Best week in a LONG time!

= end of worst summer semester ever, lots of hanging out with friends, playing with adorable babies, hanging out with friends some more, and spending time with Ryan!

My final grades haven't posted yet, but both of my teachers have let me know that I got A's on my case study and my research paper (and therefore A's in the class!). I don't say this to brag, but merely to claim that even though this summer has been H-E-"double hockey sticks", and I feel like I've dropped the ball everywhere else, at least I've done one thing right!

I'm getting more and more apprehensive about student teaching. I know I can teach, I know I can stand up in front of a classroom and get the kids' attention, I know I can talk to kids in a somewhat relatable way, but I'm still scared to death that I'm actually doing it next week. I feel like I'm going to walk into the school and all of my knowledge/natural abilities (little as they may be) will fly out the window.

But anyways, about my awesome week. First, I just need to state that we have the best couples/friends ever. I remember my mom used to talk about the couple friends they had in Utah when they were first married. That's where they coined 'Donner Uno' and everyone would get together and hang out.  She used to reminisce about those times and it always made me want to have that. It actually became my new form of playing house. Well, looks like my dream came true! It's absolutely one of my favorite things to do, and this week we actually have the time because we all get a short breather from school. We have to cram it all in because we go back to school next week.

Our most amazing Thrift Town trip EVER:

1st awesome buy: Ryan found a Willowood figure that he's been planning on getting for me for a while

Normally $29.99 +tax
We got it for $5.00 after using a coupon



But, he still has to "surprise" me with it ;)

2nd awesome buy: Kai found some bookends that are statue heads of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young for $2.99 - so cool!

3rd (and most) awesome buy: I have been wanting to get a new set of dishes because we've "lost" quite a few of the ones we got for our wedding to a certain dog who will remain nameless. I wanted to save what we have for special occasions and get a cheap set that won't break my heart if they get dropped (no pun intended). *drum roll*

Wal-Mart Price: $39.99 for 16 pcs.
Original Price: $15.99 + tax for 30 pcs.
After the coupon I paid: $11.90 (incl. tax)



I had found this set a Wal-Mart a few months ago and fell in love with it. They don't carry it anymore, and the minute I saw it, I knew it was mine! I got 30 pieces of dinnerware (normally around $80 after taxes) for $11.90. WIN! And even though my purchase was only $11.90, she gave me an extra punch on my Thrift Town punch card to fill it up, so I get $10 off my next purchase. So according to Coupon Mom, it's like getting 30 pcs of dinnerware for 90 cents. Double win!
Sidestory: While I was in line, this lady came up behind me and looked at my basket longingly and said she'd had her eye on that set for about 30 minutes. You snooze you lose! (No, I didn't really say that)
Added bonus: They match our dining table.

In other news, this is my last week as the General Manager at Jump For Fun! It was a hard decision, but it's going to free up a lot of time to go to school and actually be a good wife. It's been trying at times, but overall I have loved working here. It's great to work with such wonderful youth - I know each of them are going to be so successful.

Ryan is still adjusting to supervisor-ness. He has such great ideas for motivating his team - it's so cute. But I'd be lying if I said the added responsibilities didn't affect him. He is so good at taking it all in stride. Tonight is basketball night for the "boys", so hopefully that will relieve some stress and take his mind off of things. Meanwhile, the wives will be having a grand ol' time at the dome. I love playing house! (Oh, wait, it's real life)