New Roommate, New Adventures

Meet Celestial. She's my new roommate. We're best friends.

Us at the Rascal Flatts concert this year. No big deal.

 Just be ready to hear about some fun adventures!!

It's Not the Holidays Without Some Home Alone Shenanigans

Sometimes when you work at a movie theater you gain some fun stories to share. This one happened this weekend. Generally, when a 'lost' child is found I am called to help them out. I like to think it's because I am just so friendly and sweet looking I wouldn't scare the kid. Most likely it's the fact that everyone knows I am crazy about kids and they think I'll find the most joy in finding the lost mommy or daddy. Well this particular story goes a little something like this... I was called by an usher to the lobby and was then introduced to sweet, adorable, Ella. She was lost. So began our quest to find her family.

Upon talking to Ella this is what I discovered:
- Her movie was already over. There went my theory of her mom being in the concession stand was wrong. So was my theory that she went to use the restroom and just couldn't find the right theater again.
- So we waited a minute or two in the lobby. Yep, no mommy emerged from the bathroom.
- The last time she saw her family, she was just wheeling around on her shoes, you better believe she was one of those cool kids with heelys, and when she looked up her family was gone. Pretty much the saddest thing I had heard all week.
- She knew her mother's cell phone number. Thank goodness because at this point I had come to the conclusion that whether it was on purpose or an accident this girl's family had definitely left her at the theater.

So I called the cell phone, no answer. Called again, no answer but left a message. Waited another couple minutes and called one more time and thankfully Ella's mom answered! The conversation went a little something like this...

Mom: Hello
Me: Hi, is this Darcy?
Mom: Yes, it is.
Me: Hi, my name is Stacey and I work at the movie theater and I have your daughter Ella here with me.
Mom: Oh my goodness, honey we don't have Ella, she is at the theater (obviously talking to dad haha) Is she okay, gosh are we just terrible people?
Me: She is good. And it happens I know this isn't the first time a family has left someone haha.
Mom: Okay well we were driving home so we will turn around right now and we should be back in like 5-10 minutes.
Me: Sounds good. We will be in the lobby waiting for you.

So as Ella and I waited. She chose to sit in box office with the crew. I got her some paper, pens and markers and she drew a cute little picture while she waited. Her mom came to the rescue shortly thereafter and Ella made it safely home this time. All I have to say is if nobody ever claimed her I definitely would have considered adoption, she was that precious.

I'm back!

That is my current feeling about running and the gym. I have now worked out three days in a row (not including Sunday) and I am loving it! Oh how i miss you sweat and pain. Well....more how I miss being in shape :)

If you haven't heard about this awesome website pinterest then now is the time. It's kind of amazing. I'm still figuring it all out but so far it has only benefited my life as a future teacher, single girl and college student. If you haven't checked it out you should. One thing I found the other day that I most definitely want to incorporate in my own life and my future classroom is this:

On whatever paper you have lying around you write down your memories throughout the year and place them in the jar. Then on New Year's Eve you read through them. And then you can save them whichever way you choose. How quick and easy is that?! I am not always the greatest at writing in my journal or updating my blog and I thought this was so easy and quick that I can't wait to do it :) And in my future classroom, students could write down any of their memories throughout the school year and during the last week of school we could read through them all. The original creator used it to write down all the funny things her child said so she didn't forget them. So cute. Feel free to start your own because I know you want to!

love note gone wrong...really wrong.

So this one time....

I was at work on yet another SUPER slow Saturday night. I was talking it up with 3 of my coworkers, all of whom were guys and for the purposes of this story will be referred to as coworker 1, 2 and 3. So there we were chatting it up and we were trying to think of something to do for a little entertainment. So I came up with the idea of writing an awesome/super cheesy love poem that we would then deliver to one of the employees. So I chose the first guy employee I saw in front of me (who shall be called boy) and the rhyming began. About halfway through our original creation boy happened to walk by and to add to the fun we asked him to contribute to our list of rhyming words...we were a little stuck at that point. He seemed kind of confused but after rattling off a few words he went back to working (like a good employee should). Well, finally we finished the poem and it went a little somethin' like this:

Dear Boy,

Your facial hair

Makes you look like a bear

And I can't help but stare

Like Pacman to a ghost

I like you the most

So I just had to share

That I think we'd make quite the pair!

<3 Stacey

*** Super adorable AND cheesy right?!

* I think it is very crucial to note that the only the only part of the poem I actually thought of were the first three lines. Lines 4-5 were contributed by coworker 2. Like 6-7 from coworker 1. And thankfully I didn't add the line coworker 3 suggested because I think things could have gotten more awkward than they did...

So the story continues.

I folded it up and wrote to and from on the front and then had one of the guys deliver it so it  just completed the fun of it all. Once it was delivered we all dispersed and found stuff to do. Probably like 10 minutes later  coworker 1 came up and told me boy came up to him and started explaining that he was going to see his best friend in a couple weeks who just so happens to now be single. But that if things didn't work out maybe when he came back he would ask me out...something to that extent (don't know the exact conversation). Well when I heard this I just started laughing because I thought it was a joke. (Especially because while we were writing the poem coworker 1 warned me that I better be careful that I don't give off the wrong impression. And I just laughed it off because the poem was obviously a joke). So, I continued laughing but then I realized coworker 1 didn't seem to be joking about it. So I started getting super nervous. I made coworker 2 test it out to see if he thought coworker 1 was just messing with me but we both concluded that he wasn't. That's when I became officially worried.

Approximately 5 minutes later I am standing in the lobby with coworker 2 and boy walks up and says, "Can we talk."

My life!!! I'm pretty sure I turned bright red and then my mind started racing. I was DEFINITELY not ready for a talk!!! bahahahaha 

So we started walking down the hall and if anyone knows me at all they would be able to picture exactly how I was acting/talking. When I get stuck in awkward situations and I don't know what to do I get overly happy/excited and it's just bad news...so imagine me like that having the following conversation:

Boy: So I got your note

Me : Oh, yay! Wasn't it sooo adorable?! We were trying to entertain ourselves so we ended up writing that. (In my head I was trying to think of a way to make it apparent that it was all a joke without being completely mean...)

Boy: haha yeah it was pretty cute...so have I ever told you about a girl named Cali?

Me: No! Ohh are we going to have story time about a girl?! (of course I clapped my hands and was too enthusiastic)

Boy: Yeah...so she lives in Seattle and she has been my best friend for 4 years. And she has had a boyfriend the whole time but she just broke up with him so she is finally single.

Me: Awesome, so now you are going to swoop in?

Boy: Yeah exactly, I want to go tell her I am crazy about her (said more here but I was too busy still trying to figure out if this was really happening)....so because of that I'm not really interested in anyone else right now.

Me: Oh that's so exciting. And yeah I totally got you. I can't wait to hear what happens!! You'll have to let me know how it all goes.

Boy: Okay I will 

Me: Haha alright, well have a good night...

Boy: Bye..

* I think this was one of those few moments in life where I so grateful I got denied! Don't get me wrong boy is a nice guy and all but I have never had any sort of interest in him like that. But you have to give boy props for being so honest and straight-forward. That's a rare quality these days.

So... he leaves and I some how manage to hold my laughter during my walk of shame back down the hallway. I ran back to coworker 1 and was just laughing and could hardly breathe and he asked me what was going on. I told him we had to find coworker 2 first so I only had to share the story once. So we ended up finding coworker 2 and 3 and I proceeded to share the conversation I just had with boy. We were all busting up. I was still  feeling super awkward and was waiting/hoping/praying one of them would tell me I had just been punk'd. But  that never happened. All in all it made for a pretty entertaining night and another great memory. And I learned a valuable lesson. 

I will never again write a love poem. 

Now I am just hoping everything works out for boy and his real lover. Otherwise this story may have a sequel. Until then.... :) 

Fourth Graders Make Me Smile

It's hard to believe that my time student teaching this semester is already over. I cannot wait until I have a full year with a class of adorable children. Today was filled with smiles, hugs and goodbyes.

 I am going to miss these little guys :(

We tried for two normal ones...some of them just couldn't fake it that long...

Our real personalities finally coming out

Seriously each student is so unique I couldn't help but love them.

Leah: The quiet one that surprises you.
Walker: The class know it all/jock
Simon: The cheese ball with amazing artistic abilities
Jordyn: The raspy voiced flirt
Kindra: The girl who isn't scared of anything. I'll never forget the first day when she came into class with a cricket in her hands. hahaha
Kassidy: The Sweetheart
Paige: The honest one with witty remarks
Mason: The tough boy (who still appreciates praise)
Megan: Class clown and tom boy.
Collin: The avid reader and the one that has the power to drive most teachers crazy but the onI just couldn't help but love
Brynley: The magical one (she makes lost things reappear)
Idalis: The fast finisher
Allison: Quite the character...she can come up with some crazy voices
Nathan: The math wiz
Jake: The boy who every girl will love in 8 years
Narel: The unique, determined one
Carrie: The quick learner
Eleni: The Perfectionist...in a good way :)
Brooklyn: The talkative one
Garrett: The future president
Taylor: The dancer/wanna be gangsta girl
Jessie: The giggly one
Eli: The goofball
Jose: The bilingual smarty
Emery: The future prom queen
Chante: The one that gets along with everyone

A big thank you goes out to their real teacher, Danielle. She was amazing to work with and such a big help. It was so great making a friend while learning so much. I couldn't have asked for a better practicum experience :)

Goodbyes.

There's nothing easy about them. And right now goodbye is the only thing on my mind. 


A few words of wisdom I'm trying to keep in my mind:
"Experience has taught me that if we, like President Monson, exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy.³ We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance—and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction."
- It Is Better to Look Up - Carl B. Cook


Now is the time I have to rely on my faith and courage because I need a little peace of mind.

The Sweetest Thing That You'll Ever See is a Happy Girl

I have sooo  much to be grateful for. And lucky for me it's November, the perfect time to reflect on everything I am thankful for. 


1. Family: Is there really much more you can say? I have the greatest family I could ask for. My parents and siblings are my best friends. They know everything there is about me and all the latest drama in my life. I wouldn't have it any other way. We laugh, smile, cry, fight and joke together. That's the way it's supposed to be. I feel as though I should add my latest favorite mommy quotes:

- A text I received the other night: "I know retard. Cute not bright."

- A facebook post: "You're a wonderful auntie, miss you we need a long weekend so I can laugh with you. I am so proud of all you do and always with a smile well except that pedicure moment..."

I feel I should add the fact that she gives in sometimes and refers to me as mama! Seriously she makes me laugh and smile like no other. 

2. I am grateful to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have had my own struggles and weaknesses over the past years but I have never doubted in the truthfulness of the gospel. I know that my Heavenly Father lives. I am a daughter of God who has been blessed with a loving family here on earth. I know that my Savior and brother, Jesus Christ lived on the earth. He suffered and died for each and everyone of us. I am grateful that through him I have the opportunity to repent and partake of His Atonement. My Heavenly Father and Savior are my best friends. They have brought me comfort when no one else could. I am eternally grateful for Their presence in my life. I feel it is important to share an amazing experience I had a couple weeks ago. In relief society we had a lesson on the hymn, "Where Can I Turn for Peace". Here are the lyrics:

Where can I turn for peace?

Where is my solace

When other sources cease to make me whole?

When, with a wounded heart, anger, or malice

I draw myself apart searching my soul?

Where, when my aching grows?

Where, when I languish?

Where, in my need to know?

Where can I run?

Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?

Who, who can understand?

He, only One.

He answers privately.

Reaches my reaching.

In my Gethsemane, Savior, and friend.

Gentle, the peace He finds

For my beseeching.

Constant He is, and kind.

Love without end.

This lesson forever changed my life. The Spirit in the room was so strong. It was exactly what I needed to hear at the time. I gained the strength I've been searching a while for from the lesson. I have to thank Amanda for taking the time to prepare the lesson and sharing such an inspired message.

3. Books: I am grateful for books. I am grateful for authors who share their amazing talents with the world. I wish I had more free time and that I could read faster because it would only mean I could read more books! Yes, as of lately I've been on a children's literature kick. But who can blame me? They are pure stories that can change your life. 

4. Music: There are moments in my life when music is what I need. Sometimes songs just capture exactly what I am feeling and thinking. I have to love the moments that I dance like a fool and sing off key. And I cherish the moments when songs make me cry (in a good way) and give me strength. One song that caught my eye recently is All You Ever by Hunter Hayes (just discovered him and love his voice!). Made me think about a certain part of my life as of lately and whether or not this is how the boy feels I think it reflects a lot of our "relationship" (or whatever you'd classify it as).

5. Friends: When you are a single and going to college friends become your family. I never knew would have guessed that when I left California I would make as many great friends as I have. I am grateful that my best friend, Brittani, is still my best friend. Although we don't talk as much as we wish we could and it's been too long since we last saw each other I know that nothing about our friendship has changed. The friends I have made here in Utah have changed my life forever. They are who I go to when I need a good laugh, a good cry and a partner in crime. I think I may have to dedicate a future post to my friends individually. It would be a lot easier :)

6. Kids: I know I'm a freak and I say it all the time but children are the best and I love them! They are sweet, funny, adorable and sometimes little punks. But I know that I was sent to this earth to meet and work with these amazing human beings. I am astonished everyday by their insights and intelligence. I have much more to learn on this earth from them :)

7. Education: I feel as though I complain about school all of time but these past two weeks have shown me that I need to be grateful for my opportunity to receive an education. During my time teaching a fourth grade class this month I have come to see how all my studying and hard work are paying off. Everything is finally coming together. I feel so at ease with teaching! I have had great moments within the classroom that have strengthened me. I watch as 9-10 year old kids light up at new discoveries. That is what learning and education is all about. That self-discovery and motivation. I can't wait to continue my education for a lifetime.

8. Work: I was blessed when I was first offered my job. I was blessed once again when I was offered an assistant manager position. I have learned how to sacrifice and work hard over the last three years. And although I lost any social life I may have gained not working every weekend night I gained so much more. I have made long-lasting friends that I would not have made otherwise. I have laughed so much and so often I'm pretty sure I have a six-pack hidden beneath my chubby lil tummy. (at least that's my theory hahaha). Those long shifts and late hours have forever changed the course of my life :)

9. Change: I thankful for change. It may not always be the easiest to deal with and at times I may curse it. But I am grateful that hard times change into great times. Tears change to laughter. Weaknesses change to strengths. I have the ability to change and with that I know life can always get better.

10. The little moments: There are so many big moments that happen in life but it's the little moments that I want to remember. One of my assignments over the last couple weeks was to give different students praise notes randomly. I will never forget the look on quiet Leah's face as she read hers. And that huge smile I got as she walked out the door with her note in hand. Or Collin's excitement as I read and we talked about his story. Not to mention is smile and laughter as I gave him a high-five for finishing his story and the pride on his face for his accomplishment. Or the light in Simon's eye when the teacher gave him a new journal. The shock and happiness on Tyler aka Toby's face when I started dancing with him. For my roommate who scraped the ice off my window before she left for school. For my sister who always makes me delicious food and dessert. The little moments make up our lives and to me they are what matter most.

I just had to get my thoughts and feelings out. I have been so overwhelmed with happiness lately and I had to let others know why. I am one happy girl! :)