Monday, February 16, 2009

New Year...New Look...New Goals

2009 blew in a storm and it's been chaos since. Where did the last 2 months go?


I started back to school and WOW! it's kicking my butt! I've also been able to substitute a few days in the school. I have completely enjoyed subbing! It confirms in my mind that I am definately pursueing the right career for me! It's fun to be with my kids also. I enjoy looking up and seeing Shaelynne smiling at me in the doorway, having Justyn come share his lunch time with me, having Zach check in on me after each of his classes just to make sure I'm doing okay, or to see Alexys skipping down the hall with her class to dance.


After 4 years, Ken was transferred from narcotics investigations back over to patrol. That means that all the undercover vans that polluted our street are now gone and we only have a patrol car. It's nice to look out side and not feel like I live in a used car lot. When he agreed to do narcotics, they told us one year and if we didn't like it, they would transfer Ken back to patrol. 3 years later and a new sheriff, we are finally back on track. Now we are just trying to adjust to rotating shifts again. We'll see how much we like this when he goes to graveyards next month...



After a rough couple of years, Ken and I are finally doing some things to make our marriage a priority! We have set some tough goals and are excited with the changes we have seen so far! We still have a long ways to go but I am so thankful to have him as my closest friend. Life is definately so much better with him by my side, doing this together!

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Christmas Eve

You might think this post is a little late...
Well, I guess that all depends on your perspective.. :)

Joseph (Klayton-Brian's son) gently guiding the donkey as it carried Mary (Kate) to Bethlehem.



Proud parents welcome the newborn babe.


Beautiful herald angels announced the Savior's birth (Alexys and McKynli-Brian's daughter)


Shepherds (Justyn) and a cow (Shaelynne) came to celebrate the arrival of the Savior of the world.


Wise men (Henry and his mother) brought gifts for the newborn King.


And every good story needs a good narrator (Zach)!



Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Las Vegas Trip

A few days before Christmas, Ken took me to Las Vegas for a little getaway. We went to the BYU vs. Arizona Bowl Game.



We saw Wendell Wood, Ken's friend from BYU.



We also saw Laurie Steed, my childhood friend from many years ago.



We took a helicoptor tour of the Hoover Dam.



Then we walked around the Hoover Dam.



We walked 2 miles from our hotel through smut and crowds to watch the Bellagio fountains.


We went to Shark Reef, an exhibit in our hotel.


We went to M&M World for our kids and bought them souvenirs.



We also went to stage productions of Mamma Mia and Phantom of the Opera. I love, love, loved them both!!!!!! We also enjoyed the Bodies Exhibit, ate lots of good food, relaxed, and enjoyed our time away from our real world.

Thanks Mom and Dad for taking the kids for the week.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

The first day of school

Today was the first day of classes for me. I am so excited to be starting my second semester of college. I spent the day reworking my schedule, buying books, working out financial aid, and writing introductions in each class on Blackboard. I am taking 18 credits this semester and they are all online so I get to be home. I have to do some observation hours but nothing too stressful. I am taking a special education class. I am excited about this. I'm hoping to figure out if I can get a minor or an emphasis in special education along with my elementary degree. The best part about the day was that Ken hung out with me the entire day. It feels great to have his support. Wish me luck!

Monday, January 12, 2009

Wow! It's been a while since I was on here! I have a bunch to catch up on and school starts next week. AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

I'm over on Facebook alot, it's fast and easy, so if you're over there and we are not friends yet, send me an invite. Ken-Laurie Mencl is my name!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas 2008

The kids had their Christmas concert last night. Since we were all looking festive, we took advantage of the opportunity to take some pictures.






Wednesday, December 17, 2008

A long semester


After a studying really hard for a final and trying to finish up my English portfolio, Ken brought me home flowers. They were beautiful. I say "were" because the next day Henry was picking the pretty flowers, he likes to use them as swords, and he knocked the whole arrangement upside down onto the floor. Most of the flowers broke off, the arrangement was ruined. It was beautiful. Thanks Ken for thinking of me and loving me.