kuala Lumpur.

I can't wait to get there. We will stay for a week then go to Thailand.

I will do my best to keep you updated, but I don't know when or where I'll be.

The Countdown has Begun

2011-07-28T23:27:00.001-07:00

So about three weeks ago, on Tuesday, I was eating lunch with some friends from church and one of these friends brought up an opportunity that I could not pass up. I wasn't sure if she was serious, but I talked to my family. By the next Tuesday it was confirmed that she and her husband was serious, so plans were put in to action.

So now sometime next week I will be moving to Australia for 3 months to a year. I will be their nanny.

Isn't it just breath taking. I can't wait!!!

I will be doing my best to keep updated with everything I see and do on this blog.

UPDATE: My trip has been postponed until September, but that is a good thing. It gives me some more time to get ready and get more done at home.

HOME!!!!

2010-05-25T09:01:00.003-07:00

So I am finally home, but we sure had an adventure getting here. After graduation we stayed in Canton until Thursday. We repacked all my stuff and pack the trucks down. We finally left at around 2 on Thursday.

We drove with about 5 1/2 hours then we saw smoke coming from my truck that my mom was driving. So we pulled off and it died. That is when it started to pour down rain. My mom sent us to get a hotel room, while she waited for the tow truck. I think the only one who made it in to the hotel dry was Daemien. With the truck being fixed we were stuck in Marshfield, MO.

Hoping that the truck would be done by later that night we checked out of the hotel and tried to entertain ourselves. We first went to Walmart for entertainment, that lasted 2 hours. Then we went to eat lunch at Pizza Hut. The waitress told us about a park in town and even though we feared that it would be covered in mud from last nights storm, we tried anyways. It was not that muddy, so Daemien played for about an hour there. We then decided to head to the local library, which wasn't that big. We found out it closes at 5 and since it was already 4 we only had an hour there. After that we went to the salvage yard where my truck was being fixed. We waited a couple hours and almost got the truck, when they figured out the real source of the problem. So we got another hotel room, but this time it was on the second floor with no elevator. Ten trips later I put Daemien to bed.

The next morning the truck was fixed and we were on the road again. For the next two days we did nothing but drive. We finally made it home at around 10 on Sunday night. It was a very long trip, but we did have some laughs on the way. I'll post our list of funny events/comments that happened later.

I know, I fail

2010-04-14T18:16:00.003-07:00

Ok I have noticed that I haven't updated all that much. So lets see what has been happening...

I have finished my 6 weeks in 2nd grade. I really had fun.

I took the Praxis (the test that decides my future) and passed. YAY!!!!

I have started my time in kindergarten and what do you know, I absolutely love it!

Then there is today. So for the past semester and especially the past month I've been working very hard on my educational portfolio. It is a presentation that decides my future. What it entails is find 2 artifacts (lesson plans, journal entries, or papers) for each of the 11 standards I must meet as a teacher. I then write a rationale for each artifact. I put them all together to make a slide show that i present for 45 minute (max.) to three professors. If you don't know already I hate talking in front of people, even though there were only three of them. So back to today. That presentation was today and man was I nervous.

But I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is a big load off of my shoulders, now i just have to figure out where I'm going to work after graduation.

I guess that catches everyone up. I'll try to do better, but you know me.

Student Teaching

2010-02-08T20:00:00.002-07:00

So I have survived my first week of student teaching. I think it went well.

Monday was the 100th day, so it was a good transition day for the students and I. We did activities. It was long and exhausting. I fell asleep that night at 8:00

On Tuesday we got a new student, so it was a little crazy. He has behavioral problems and has an associate at all times. It was really low key and we mainly just finished our 100th day activities.

On Wednesday and Thursday we got back to a normal routine.

Friday was crazy. It snowed over night and I barely made it to school. The students were all round up and we played a lot of games.

Today, (Monday of week 2) was a snow day, well at least for me. I couldn't get to school due to weather. Hopefully tomorrow is better.

Sr Year

2010-01-17T10:29:00.002-07:00

So it is now the spring of my senior year. I can't believe that I will be graduating in May. I'll catch everyone up on what has been going on.

Over Winter Break I had a lot of traveling. I flew home on a Thursday and then the whole family got into a car on Sunday and started our drive. We first drove to Texas to see my dad's side of the family. I hadn't seen some of them in about 11 years. One of my cousins just had a baby and she is so adorable. We spent two nights in Texas before geting back into the car and driving on to Missouri. I know I was back to where I started in less then a week, but I really wanted to go home. So we stayed in Canton through the New Year (2 weeks). Then we drove home to AZ. I had another week before returning to school. It was hectic and crazy, but I would not have had it any other way.

Here is an update on the family.

Dad is working hard as always and didn't really get time off. I think he had a phone call almost everyday.
Mom has recently taken over the accounting at the church, which means she does everything now. She is really stressed and I'm worried about her. Hopefully soon she will get some help at work.
Alex had lost another job, but has started a new job earlier this month. I think it is a seasonal job, but hopefully he'll get to stay a while.
Missie is still in school full time. She is also seeing a new doctor. Medically I think she is doing better. She is having problems with her memory at the moment, which we think is from the meds, but we don't know. Another concern we have is that this summer she turns 25 and will be taken off of dad's insurance. I hope we have something else in place soon.
Daemien is a cute as always. He has an attitude like his mother, but nothing we can't handle. We are still working on potty training. He is going to daycare and learning a lot. He can now sing he's ABC's. He can color in the lines, well he tries. He is learning his shapes. Over break I taught him to sing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. I will try to get a video of him singing soon. It is too cute.

I soon will begin student teaching (feb 1). I am really nervous, but I will get through.
I guess that it's for now.

Update

2009-12-07T16:57:00.003-07:00

I don't know if anyone really reads my blog, but here is an update for those who have.

I have finally gotten my placement for student teaching. I will be at Hawthorne Elementary School in Keokuk, IA. It is about a 30 min drive from campus. I will be in both 2nd grade and Kindergarten.

I'm a little nervous not only, because the winter snow has already arrived, but also I wonder how well I will do. I am not good at standing in front of other and I do not command attention very well, but they are kids.

Swing-a-thon

2009-10-18T10:20:00.004-07:00

Hey all

I got this idea from one of my sisters. Next weekend, October 23rd-24th, Sigma Kappa Sorority, here at Culver-Stockton, is holding our annual Swing-a-Thon! What is Swing-a-thon? It is one of our fundraisers for our major philanthropies, Alzheimer's Disease Research and Gerontology (the study of aging). We have a swing on our back porch and for 36 hours there will be a Sigma Kappa sitting on that swing. In the past we have asked for donations to get us to sit in the swing, but now it usually comes from our own pockets, because we are required to sit for at least one hour. All the money goes to the Sigma Kappa Foundation for Alzheimer's Disease Research.

This time one of my sisters had an idea and I am going to try it too. I am going to ask all of you to participate as well by donating money to the cause! I have already signed up for an hour on the swing, but there are still spots open! If you would like to see me sit on the swing for more than an hour, of if you just want to help us out please donate money! Please do not feel obligated to donate, but if you are interested, I would be greatly appreciative.

To give you an idea of how much fun we have with Swing-a-thon, let me tell you a bit more. Remember there has to be a Sigma Kappa on the swing for 36 hours, which means even through the night. Some of the best shifts are the ones around 3 am. Also with the cold weather setting in it is a great time to snuggle under blankets with hot chocolate and sisters! There are also times that some of the fraternity guys will come and make us the hot chocolate or play football or just keep us company while we sit on the swing. It is a fun experience and for a great cause.

So, if you feel led to donate money to help Alzheimer's Disease Research, please send a check, made out to Sigma Kappa Sorority, to the following address:

Sigma Kappa Sorority

MSC #122

1 College Hill

Canton, MO 63435

Please write SWING-A-THON in the memo. You can also send cash to the address, if you feel comfortable doing so.

Thank You !

Don't forget to leave a comment if you are sending money, so that I have enough time to sign up for more time.

Hey all

2009-10-10T10:13:00.001-07:00

Ok I need some help. Our school does this fundraiser called Up 'til Dawn. It is for St. Judes Hospital. What we do is send letters out to friends and family asking for donations. We know that times are tough right now, but they are tougher for these kids and thier families. We figure that even the smallest amount will help. Even if it is just spare change. The reason I'm puting this out there is that I am supposed to get a list of names and address to send letters to. I was wondering if any of you would consider helping. If so please send me your address. You can either comment here or send it to anoelkay@gmail.com. Thank you for any one willing to help.

Back @ school

2009-09-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

So I'm now on week 2 of senior year. Yay that's right senior year. I can't believe it. I guess I should catch everyone up on things. Let me see...

At the end of summer I helped mom move the church offices. I worked a total of 72.5 hours in about eight days, with some being 13 hours straight, no breaks. We got it all done on time. Then that Saturday we had a huge garage sale for the church. Everything went fine, until I dropped a chair on my toe when setting up. I spent the rest of the morning doing the cash box and icing my toe. By the time I headed home, I was in so much pain that I had to go to urgent care. They had to burn a hole in my toe nail to relieve the pain. But luckily the toe was not broken. two days later I had to return to get it drained again. It hurt pretty bad. But the toe nail has now fallen off and I think it is healing quite well.

So I started school one toe nail short with recruitment right around the corner, but at least it is not worse. This semester is really easy. I have a total of three classes and I'm done by noon everyday.

Tuesday my big sis Sarah Jo came to see me. She graduated last year and will be heading to England at the end of the month. She is staying with me until Friday, which means we have a chance to see each other some before she goes away. She will be gone for a whole year, but hopefully for my graduation I will be able to go see her next summer.

That's it for me. So I'll start with the family now.

Alex - he still is working and doing well. His snake died two weeks ago. He is upset.

Missie - is started back at school. She is taking some more classes to go for her degree.

Daemien - Was amazing at swim lesson this summer. We have learned quickly that he has no fear when it comes to the pool now. He started daycare last week. I hear he is doing great and making friends. He already knew some of his classmates, because they go to church. I don't think he takes naps for them, but maybe that has changed. His new curriculum is adorable. Every week they have certain letters, number, activity, color to learn about and do art projects with. If you can't tell I'm missing him so much.

Dad - is working hard at both jobs. He also has been picking Daemien up from daycare when Missie has long days.

Mom - is in Europe right now. She went with two sorority sisters and a friend. She is have so much fun, which she deserves. She sent me a text and e-mail yesterday telling be she climbed to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. She was so excited. She said the view was amazing. I am hoping to get pictures when she gets home.

Well I guess that's it for now.

Please help

2009-07-23T12:35:00.001-07:00

Hey please check out my friend's post. We need some help and prayers. It touched my heart and I know it will touch yours.

http://aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com/2009/07/would-you-help-me-please.html

Also if this post has touched your heart. Post the link on your own blog or tell others about it. The more people helping, hopefully the better the results will be.

Summer update!!

2009-07-15T16:53:00.001-07:00

Well School is over, finally!!!! And I am proud to say that I got A's in all three of my classes.

Mom, dad, and Missie are taking off on their new side job. We're hoping for some big checks at the end of the month.

Alex got a job! He started today. So Yay! He is answering incoming calls from New Jersey to arrange medicare pickups.

Daemien started swim lessons this week and is doing great.

Mom has been walking every morning this week and is planning to continue. Dad is walking with her when he is in town, which at the moment he isn't. Right now he is in New Jersey for business, but he will be back home tonight.

Well, I guess that is it. I will post a video of Daemien at swimming lessons later. Hope you all are doing well.

Summer

2009-06-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

I guess I should catch everyone up. I am now home from school for the summer, but for me school is not out.

I started the summer out completing my 40 hours of junior early field. It was really fun, because I was placed at my old elementary school with my 5th grade teacher, Mr. Lee. I am still finishing my paperwork for that and my practicums.

I am also taking a class online along with taking two classes at the local community college. On top of that and all the homework I have Daemien in the afternoon, because Missie is also taking a class this summer.

I guess I should catch everyone up on the rest of the family as well. Mom and dad celebrated their 26th wedding anniversary yesterday. They are working hard.

Sadly to say recently both Missie and Alex have lost their jobs due to cut backs with this economy. Missie has returned to school to get a degree as an RN. Alex had to stop going to school and is looking for a job.

Missie, mom, and dad have joined a company that sells Video phones.

Daemien is in the process of being potty trained and doing alright. He is as energetic as ever. He recently learned how to do somersaults. He is also very good at animal sounds. I still can't believe that he is already 2 1/2 years old.

Well I guess that's it for now. I hope everyone is doing well.

A great ending to spring break.

2009-03-17T12:23:00.001-07:00

So spring break is over and mine has ended badly. First off I missed my flight going beck to school and had to be re-booked. With the re-booking I was on stand-by for one flight and confirmed on a later flight.

Note to all: never fly US Airways.

I have learned this. They over sell their planes and it is us, the customer, that get screwed over. Well I finally arrived in St. Louis at 11:45. I ended up staying at my uncle's for the night. Monday I missed all my classes, except my night class.

To top it off I have a sunburn, which hurts a lot. Now today, I went to the doctor, only to find out I have strep throat.

All i want to do is get better. :(

Pictures

2009-02-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

So i finally added the pictures of the wild life park. I still say it was amazing.

The Art of God-Moming

2009-02-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

How do you God-Mom
Just you wait and see

It must be sneaky
It must be creative
It must be from the heart
It must be special

First you need to write a message
Asking her to say yes

Next you need to post it
And send her the link

Wait for her to read this
And figure out that I am writing this about her

Yes Marie, I am asking you.

Break

2009-01-07T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hey All! So I have been home for a while and i can't believe i have to leave on Sunday. Breaks are just to short, but it has been so much fun.

We went and got 2-year-old pics for Daemien along with Christmas pics.

We also got a picture with Santa I will scan and post that picture soon. To tell you the truth his look kind of says I'm naughty, but I am sitting on Santa's lap. It is quite hilarious.

We had 4 Christmas eve services that were amazing. Christmas morning was great. Daemian had a lot of fun. When Daemien had to go to his dad's the family went to see Marley and Me. It is a very good movie.

On New Year's Eve, mom, dad, Daemien, and I went to Diane's for a party. And we all had drinks and stayed up until Midnight. Daemien stayed up until midnight as well.

On Friday, Mom, Missie, Daemien, Jake (Missie's now ex-boyfriend), and I went to "Out of Africa." I was amazing. We saw wild animal up close. We fed a tiger, giraffe, and a camel. We also rode a camel. Daemien growled at every animal, including the Lemurs. I have some video and pictures of our trip that i will post soon.

Well that is about all that has happened. I love you all and hope your holidays were wonderful.

2008-12-21T17:25:00.001-07:00

So I did make it home, finally. I got in Yesterday. That is Saturday. It took forever to get home. I left school at around 2:20 and got to the airport around 4:30. Which was early for my 8:15 flight. But when you need a ride to the airport you take what you get. However, when I checked my flight before I left it was already delayed to 9:00. 45 min isn't so back, right? But then i had my mom check my flight status after i got to the airport I learned that my flight has been delayed even more. It will not be leaving until 11:00. Then by the end of the night I had been delayed to 11:20 which means I didn't get to Phoenix until 2:15 Saturday morning. So in the end I drove for about 2 1/2 hours, spent 6 1/2 hours in the airport, 3 1/2 hours in a plane and then another 1/2 hour drive home. I was a long day.

But now I am home with my little man to cuddle with.

2008-12-18T08:48:00.000-07:00

So I am half way packed and i am getting excited. I have a quiz tomorrow and then i am done with the semester. I will be heading to the airport around 2:00 and will be home before 11:00 (hopefully).

It has been snowing here and today we are supposed to get more snow and ice. I have also been forbidden to drive by at least 4 people, because I haven't driven on snow or ice before. It also doesn't help that my truck is old.

Well i got to get to class.

Semi-Formal

2008-12-13T10:20:00.000-07:00

So last night was my Semi-formal. It was fun. And yes I danced. And no i didn't have a date, unless you call some of my sisters my dates.

Two of my sisters did my hair and it took 2 hours. I'm not joking.

Also every year we crown one of the guys Jack Frost. It means that they have help our girls out a lot. So this year my own cousin won, Jonathan. And he deserves it. Any time a computer crashes, something need to be moved, or we need a truck, he comes to our rescue. On top of that he supports us with everything we do, from fundraising to accomplishments.

Back @ school

2008-12-01T08:24:00.001-07:00

Well I am back at school and already counting the days til I get to go home again (19). I am waiting for my class to start, but i wanted to tell everyone what happen over my break.

I went to three movies; The Dutchess, Twilight, and Australia. They are all good and I recomend them.

I got to see Daemien, the center of my world. He has gotten so big. He repeats what you say. He know the sounds that a dog (puppy), cat (kitty), and a dinosaur make. He knows the parts of his face, along with his belly button. I then tried to teach him his limb, but all he got out of that is elbow. which is now one of his favorites. He is in the process of being potty trained. He has learned to climb out of his crib, so we are tring to find a big boy bed for him. Any time I was out of the room he would yell for "LaLa." Which is his way of saying Angela.

Daemien

2008-11-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Since I keep getting request, here are pictures of him from today. Even with a cold he is still happy and having fun.

Home sweet home

2008-11-24T17:10:00.000-07:00

So I am home and I'm loving it. I've been hanging out with my family, but mostly Daemien. He is growing up so fast. I have learned that he knows his facial parts, can say dinosaur and kangaroo. He is very good at repeating what you say. he of course is clingy as always.

So far on my vacation I have decorated a house for Christmas (not ours), been to church twice, been to the grocery store twice, and been to the doctors.

I have also seen one of my new boys, Malachi. he is so adorable. I held him for probably over half an hour. I didn't want to let him go.

The Mentalist

2008-11-19T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hey the other night we had a mentalist come to our school. My friend got a video of when the mentalist picked my card. If you cannot tell his eyes are completly covered and he cannot see. I have never talked to him. The following video is what happened. Pay close attention to the beginning.

Finals 3/5

2008-11-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

So as you know with college comes finals and that is this week. So today is officially day one of finals, however I already had a final last night.
For last night's final all I had to do is interview a teacher and write a paper. So that was not so bad, actually it was quite easy.
Today I have already had two finals before lunch. My first final was at eight this morning. And our teacher mad us completely mad. We had asked her many times about the final and she said that all it is is that we had to teach our class of eight a math game. Then we will play the games. Well when we arrived to class this morning she preceded to tell us that she will be asking us questions. Her questions were based on things we learned at the beginning of the year. With no preparation, who knows how we did. My next final was not bad at all, because all we had to do was turn in a paper.
So hopefully my final that starts at 1:15 will be alright. Then I just have to prepare for my final tomorrow at 2:00. Then Friday i get to go home.

2008-11-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
So I decided to start a blog so people can know what I am up to while I am away. Nothing much is happening right now. I am just studying for finals and getting ready to go home on Friday.