Meet the McKnight's!

Valentines Day

2012-02-14T17:39:00.000-08:00

Woah! What a day. I made my kids heart pancakes for Valentine's Day again this year! I love it, they always say my taste better than any pancake they have ever had. I just laugh since it is a box mix and tell them it's cause I added a little love!

Again, I was just spoiled rotten! As you can see it was gift/candy day for me! Lol.

This hands down was my favorite thing I received today. It is a note from one of my little girls!

My Birthday!

2012-02-14T17:35:00.000-08:00

Can I just say I am so spoiled! I had a blast for my birthday. My mom made me taco soup! Yum! I got lots of beautiful flowers and peanut butter M and M's, my favorite!

My kids played a trick on me and sent me to the office for a false errand, came back up to a dark, quiet, empty room. They yelled SURPRISE so loud and jumped out from their hiding spots and sang to me! It was so fun! A student even made me a beautiful gift.

My team members surprised me with a chocolate pie from Marie Calendars, it was so delicious! But most importantly Matt and I added a new family member to our home, my green apple Kitchen-aid! I have been saving since Christmas for one and it is finally here!

Valentines Day 15

2012-02-14T17:30:00.000-08:00

Day 15: We were "mint" to be together

Any mint will work. He really loved this one!

Here is the original blog. She has much better pictures!

Here is a grand total picture of all the gifts laid out over the last 15 days. Such a creative, and fun way to show how much you care!

Valentine's Day 14

2012-02-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

Day 14: You have O"fish"ally stolen my heart.

I used Swedish fish for this one! Too cute!

Day 15

Valentines Day 13

2012-02-12T11:44:00.000-08:00

Today was the day Matthew and I choose to exchange gifts. We exchanged them today, because Matthew has school on my birthday and Valentine's. So this way we could enjoy the gifts together and I can still give him the two smaller gifts later. I gave him more cologne from Victoria's Secret. It is called For Him 2. I love this cologne as does Matthew. I even wrapped it in cute Valentine's paper!

I also gave Matthew a book, called What I Love About You. I filled in the response with everything about him! This was a perfect and creative gift! He REALLY loved it. We read it together and talked about all the memories!

Day 14

Valentine's Day 12

2012-02-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Day 12: You make my heart "bubble" over.

I took this one on our date night! So much fun! You could buy bubbles, or even gum. We had a wonderful time at the hotel and this was a perfect way to celebrate!

Check out Day 13

Date 2: Mandy's Choice

2012-02-12T11:19:00.000-08:00

This was a perfect choice for this weekend. This weekend was our trip to Grand America! As you can see we were so surprised and excited. I was able to receive a free night and breakfast buffet for Grand America, I received this award along with my fellow fifth grade teachers for have the most improved CRT scores last year! I was a pretty incredible night. This was also perfect because it was the weekend before Valentine's Day as well as my birthday!

We checked in first and our room was absolutely beautiful!

Did I mention the room had a doorbell!

The view was incredible, too. Day or Night.They were so kind to us. They asked us what floor we wanted to be on AND if we wanted a view of the city or the mountains. We choose the city this time!

After we got settled in we went to The Garden at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. A beautiful view, beautiful food, and even better company!

Lol! What a meal! After dinner, we went to the Joseph Smith Prophet of the Restoration video. It was a nice, free, beautiful idea to spend our night watching something so wonderful. If you have not been to see it, GO!

Matthew also took me to Baskin Robbins for some yummy ice cream!

We then celebrated and exchanged gifts. Matthew gave me some really awesome gifts! Dance Central 2 and Real Steel!

I surprised him with Day 12 and Day 13.

Talk about service! We even had turn down service!

We then walked around the hotel. I tried to save this child from this monster, I think he saved me. Lol.

Some one was launching fireworks! Matthew tried to capture them from the garden area. Didn't turn out too good in the pictures.

I even got to try my first Macaron. I asked the lady if they were like cookies, she relied with, "Well, I wouldn't exactly call them a cookie. They are much more advanced." My bad. They were pretty interesting to try.

The next morning we had our breakfast. Absolutely beautiful food and an excellent view.

Some extra photos we took.

Great date for Week 2!
Manda

Valentines Day 11

2012-02-10T17:16:00.000-08:00

Day 11: I think you are "soda" amazing.

Pretty self explanatory, but I love this one. Any soda will obviously work, but the saying is pretty cute and fun.

Day 12 right here

Valentines Day 10

2012-02-09T17:07:00.000-08:00

Day 10: I'm "nuts" about you.

So cute! I used corn nuts, but regular peanuts are an option. Pistachios are great, but Matt is not a fan. This one you can probably find lots of options.

Click here for Day 11

Valentines Day 9

2012-02-08T16:48:00.000-08:00

Day 9: I would be so "mixed" up without you.

I used Chex Mix, but a popcorn mix, trail mix, and so many other options would be available!

Day 10

Valentines Day 8

2012-02-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

Day 8: We make a great "combo."

The blog I got this from used a bagged food called combo. I couldn't locate the brand, so I came up with other options, such as Mike and Ike, Ben and Jerry's, etc. They of course make great combinations!

Check out Day 9

Valentines Day 7

2012-02-06T21:18:00.000-08:00

Day 7: I am "bananas" for you.

I used banana chips, a banana would work, or their are even banana Fuse drinks now.

Click here for Day 8

Date 1: Walk around the Mall

2012-02-05T13:51:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, February 4th, Matthew and I completed our first date out of the 52 dates I listed. Matthew choose the date earlier in the week so we could prepare.

First, I made us dinner.

I set the table, and lit some candles.

I made chicken cordon blue, cheddar mashed potatoes, and corn. It was a nice relaxing, delicious dinner.

Then off to the mall! This was such a fun, free date. We just wandered around and took pictures when we saw something that we wanted to include.

I had to get a picture of Matt in front of this store. I thought it was just hilarious! You'll see many more picture I just had to take of Matt! Such as below...

I thought these were just hilarious! I almost want some now

So many interesting things to see.

Had a hard time getting him to agree to some pictures, but he took his big boy pills!

I even got to try on some cute shoes! I LOVE shoes.

As anyone will tell you I love gnomes! These were just too cute to resist! I had to get a picture with a U of U gnome and a JAZZ gnome.

Found Matthew's jersey! Lol.

Then we found the Hallmark store and decided to have a competition to see who could find the funniest card! We gave a time limit of 5 minutes to locate the best. Here is what we came up with. Me first.

Now onto my opponent Matthew

It even had a cute back!

Of course he let me win so we took a picture of me next to the special occasion center since it was such a special moment in both our lives.

After we went to Claire's and tried on some cute headbands!

Overall, this was a really fun and cheap date. Stay tuned for Date 2 coming up soon!

Manda

Valentines Day 6

2012-02-05T13:04:00.000-08:00

Day 6: Thanks for "stick"ing by my side.

Super cute saying and lots of options. I thought about sticks of gum, orange or mint sticks. I did chapstick. I think it was nice to give him something unexpected.

Click here for Day 7

Valentines Day 5

2012-02-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

Day 5: "Honey Comb" your hair, because we've got a date tonight!

I used Honey Comb cereal for this one, thought you could even just buy that special someone a comb. Lol. Tonight is our first date from our 52 dates, Matthew drew our date out earlier and choose walking around the mall. Stay tuned for a review. We are very excited about this one!

Click here for Day 6

Valentines Day 4

2012-02-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

Day 4: You are one "hot tamale!"

I used candy for this one. Of course some tamale's would be very yummy! I used the bigger box of tamales, but even found a small bag for .50 less to save some money if needed.

Click here for Day 5

Valentines Day 3

2012-02-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

Day 3: I wouldn't "chews" anyone but you!

This one was so easy! Any pack of gum. I choose orbit gum, since Matt loves to always eat mine. Lol. I thought you could easy spend less than a dollar on this one. Of course if you want more there are the multi-packs at the store or even the boxes full of a years worth of gum at Costco and Sam's.

Day 4 Click Here

A night out on the town

2012-02-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Tonight is my night with my niece and nephew Jack and Ellie. They are the best kids in the world! Today we went to Great Harvest to pick up some bread, the lady offered them samples and they just about died! Jack and Ellie choose the bread they wanted to sample, we put some butter on them, picked a spot and ate like kings! So fun to do with them. So you know the eyes being closed is them smiling.

After we ate we went home, made some hot dogs and mac and cheese and watched some good old Ratatouille! So much fun to be with them and get to know them!

Manda

Valentines Day 2

2012-02-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

Day 2: Today's saying was Life would be un"bear"able without you.

I used swirly gummy bears. Of course you could give a stuffed bear, cinnamon bears, chocolate covered cinnamon bears, or regular gummy bears. I think Matthew will really enjoy this one!

Click here for Day 3

Brad Paisley

2012-01-31T19:34:00.000-08:00

I purchased Brad Paisley tickets for Matthew for a Christmas present and he took me! Lol, if you know me, he really didn't have a choice on who he would take. Anyways, as usual it was fantastic! The music was incredible and the show was out of this world!

I was so excited. Matthew bought me Diary of a Player, a book written in part by Brad Paisley mainly about himself. I love this book! Each chapter is a song from one of his albums, they have quotes from his songs, stories about his life, tips, and most importantly...his SIGNATURE! I am so excited.

Scotty McCreery opened for Brad this year. Holy cow, what a voice! I will most likely be purchasing many of his songs soon to come. I know Matthew really enjoyed Scotty. He kept hoping he would win American Idol, and he did!

After Scotty was the Band Perry. I wasn't too excited for this act. I find some of the songs annoying after hearing them over and over on the radio. Surprisingly, the main singer was AMAZING live! I couldn't believe it, she sounded so good. So I ended up really enjoying this part of the concert.

Then of course the man of the hour! Matthew got amazing pictures of him. He was so close to us for about 3 songs. It was so cool to see him so close to us.

Matthew loved all the songs, but none more than Camoflauge. Brad had a hologram of Carrie Underwood and then sang one of my recent favorites, "Remind Me." He also played "Then," and "Waitin' on a Woman." Those of course are some of my absolute favorites!

Overall, we were really pleased and had a really great time with one another. A huge thanks to Brad for taking the time to make sure his shows turn out to be some of the great concerts!

52 Date Ideas

2012-01-31T17:01:00.000-08:00

Since we have been married, life has been so hectic for Matthew and I that we never make time to have dates. I complied a list of 52 mini-dates or actual dates for us to go on over the next year, hence the number 52. Some are very simple and cost nothing and some cost money and require more time. I figure as long as we give ourselves the opportunity we will be able to spend that valuable time together. It was very simple and you may use my list or pick and choose from my list. After I complied the ideas I printed them, cut them up, glued them to card stock, and placed them in a small box. Of course some are designed for winter and some for summer, when we hit that road block we will readjust. Lol. Stay tuned, if all goes well I plan to post each date with ideas and activities!

1. Mandy’s Choice	2. Walk around mall	3. Dollar Movie
4. Picnic	5. 20 questions	6. Temple
7. Board Games	8. Matt’s Choice	9. Chili’s
10. Blockbuster	11. Local Park	12. Fly Kites
13. Netflix	14. Ice Cream	15. Fondue
16. Go for a walk	17. MegaPlex	18. Cabella’s
19. Park City	20. Caramel Apples	21. Desert Theater
22. Stargazing	23. Go for a drive	24.Ice Cream Sundae
25. Yard Sale $5each	26. Gym	27. Volunteer
28. Bowling	29. Mexican Night	30. Italian Night
31. Order Pizza	32. $5 for Deseret Industries	33. Do You Know your Wife/Husband?
34. Visit a bakery	35. Bucket List	36. Nicklecade
37. Rockband	38. Kinect	39. Golf
42. Homemade Pizza	40. Sleepover	41. Spa night
42. Homemade Pizza	43. Restaurant hop-Appetizer, Entrée, Deseret	44. Go to a sporting event
45. Walk around a college campus	46. Cook Dinner Together	47. Brownies
48. BBQ	49. Cookies	50. Watch a sport together of Matt’s choice
51. Caramel popcorn	52. Find a City Deals Activity

Valentines Day 1

2012-01-31T16:49:00.000-08:00

I got this idea from my pinterest account. It was from a cute blog with pre-made labels. I will share the blog on the last day just in case Matthew reads, I don't want him knowing what is next. I started this early, since there are 14 days til Valentines in February, but I have an actual gift for Valentines Day, plus it is fun for both Matthew and I.

Day 1: You are the "apple" of my eye.

In the blog she used dehydrated apples. I will use dried fruit in another day, so I went with apple leathers. I thought that apple juice would work also, as well as apple sauce, or a caramel apple, or a plain apple. If you are on a budget using some of these other options will save you some MONEY!

Stay tuned for Day 2!

Budgeting- A few tips!

2012-01-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

Matthew and I have finally starting seeing the results of our sticking to a tight budget! We have always had enough money to pay for our bills and then some, but no matter what after each month we ended up owing money. We started a budget a few months after our marriage, we have had to readjust constantly, but it has finally started to pay off. Here are some of the things we have done:

All bills are set up on auto bill pay, we established from the beginning we have enough, just need to plan ahead. When Matt gets paid he must cash his check, this was actually very helpful. Here is the first thing I learned.

1. Use CASH! We tried the credit card and tried to keep track of it all in our head, no good! Since Matt gets paid and has to cash his check we save a drive by having him get the cash at once. He gets our "free" money ($100/every 2 weeks), laundry ($25/2 weeks), and food money ($200/2 weeks). Here is the thing I learned about "free" money.

2. We, of course use cash, but we are only allowed a certain amount every few weeks. This amount we recieve must pay for gas, things we want, outside food (except when we go to dinner, it is $10 each and then anything over we pay for). This is extremely fair and keep us from ordering sugary drinks, appetizers, things we really don't need. The nice thing is once the money is used up, too bad. If you want something expensive, save up! It is hard, but it has really taught us patience, and smarts!

3. Stick to the budget! This is something we need to improve. It is easy for me to say, we have done so well, so I am going to buy us a movie. Bad IDEA, move forward, not back!

4. Talk about money, COMMUNICATE! This is something we have improved on overtime.

5. Watch your money, check the online banking system everyday!

6. Pay tithing! Huge blessings come from this. You have more control and overall more money. What a blessing. Curious about tithing? Check out www.LDS.org. :)

7. See if you can save money. We did this in many ways:

Shop for food daily-At first I was wasting so much money buying food til the next week. We were ending up throwing so much away! I was trying to buy produce to eat healthier and ended up throwing it away by the end of the week, since it was rotten. We also were invited every once in a while to dinner, didn't have money cause I already spent it. If we have extra money, by the end, we save it. If not, then we readjust our meals to save.
Change insurance- We were paying over $190 per month with my teachers car insurance and over an additional $100 a year for home insurance. We switched providers this last year and are paying $153 per month for everything! Huge savings!
Phones- We were paying over $150 for our two cellphones and landlines through T-mobile. We switched to virgin mobile for the same amount of minutes, unlimited text, data now we pay only $70/month. We now have our land line through Skype for $2.99/month. By getting rid of our land line we saved money for internet by asking for stand alone service. We were paying $30 for internet and $30 for the phone. Now we pay $40 for stand alone with out the phone line cost!
Television- Downgraded to very basic package with Dish went from $54.99/month for television in every room with DVR to $20.99/month for the same thing, less channels. Added Netflix on our X-box/kindle/bedroom for $7.99/month.

These are just some of the many things we changed in our daily lives that have made a HUGE difference in our finances. Be aware that what works for us may not work for you. Here are just some things to think about and see if they fit your lifestyles!

Is there anything you do to keep your finances in order? If so, PLEASE share! I still need all the help I can get. :)

Manda

A New Meaning to Jockstrap

2012-01-11T18:37:00.001-08:00

Today we were reading "The First Day of School FOREVER!" and in our reading today the main character, Artie, accidentally pulls a jockstrap out of his backpack. Of course, none of the kids knew what a jockstrap was. So I do my best to describe the jockstrap as athletic support, usually boys where in football and such. Then a student yells, "Oh you mean a nut cup!" I swear I could have died then and there. I was so extremely red in the face. The kids were full on laughing, as was I. Needless to say, I won't be reading that book again for awhile.

Manda

And yet another thrilling conversation

2012-01-09T21:32:00.001-08:00

Me, speaking to Matthew (he is half asleep again): I love you husband.
Matthew, speaking to me: I love you somebody else's wife.

Can somebody explain to me what the heck that one means?

Manda

Oh this has got to be the good life

2012-01-08T15:11:00.000-08:00

We read about the life of the prophet George Albert Smith today. We mainly focused on his creed of life. He has a list of 11 things that he believes whole heartly in and tries to live by. It's pretty good. Here are some of my favorites, just pieces:

1. Be a friend to the friendless
2. Visit the sick and inspire them.
3. Teach the truth
5. Not seek to force people to live up to my ideals but rather just love them into doing the right thing. (love this)
8. Not knowing would the feelings of any.
9. Overcome selfishness and jealousy and rejoice in others success
10. Not be an enemy to anyone
11. Knowing the Redeemers plan and sharing it.

Anyways, President Smith and One Republic kind of inspired me to make my own top eleven things needed to live a good life. Mine is definitely not as deep, just a quick list of one worders. Feel free to add to the list.

Faith
Love
Kindness
Loyalty
Forgiveness
Hope
Cheerfulness
Humor
Empathy
Laughter
Someone, it doesn't matter who, to share your life with.

Manda

Another Great Conversation with Matthew

2011-12-08T17:29:00.001-08:00

Funny thing is he was completely awake at this point. Matthew and I went to his cancer check up on Tuesday (another year cancer free-Yeah!). Anyways, while we were waiting I asked him a question. Before I get to the response let me just say that during Matthews chemo/radiation he had some hearing loss, luckily he can still hear most everything. Here is my point, I asked him a sarcastic question (I don't remember it), and here was his response:

"You know what honey, I may be completely deaf, but I still heard everything you just said."

Anyone find something incorrect with that statement? Lol. Funny guy. He definitely is my other half!

Manda

Table Decor

2011-10-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

The chew gave a lesson on how to fold napkins the other day, so I tried it. I alternated between the rings for kicks and giggles I guess. The rose in the middle was from Matt as a I love you gift, good man!

Halloween Decorations

2011-10-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

If you can believe it I made all of these decorations. Some I even invented myself!

More Christmas Cards

2011-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Made some more Christmas Cards a few weeks ago. They turned out so cute!

New Appliances

2011-10-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

I love having a DVR I record any show while still at school. I saw a commercial for the show called The Chew and setup a timer to record, boy am I glad I did. They did a kitchen remodel the other day for only $250 dollars (video linked)!

Anyways, near the end of the clip the lady showed how to update your appliance without spending too much money. I became inspired and check out what Matt did for me! :)

Pretty sweet huh? It is simple and cheap! We went to k-mart and purchased plastic primer spray and the color of our choice (lime green). Be sure to tape off what you don't want colored. Prime it. Spray paint it an hour later and presto! A new appliance that you will love! I was conscious about what I sprayed of course- I didn't spray the inside or anything that will come in contact with food or over heat. I love to collect green things, but not pay a lot, this is a great way to do it!

If you dare, try it!
Manda

Purple Mashed Potatoes

2011-09-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

    A student comes in this morning and asks if I can refrigerate her lunch for her today, she is so excited, cause it is purple mashed potatoes. I normally never do these types of things for students, with good reason, I have to send them to the faculty room to put it in, it takes time from their P.E. and my lunch. Against my better judgment I allow her to go put it in the fridge and come get it from me before her lunch. At lunch time she comes and knocks on the door, I hand her her lunch and she tells me it must be microwaved! I sigh and ask her how long (I knew it was a trap at this moment, lol.)
   So I microwave it for 2 minutes as requested. I pull it out of the microwave and I begin to panic, there is a massive amount of steam rising form the bowl, and the potatoes are making this loud gurgling noise? The other teachers start to laugh and wonder what the heck is going on with that student's lunch. I heard one ask is it a bomb (jokingly)? I run it out to her and ask what it is. She has no idea. We take off the lid and find that she forgot to remove her cold pack from on top of the potatoes!
    She was just horrified at this point, her purple potatoes are blue and she has no lunch or money to buy lunch. I send her to my class to grab my purse and pay for her food today. At the end of the day I read her planner and what she learned:
   Today I learned that Mrs. McKnight really educated me last year on chemical reactions. I now know that if I ask Mrs. McKnight to microwave my purple potatoes for 2 minutes with the cold pack on it creates steam that causes her to evacuate a room and makes a noise that is extremely loud. Most of all it ruins my lunch.

Manda

Fiber

2011-09-13T15:51:00.001-07:00

Today we were reading about airplanes and the Wright Brothers. I am still trying to figure out how but we went from planes- to astronaut food- to fiber- to what happened to Charlie one time when he ate a box of fiber bars. Once Charlie shared his story about the fiber bars I had tears rolling down my face!

Mid-sleep conversations

2011-09-02T23:08:00.001-07:00

Another mid-sleep conversation with Matthew:
Me: Where did you put your mom's tickets that were on the bed?
Matt: On my journal
Me: You don't have a journal.
Matt: I know
Me: Honey, listen where is your journal and the tickets?
Matt: With the oil pump.

Apparently my husband is having a dream about writing about an oil pump in his journal?
Classic.

Manda

Weeding

2011-08-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

Last year my kids planted tons and tons of vegetables to grow out in our garden. It was great because this year I have the exact same kids, plus two. This is amazing since they know me and I know they aren't afraid to get dirty.

We hadn't of been out since June and went to go weed the garden. I was pulling up what I thought was a weed until I heard kids screaming, "carrots! carrots!" They them swarmed around me and pulled up like 50 of them. They were no super tiny, but we did it! We grew carrots!

We were able to eat all of the salad and peas this summer in summer school, but it was great for the kids to see some of their hard work. We also have some tomatoes coming in!

Manda

More Christmas Cards!

2011-08-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

We made more cards this week and I just love them to death!

This first one is my favorite.

This one was as frustrating as I'll ever get out. The bells took forever! If you end up getting this card you are pretty special. :)

This was supposed to be a hard one but was really simple and super cute! We made it in two colors!

This we chalked in the dove and flowers. Really allowed for creative juices to flow!

I love the polka dot paper in the background and the embossing we did. Really cute card.

Manda

Finished up classroom

2011-08-16T16:10:00.001-07:00

Finished my classroom projects today. Here is the finished wall. Turned out cute. Very authentic. :)
"Just Keep Swimming."

Saw another teacher do this and loved it. Put this one the outside door.
"Welcome. May all who enter as guests, leave as friends. "

Decided to put one on the window too!
"Be the change you wish to see in this world."

Love reading this book to students the first and last day of the year. Thought this might inspire.
"Oh, the places you'll go!"

This is on the side of my desk with pictures of my kids.
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams."

Another window decor. I love the saying and the bubbles. Although they are hard to see they are really cute in person.
"Wish it. Dream it. Do it."

Manda

Made the papers!

2011-08-15T20:46:00.000-07:00

Millennial shoppers: 1 of 5 household dollars — $170 billion a year — is spent on or by them

By lois m. collins

Deseret News

Published: Monday, Aug. 15, 2011 6:26 p.m. MDT

SALT LAKE CITY — This is Amanda McKnight at 27: She has a smartphone that she uses "all the time," and she prefers texting to talking. She checks Facebook and Twitter on her phone and recounts snippets of her day via them, delivered randomly as the urge strikes. She downloads coupons to her phone, sometimes while she's staring at the product on the store shelf. She also loves her computer.

McKnight, a sixth-grade teacher, could be a poster child for her generation, the Millennials. They are not just tech savvy; technology is their native tongue, and those who would sell to them should keep that truth in mind, experts say. They ask friends and family for recommendations. They zip online to get instant product reviews. And they take seriously stories of bad products or work practices, mingling social conscience with hunger for a bargain.

"I'm constantly surrounded by various technology outlets and have the overwhelming urge to participate in each one — social media, smart phones, TV gadgets, car gadgets, you name it," Jamie Kloss, 21, of Newtown, Penn., says.

"They communicate on networks nobody owns," says Jeff Fromm, senior vice president of Barkley, a Kansas City-based consulting firm that will soon release an in-depth study of marketing for Millennials.

"We have to learn how to market with them, not to them. We used to be in control of our brand and communicate that to our audience. Now we don't have that much control."

He believes "a Millennial isn't defined as much by age as by habits and practices."

AdvertisingAge found that 68 percent of Millennials ask friends before they choose a restaurant. "How do you begin to understand shopping habits of a generation that can't make up its own mind? it asked recently.

Millennials buy based on Twitter and blog posts, customer ratings on the Internet and word of mouth from friends, delivered in person, by text, or on social networks.

When Applebee's writes on its Facebook page: "Tell your friends about our new entrees now," it means it. The restaurant chain has 1.28 million "likes" and uses social networking to promote products. Joe's Crab Shack touts the free app SCVNGR, with instructions to download it to a smartphone, find the restaurant in "places" and take challenges for a free appetizer.

Companies such as Cafe Rio have a YouTube channel and Twitter feeds that are more "chatty" than hard-sell. And companies exchange samples for a "like" that will show up on Facebook newsfeeds as a positive recommendation.

That's the other thing experts say Millennials love: special deals. This most loved, hovered-over generation, as experts describe it, thrives on the sense they're being rewarded, from rewards cards and samples to insider deals.

Blaine Becker, senior director at Hartman Group, gave Deseret News a sneak peek at highlights of its upcoming "Culture of Millennials" report. It says they are more than a fourth of the U.S. population and influence more than $170 billion in spending, with one-fifth of all household dollars spent by or on them. They get their information "online and through their social networks/friends." And while older consumers shop online more, Millennials use smartphones much more to gather information and make purchases.

Harris Interactive calls them the "arbiters of cool." They grew up in the nation's longest economic boom but are part of a devastating recession. It says they are more loyal to brands and stores than others, provided the store connects to them.

But when it comes to trust, they always head back to their own networks and sources of neutral advice, because Millennials are inherently skeptical, especially when it comes to big business, says Matthew Segal, president and co-founder of Our Time, a consumer group for Millennials based in Washington, D.C.

"We grew up in the age of corporate greed, too big to fail," he says. "And every young generation likes to support the underdog."

Our Time promotes "consumer engagement we believe will lead to civic engagement," such as a campaign that asks Millennials to buy from young businesses with a high capacity to grow and that challenge old models and assumptions and weave ethics and social responsibility into their business model.

Examples include companies that make clothes from recycled goods or that use materials made in America. Creating American jobs and improving quality are "a priority of this generation," he says.

He predicts Millennials will lead against mammoth corporations that outsource work and don't respect the worker.

"Those who think the cheapest thing will win are arguing economics over values. Values will win."

Julianne Hancock, 30, Salt Lake City, agrees. "I base all my decisions heavily on recommendations from friends and online reviews. I have a lot of friends, and I am conscious of types of brands. I shop at Costco not because I need 23 rolls of toilet paper at a time, but because it donates to progressive causes."

She has sometimes steered clear of certain businesses, she says, because favorite sites like Gawker reveal unsavory business practices. And "if friends say they had a horrible experience somewhere, that will resonate with me for a long time."

Her generation, she notes, expect that "especially through social networks and Google we are being marketed to subliminally."

When a restaurant shares a funny movie clip on Facebook without touting a specific product, it's probably sliding its name into a consumer's brain where it hopes it will resurface when hunger strikes.

Bad day, bad hair.

2011-08-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

I made a HUGE mistake today. Today was the day to cut and trim Matt's hair. I have done it before no problem. I knew something bad was going to happen, it was a long day and I was completely worn out. Anyways, not thinking I went way to close to his head and took out a huge chunk. He wanted me to shave his head bald, I just couldn't do it so I tried to blend it all.

From the front.

Oh well. Such a great sport.

We agreed he will just wear hats til it comes back in. Such a stupid mistake. Hopefully, I will look back and laugh at this one day.

Sorry honey.

Manda

Classroom.

2011-08-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

Today I went into school and started some long needed work on my classroom. Today I mainly focused on getting my wall up to date. I figured its been what 6 years? Might as well add a splash of color. (I didn't before, because I was always afraid I would have to move again.)

Here is a wall I've always wanted to add. The students add problems they are facing and solutions to others using chalk. I like the idea of chalk because like our problems chalk comes and goes.

Here is a close up.

This will be done the first day of school and left up as a reminder. I used paint this year for borders and words. Saved time and money and I think made it more unique.

.

Another attempt to save time and money and make it unique. My birthday board!

.

I love Spiderman! I finished this along time ago. Spiderman is a HUGE theme in my classroom.

This is my Wall of Fame. When kids write me letter of draw me pictures, I hang them up like I would on my fridge. I take stuff off after years and years have gone by and add more. I used pictures on the kids as a border! It is actually pretty cute.

My explorer wall, with post cards. The kids always bring in post cards or money from where they travel and we add to it throughout the year. It has really grown!

This wall will be finished tomorrow. It will say just keep swimming in the corner and have a fish border theme going around. Stay tuned....

Manda

Matthew's Baby Burrito

2011-08-11T21:18:00.001-07:00

Took my sweet husband out to lunch today for being just a cute, sweet husband. We went to Texas Roadhouse first, it was closed. Then we went to Spaghetti Factory, not open til 5. Finally, we settled on Virg's. I don't know what he was thinking, well I do, he ordered a breakfast burrito thinking it was something entirely different.

Here it is.

Here is Matt getting ready to tackle it.

Here he is, I suppose, praying to get through this.

Here he is eating the monster. I swear, it was as big as his head.

Taking a break to breathe. Sorry lighting was horrible with my phone.

Needs a drink. Went through three just to down this.

Oh, did I mention he ordered a scone? He really had no idea what he was getting into.

Ready to barf, perhaps?

Or ready to cry?

Finally surrenders! (He wants me to mention, he DID finish the scone.)

Leftovers for breakfast tomorrow.

Needless to say a HILARIOUS lunch.

Manda

Graduation Party

2011-08-11T20:52:00.001-07:00

I had a fantastic day today. All of the fun completely and totally goes to my husband Matthew. He was truly the hero tonight. He cooked so much meat, corn, and dealt with some pretty horrible neighbors. Which I won't bring up anymore than this sentence, especially since the night was so fantastic.

I recently received my masters and wasn't able to go out and walk to receive my diploma. It was held in Cambridge, Massachusetts and like my other classmates it just wasn't feasible. We decided to have our own graduation party.

We, I mean Matthew, Barbecued.

We had amazing food to eat.

An ice cream cake with our names on it.

Cute decorations and plates. This one is a cap we found at DollarTree. I know it is hard to see.

Amazing friends to share it with.

And the cutest party favors ever! A girl from our class made these. In the plastic wrap she put a bookmark and the yellow antenna balls that go on cars! She brought a camera and robe and photographed us all in caps and gowns. You will see them to come shortly. Everyone will be sending pictures so I will upload some of those as well. It was a fantastic and fun night to remember. We plan to do reunions!

Manda

Christmas Cards

2011-08-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile it is my favorite time of the year! Card Club! We make 10 cards for only $15. We make two of each five main cards.There is six here because one card it the same just in another color.

I love going here with my mother-in-law. It is a blast and is so fun for me. I used to do this all the time but I had to buy stamps in order to go. This was okay, but I found my home is filled with stamps I never use. Now everything is online so I make my scrapbooks online now. Anyways I love this opportunity to just go, relax, and make something cute that I can give away! Here are the five cards we made.

This one is my favorite!

We embossed this one. So cute.

This one had an inside too!

This was A LOT of work, but so stinking cute!

We made this one in two colors, blue and red! I love the ribbon.

I really love that when I come home Matthew is by the door asking me to show him what I made! Cute husband.

Manda

Birthday Calendar!

2011-08-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

A few months ago my mother-in-law invited me to this class where I was able to make a birthday calendar. It was so fun and I learned so much. I of course was confused what a birthday calendar was a first but figured it out. You can order these from a Stampin' Up host, but would need to decorate it on your own. Here are some ideas.

Here is the front cover.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

I am rejunking

2011-08-01T10:18:00.001-07:00

My amazing mother-in-law is dejunking! So I am rejunking! Lol. I love my mother-in-law, she has great taste! I can't believe she got rid of these plates. Matthew just loves that I have added a new taste of his life to our home. I took the serving plates that I received, attempted a few different types of looks on the white, since it was more versatile. After four or five attempts of using already at home stuff, we went to Pier One! Anyone who knows me, knows Pier One is a bad store to take me too. The green bookshelf below is from there. Had to make an extra trip to Park City to pick this one up! Anyways, found some Bamboo potpourri on sale and knew it would match instantly with the two rooms I wanted to put the plates in. Amazing what a little color can do.

The lamp on the shelf is from my grandmother. Again she was dejunking gave me millions of shirts for my kids to paint and this beautiful lamp. Fits perfectly on my Pier One shelf!

Amanda

Homemade wreaths

2011-08-01T10:09:00.001-07:00

I got this idea from my missionary companion. She made one for her home and I just couldn't help it, they were so cute and cheap to make.

I made one for Spring.

One for Fall.

I wish I would have taken pictures of the step by step process. Oh well. I went to Micheal's to purchase the hay wreath. Wrapped it in any yarn. And used felt to make the flowers. The "M" I found at Joanna's and painted it with Sharpie Pen Paint, Matthew drilled the holes to attach it with fishing wire. This one I came up with on my own, so of course you can take it off.

Manda

Top Ten Movies

2011-04-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here are some of my favorite movies of all time. Tell me-what are some of yours? Matthew and I need some new movies to watch besides our usual. Any suggestions we will take!

1. Counte of Monte Cristo

2. Pirates of the Carribean

3. The Best Two Years

4. Beauty and the Beast

5. Disney's Earth

6. Remember the Titans

7. Forever Strong

8. Son Of Rambow

9. You Again

10. Tangled

Manda

Blaze Game

2011-04-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

Matthew and I purchased the Pass of All Passes this year from Raging Waters. I hated it at first, it was really confusing and a lot of work. But now that we have our passes and you can now preorder over the internet we love it! Anyways, we love it and we got to the blaze game the other day. I love going to the games and more than anything watching the kids get excited and all pumped up. There was this kid in front of us this game and he was just hilarious! You can't hear or understand anything I would actually recommend keeping the sound off, it is more for looks. :)

Top five restaurants

2011-04-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

So I figure I would start blogging again. I am hoping I can start blogging every Sunday as a journal and catch up to keep me busy. Last night was girls night. I never did this before with my family but it is something that Matthews' family does. Whenever conference comes around the men go to priesthood while we, the ladies, get pedicures or go to a movie. This time we got pedicure. After our pedicures we went to Buca de Beppos had some outstanding food and it motivated me to blog today my top five restaurants.

1. Texas Roadhouse

Most amazing everything. I enjoy their smothered chicken with some of their maple rolls, house salad, and stuffed baked potatoes. Not too pricey at all for the amazing food you get. Call ahead for a reservation otherwise you will be waiting for a hour or so.

2. Italian Village

I remember as a child my parents would take us here on special occasions and we would get our own personal pizza. It was amazing and so delicious. I still love going there. It is newly remodeled and as always you can get take out. Another long wait but well worth it.

3. Chili's

Always something for everyone to find and enjoy at Chili's. I have multiple favorites such as Quesadilla Explosion Salad, Chicken Crispers, Chicken Fajitas, and so much more. I love the call ahead seating option.

4. The Dodo

Ok I usually only go here for the amazing deserts that are made daily and change daily as well. But I do love their Ham and Swiss, and Dodo club sandwich. Such great, fresh, made to order meals. I usually call ahead to see if there is a wait, usually the wait is as long as the drive so once our name is on the list when we arrive we are seated quickly.

5. Morelia's Restaurant

Consistently the best Mexican restaurant I have ever been too. I always take a pint of salsa home with me each time I go. Amazing food and service. Again you will have to wait to be seated but it is so worth it. I love take out here as well. Larry Miller Combo is the best there. No website just millions of reviews!

So there you have it. Have you been to any of these restaurants? What did you think of them? Any favorites from the menu? What are you favorite restaurants?

Manda

I'm Still Alive

2011-02-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

I feel quite stupid. I have been reading everyone's blog throughout these last few months but have never updated mine. I always want to update my blog but feel it isn't as fun since I have no pictures and I always forget to take my camera everywhere. Alas, I will have to just write without it. Everything has been going great this year so far. Still working on getting my master's, teaching 5th grade, updating the website, and teaching technology at school. At home everything is wonderful with Matt. He is great and very supportive of my life outside of school. I was nominated this year to serve on my home owner's board. I am excited but nervous as well. It is a lot to handle with my master's, watching Jack and Ellie (my favorite day), volunteering at the sharing place, and being a ward missionary. I love it though everyday holds something new and exciting for me. That's pretty much me up to date. Hope to catch up again soon.

Manda

Quick catch up. Since Matt's Birthday.

2010-10-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

Here is what has been happening in my life the last few weeks. Made salsa with my mom! Who knew canning could be so fun? Next time, Apple sauce, salsa even chunkier, and peaches!

Went to park city with mom, Erin, Jellsters, and Nikki. Shopping and playing all day is just as fun as it ever was!That same weekend the bathroom and the kitchen were finally finished due to the flooding a few months ago. It looks great compared to what it used to be.Went to see Inception with Matthew's cousin Heather on Thursday since this last week was UEA. Great, intense movie. Went to the races with Matt, Scott and Erin. We also hit up Nickelcade and Social Network. Loved Social Network, again Geeks rule! Today made some homemade raspberry, walnut ice cream and pumpkin cookies!

Manda

Happy Birf-day Cinderelly!

2010-10-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ok it is not Cinderella's birthday, but it was Matthew's. I made him not one, but TWO cakes. The first was a practice for his families birthday celebration and the other was for his actual birthday. Can you figure out which one is which?
For his actual birthday birthday. I awoke him with a chocolate cake donut (thanks elder's) and a present. He went to work and came home to finish opening his gifts. Then we went to Famous Dave's and met up with 15 family members to celebrate. It was also my brother Scott's birthday so we celebrated together. Either way, it was a blast and a day full of so much activity. Matt came home and played on his new keyboard all night long, thanks mom and dad! I think Matt enjoyed it. :)

Manda

Brad Pailsey...Need I say more.

2010-09-25T08:00:00.001-07:00

Went to the amazing and never fails to entertain, Brad Paisley with Matthew last night. He is still one of the most complex guitarists I have ever seen. Matthew and I once attempted one of his songs on guitar hero, we gave up before it reached 10 seconds. Th concert was great though. Darius Rucker performed (Both Darius and Brad were our wedding songs, how perfect is that?), also Justin Moore, a few others, but I remember Steele Magnolia from those others. It was great and very entertaining. Got a few pictures and will edit this post and upload them later when Matthew wakes up. The one of Matthew and I that I will post now, it is a cute one taken with my new mytouch. I love it.

Ok here are some more. So cute!

Manda

Wordle Practice

2010-09-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

Made this in my masters class. Thought it was kind of cute:

Moons over my hammy!

2010-09-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

So I came home from a late meeting at church and was just going to make scrambled eggs. Matt offered to make them for me. He offered-so I let him do it. Here is what he made.

I forgot to get a picture at first, I was so hungry! It was so good. You can see the melted cheese and how it pulls apart. He even made the toast on the oven top and cooked the butter into it! He is crazy!

I finally got everything changed over to my new last name. It official! Check it out:

Also put a picture on my desk. My kids wanted to see the picture on Wednesday so I passed it aroung. They kept saying we look cute together! I told them we better be!

Lastly, I am so happy to have married such a great man.

Thanks Matt for the surprise!

Manda

An update

2010-08-28T15:31:00.000-07:00

First and foremost. The doctor appointments that Matthew went to turned out to be fine. Matthew is still cancer clean and incredibly helpful. Biggest relief of the year. We finally put the new dishwasher in and it is amazing. Silent and quick. I absolutely love it, I am sold on Kitchen Aid. The flooding problem was finally fixed but our home is still in pieces. I am frustrated with our HOA who is supposed to repair everything and their sluggish pace at getting it done. Hopefully all will be in good repair after this week. I will hopefully post some pictures of the damage before they come in to repair it all. Here is hoping....

Manda

This is for all my African kids at Escalante!

2010-08-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

Found this video again. Reminds me of my Shukri, Hamdi, Hamadi, my new Mohaumad. One day I want to see Africa!

Manda

I hope this is me in 30 years!

2010-08-28T15:18:00.000-07:00

Found this and got a kick out of it! I hope I turn into one of these ladies!

Manda

Hope ya know, I had a hard time

2010-08-11T13:20:00.000-07:00

This week has been a really hard week. First our dishwasher was flooding our kitchen. Matt and I came home one night to a soggy wet floor. This happened a few months ago and we thought it was the fridge so we replaced it. A few months later it happened again after doing many at home test we determined it was our dishwasher causing the flood this time. As of lately we haven't been to good with our finances and were worried about buying a new dishwasher so we hired a repair man to come out and look at it and possibly repair the old dishwasher for 100 or less instead of buying one for 300 or more. He informed us it was done and over with as a dishwasher and it is either pay 300 to repair or buy a new one. We bought a new one last night a top of the line used Kitchen-Aid so hopefully it will take care of us for a few years to come.

Yesterday we also found out my neighbors have been flooding our condo again. Last time it was just a few days and only our bathroom ceiling was ruined. This time it is the kitchen, bathroom, and part of the living room. I am so exhausted and tired at this point. Matthew has a doctor's appointment tomorrow to get some problems he is having examined as well. I am just praying and hoping the lord will guide us and help our poor little home and family.

I am just waiting for Monday to come around and start a new week. Hopefully things will start going our way. We finally got our lives to where we wanted it to be, we were praying and reading scriptures together. We had a scheduled routine of gym, dinner, scriptures, TV/movie/babies/temple, prayer, bed. It was working so well, we only got it to work for a day because this came along. If we can get back to this schedule and not let this get in our way I feel confident the lord will bless us and let us continue to grow together. One thing that has given me some comfort through this is this video link below, very moving and reminds me to look at the big picture. We definitely need to look outside our problems and find someone who is in true and silent need.

Manda

A new co-worker!

2010-08-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

I was so sad to leave 6th grade this year. I love that age and they seem to love me. It was time I guess for a change, plus my principal really needed my help (so he says). Anyways, I am moving to 5th grade and I am so excited, we just finished designing and wrapping up my new team and I am excited to get started and begin working with both team mates. They are so excited and ready just like I am! I feel they will pull their weight and be ready for what lies ahead. I have a few ideas up my sleeve and am ready! Hopefully, I will be smart and document as well as post my tricks that I have coming up. It is just hard when you can't post kids faces due to regulations! Well here we go!

Manda

I made a podcast!

2010-07-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
I made this podcast with my friend Allison in our Master's class for technology. It took us forever and is really advanced, since we are the only ones that did 17 different audio clips. Anyways, we find it funny. Check it out! Oh yeah, if you listen carefully you can hear our instructor in the background.

Manda

10 Things That Make A Husband

2010-07-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Feel free to add to this list.

1. He opens your doors, simple, but so true
2. Holds your hand
3. Uses please and thank you
4. Smells good
5. Always over uses I love you's
6. Kiss in the morning, when you get home, and goodnight
7. Doesn't swear
8. Pays attention to the fact that the world is more threatening for girls
9. Cleans just because
10. Doesn't start eating until you sit down.

Manda

How I got my job

2010-07-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

Told this story at lunch the other day. Grandma suggested I put it on my blog.

People always ask how I got hired at the school I student taught at. Well, it is actually very unusual. I told the principal ahead of time I was going to Europe. I wanted to interview, but needed to know when since I would be out of town for nearly a month! He never gave me an answer, just told me to keep checking. I came to the decision that I would just go and find other opportunities when I returned home. Little did I know I had someone else looking out for me (Howard Mitchell-my student teaching mentor).

I was in Germany when I came into our hotel for the night and we were to go get our keys and meet up with our group for dinner. Everyone was finding their keys easily and without a problem. I went up to the counter and couldn't find our room key. I finally asked, "Do you have a room key for Amanda and Jackie?" The front desk lady got that horrified look in her eyes and asked, "Are you Amanda?" I thought oh crap, someone died. She hands me my key with a note on it that said

MOM CALLED
CHECK EMAIL
VERY IMPORTANT

My tour guide starts freaking out and stops everything, the dinner, everything. We have to find a computer, we find one in a lounge but you must pay for each minute with your coins.

I finally get logged in to find and email from Howard, Dr. Aslett, and my mom. I open hers first, she tells me Mr. Mitchell has called the University, her work, and home to speak with her to get a hold of me to interview at Escalante. She had called a few times but we weren't in and left a note. I finally stop panicking and start emailing back everyone. A week later I interviewed over the phone in Switzerland with the Escalante staff. It was quite entertaining and they seemed to ask a lot about Europe instead. :) Came back a few days later, got a contract offer. I would definitely say with a little luck and help from friends, I ended up with a really cool job. Thanks Howard and Mom.

I must add, when I returned home I did chew my mom out about the note. Next time I requested she put no one has died, check your email at your convenience!

Manda

Me? Talk to University students about teaching?

2010-07-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

This last week I received an email from a friend who came in a few times this year to observe my classroom. She asked me to come to talk to her methods class at the University of Utah this month and talk about what it takes to be a teacher to students coming in to the classroom this fall. I did this one year but with a group of students from my cohort. This is the first year I will fly solo on speaking to a class. This is also the first year I will have a student teacher from the U. I have taken them from other Universities in the past, but never a full time student teacher from the U. I am supposed to show them resources, talk about what it is like to work in a Title 1 school, how I developed as a teacher, pull some resources I have used, and give them a reality check. I'll admit I am a little nervous but ready to help. She offered to compensate me for my time, I declined politely, I just want us to produce better teachers. I go in July 26th we'll definitely need to see what happens here. :)

Wish me luck!

Manda

How did he pop the question?

2010-06-26T11:26:00.000-07:00

Another famous question asked of newly weds, "How did he ask you?" Well this one is kind of unique and quite a long story. During December we had been talking about marriage and how we want to be married one day. We had decided to spend Christmas apart from one another since it would be one of the last times for us to be just with our families. This was a huge mistake, we ended up missing each other so much that we decided we REALLY needed to look into marriage. New year's day we went ring shopping. I told Matthew after we found the ring that he needed to give me time to adjust to this idea of marriage (I never really was the kind of girl to plan my wedding day or think that I would ever fall in love, so I needed to wrap my head around this). I asked him to wait 1-2 months, then give me the ring. This would give him enough time to ask my dad and plan a way to ask. We also decided that July 21st would be a good day to marry, since I would be out of school and we could have the summer and I could plan the wedding during my break. We eventually moved it forward to May 13th because as you will soon find out I am a quick planner.

Being the girl I am I just had to tell my mom. I called her up and told her the news and the whole story. She suggested we start looking for reception places to reserve since many people get engaged around Valentine's and it was coming up then they'd be booking around the same time as us. Make sense, right? Smart mom. Anyways that weekend we went looking at reception centers. I found my center after just looking at two places. I knew I wanted Silvercrest, so we booked it. Since we found my location so quickly, Erin (who came with, she is the best! Oh yes and Ellie my wedding consultant) and my mom suggested we look at dresses. I found mine by the second dress. Ok, place and dress, what's next? Oh, the cake. Yeah decided on that after looking at a few ideas on the wall. Three major items were accomplished in only a few hours! We left that morning at noon, were done with the cake plan by 3 (I am so not picky, it is the day not the "stuff"). So Matt calls to check in, I tell him all the things we accomplished his response,

"I thought you were only looking at reception places."
"I know but we found it so quickly, so we did the rest. Oh honey, I need the ring."
"I wanted to give it to you, but you told me to wait."
"Yeah, about that, I changed my mind."

I know, way to pressure him and put him on the spot. This day was Saturday, January 9, 2010. I told him though "I won't accept the ring until you get my father's permission." So Monday, January 11, 2010 he goes to ask my father. I knew he was going to ask so I set my sister Nicole up to be my spy. I asked her to go to her room when he gets there call me and ease drop. She did a pretty good job. ;) Although she couldn't hear too much she got the idea of the conversation and the important stuff, like my father saying yes. Oh best part about this, Nicole answered the door and what does Matt say, "Is HE here?"

We went to dinner after with my parents, Matt then went back to his house, told his parents "she wants the ring NOW," grabbed it and took me back to my condo. A few hours later he asked me to close my eyes (I heard him get up and close the ring box, so I knew it was coming :P). I opened my eyes, he was on his knee, and he asked "Amanda Kae Mantas, will you marry me?" The rest is history.

Manda

How did we meet?

2010-06-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

This seems to be the most common question asked when it comes to Matthew and I so I better document it. We originally met online at ldsplanet.com. I know right, you never think you would meet and fall in love with someone online, at least I never did, but it seems more and more these day's people are meeting online.

We flirted back and forth for just a few days. Then one night I caught him online, we chatted quickly and exchanged numbers. Matthew sent me a text later that night and asked me out for the next day! Boy was he onto something. We met at Hollywood Connection and went mini-golfing. It was a blast, he had me laughing from beginning to end. We met November 11, 2009. It was of course cold and we brought coats. Cute Matt hauled them suckers around from hole to hole. Impressive, I thought.

After mini-golf we just sat and talked for hours about anything and everything. It was going amazingly until he told me he was a cancer survivor. Not that I don't like cancer survivors, but what are you supposed to talk about after that topic? How I stubbed my toe once? Needless to say unfortunately the date ended shortly after. He walked me to my car, I called him Michael, and he politely corrected me and said that his name was in fact, Matthew. We drove off, he left me in the dust with his sports car, and we having been talking everyday since.

Manda

Not sure my title works any more.

2010-06-21T15:47:00.000-07:00

So the title let's talk "A-man-da-Man" tas won't work anymore since that is no longer my last name. I now need a new title? What to call it? Any ideas? New name Amanda McKnight, not that it needs to be a play on words, but it must be original and not an overdone title. For example, not really into Amanda and Matthew McKnight ( this works for many and if it comes down to it I may just go with it). I like it to be unique. Ugh, so difficult. Give me some ideas, porfavor. :)

Manda

Up to date

2010-06-11T16:56:00.000-07:00

So it had been awhile and I REALLY need to update my blog. So here is what has happened this year:

Met a guy, married him.
Built a hoop house, built it again, and again. Gave up.
Learned that the current years class will always live up to last years class. EVERYTIME! Dang kids. :)
Finished the year with amazing scores, moving to 5th next year.
Started my master's, dying in the attempt to just keep up.
To date condo is in threat of being flooded by the season going from winter to summer, yeah no spring so it seems. So far we are ok.

Sadly, that is everything up to date. Maybe I will put more details on some later? Or start listing my favorites as I see my cousin Kyle is doing.

Manda

Worm Farm

2009-09-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

So I have really been getting into gardening and composting with my students this year. They really seem to be enjoying it. So my next door neighbor, we shall call him Science Guy, showed me his worm compost (poop) bin and I thought it was so cool. So cool I wanted to start my own poop bin. Now Science Guy had a huge tupperware bin and I wanted something smaller and more doable especially since worms make me dry heave. So I grabbed a little file container I used in the past to put the new worms in. Science Guy told me I would have to drill holes all over the box in order to give them oxygen, he offered to bring in his drill to get it done. I kindly declined since our custodial staff had one. I decided to approach our custodian whom we shall call Bam Bam. I asked Bam Bam to help me drill holes throughout the box, he being the generous custodian he is kindly accepted. The first day the drill died on us so now holes were put in. The next day he came to help me out again and place holes on the box. Little did he know his own strength..... below are two pictures of the first hole he put inside my box. The three tiny holes next to the giant hole is what I was looking for.

One week down!

2009-08-29T15:45:00.000-07:00

This week was really fun to spend with this new class. I really missed my kids from the last 2 years for the first few days, but I got over that quickly. This new class has so much personality, they really like to get into the "what if's," I love it for the most part until they go off on it for longer than I like, but heck they are curious. We built some solar ovens this week and cooked pizzas in them and plan to make some smores next week. I will have to get some pictures of their ovens and post them. They are really quite clever. We brought in three items that described ourselves as well and the kids really got into it. I taught them table rumbles (thank you Convergys for teaching me that one). Overall a really get introduction week with this class. I think this year will be a fun and creative year for us.

Something to be grateful for...

2009-08-18T20:34:00.000-07:00

I am so grateful I found my purpose in life.....Serving others. I am so inspired this year and can't wait to get back into the groove with my students (AKA my kids). I love giving to them and watching them succeed. I got my test scores back this week and am so proud of my little babies from last year. They all rocked at EVERYTHING! I wish I could have another day with them to celebrate their accomplishments. I wish I could go with them to middle school and show the other teachers they will encounter the greatness they possess. I can't wait to bring out that in this year's class. I love teaching and am so happy I found where I belong. I am so content and happy with my life. I am so lucky. I am stoked to start some of my volunteering this year and bring back to the class. Look for updates and hilarious stories to come!

Yellowstone

2009-08-06T18:53:00.000-07:00

I had a great time with my family in Yellowstone a few weeks ago. We had tons of fun together as a family. Lots of sun, fresh air, delicious food, and time together. Here are some pictures I took with my G1 phone.

What is this song trying to tell me?

2009-07-21T14:17:00.001-07:00

Last week was a total drag. First, my favorite band screws me over with money. Then at the concert I get blisters all over my feet which are still there but the worse is the huge one under my little pinkie toe. Hurts like a mother... Then my phone line is shut off so I call the company only to find out not only did they disconnect my phone line but my Internet. Then I discover there are hurdles to be jumped before I get either back, what's worse is it all had been done by a company with little or no sympathy for making it up to customers for their mistakes. They also sent me a defective cellphone a few days before. Anyways, here is my point. I was listening to my first OK Go album and re-stumbled upon this song which I felt was written for me this week. Here is just a few lines:

Makes you sick, makes you ill,makes you cheat, slipping change from the till.
Had it up to the gills... makes you cry while the milk still spills.
Ain't it just a bitch? What a pain...Well it's all a crying shame.
What left to do but complain? Better find someone to blame.

(Hey!) Get, get, get, get, get over it!
Get over it, get over it.

Love this song. I would recommend for anyone having a bad day.

A new me.

2009-07-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a month since school got out and although I am teaching summer school I find I still really need something to do in my spare time. I have always been busy. I have worked and gone to school since I was 16 and really love to keep myself occupied. Don't get me wrong I love having summers off but I usually keep myself busy with trips. Since I am going to get my master's degree over these next two years I will need to really cut back and prioritize my life (AKA no more expensive trips). Anyways to my point, this week I took 2 days to rework my kitchen. Yes 2 days only! It looks incredible! I love it as does my roomie. I am so close to being finished with my condo only a few more things to be done but they can wait and aren't noticeable. So I am posting some pictures on my condo for those of you who have yet to see it. I am not including my roommates room (it's her private life) and of course the bathroom, it's not perfect yet. Tell me what you think. :)

My wicker chair! I love it and it took forever to get right.

My bedroom.

Living room. First are my pictures I bought in Paris, brought home and framed myself.

The clock I painted and designed myself.

Two pictures of my living room as well.

My dining room. I love my table.

The kitchen! The first is a picture of my kitchen before.

The next two are pictures after all work was complete.

New coat of paint on cupboards, new hinges, knobs, and wall color.

Last are my new spice magnets. I love them so much, so much fun and adds a pop of color-WorldMarket 1.99-great investment.

Time to reflect...

2009-06-09T13:41:00.000-07:00

Today was the last official day with my students. Boy will I miss them. What an amazing class, full of so much life, energy, humor, and personality. I can't wait til next year. Here is a reflection of some of my good times with my kids this year:

First day-they were totally over the honeymoon period at 10 am that day (little brats), since I had half of them the year before. Speaking of which I remember going home every night my first year of teaching and just crying. I had no idea what I was doing and was so afraid of messing them up. Norberto my sweet little Norberto who came to me speaking no English and first day in a new country said to me today, "Miss Mantas thank you for teaching me to read, write and speak in English these last two years." Best moment of my life to date!
fraction cookies- nothing like setting off the fire alarm!
Coraline- educating students in more way than one that day, academics and street smarts.
Mini solar system activity- designed by my student teacher, great activity with toilet paper, bad weather....
Math activities with the Random Name Picker-boy do the kids love their probability.
CRT week- many games and nicknames discovered, I was there after known as Mint
Classic skating- I died my hair pink and bladed all day
June 8th- water fight and class video need i say more?

Amazing class with amazing memories. They will be missed. I look forward to seeing great things from them in the years to come.

This week I couldn't wait to get back...

2009-05-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

I was so worried and anxious this weekend. I was so excited to have 4 days off until Thursday after school when a student of mine approached me and told me about her depression. I couldn't understand what she was talking about, she said a girl in our class was giving her "looks" and talking about her although she had no proof and no idea what was said. I kept probing her until I could get a full idea of what she meant by 'depressed.' Her definition was she is always contemplating suicide over this situation, that she would rather be dead than deal with it. It was like a slap in the face, I was so shocked and stunned at what she was telling me. I quickly referred her to counseling, and my counselor referred her for medical help. I was so glad to see her at school today back in my class. I kept thinking about all that was said to me Thursday and kept running things through my head and thinking about how to solve this situation. The only thing I need to know is-why would a 'look' make you want to end your life? I know we all react so differently and there are chemical unbalances, but it is a look! Why do we build things up beyond what they are? People will always give you 'looks,' especially girls. I just hope she can cope with the things that will hit her in her life to come.

When all is said and done.

2009-05-22T22:19:00.000-07:00

11 more days! I just can't wait. I will miss them so much, but I am starting to see the hormones kick in and they are driving me crazy. I swear if one more of them roll their eyes at me I will come after them. I got one from one of my favorites kids last week and boy he apologized quickly when he saw my face give him the "oh no you didn't (snap)" look. I think he thought I would strangle him, since he jumped a little. :) I definately loved and grew up a lot with this class. It will be a bitter, sweet good-bye.

There is one in every crowd....

2009-05-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

This week was a crazy week. We started our end of the year testing called CRT's, and had my last meeting with mine and Tillie's greif group. Our last meeting went so well. We went to McDonald's and Tille gave them some notebook to write their thoughts and feelings inside when they wanted to. It was so great of her. I was the one walking back with the kids right after and heard them talking about making it into their personal journal and how they will write in it. It was a really good experience for me to hear all their thoughts about loosing a loved one. There is a lot of emotion they are carrying on their back and it was great to help them relieve some of their stress. I look forward to having this experience with them next year.

I don't think I can do this

2009-04-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

I started writing my students their good-bye letters today for when they leave me in about 30 days and I just can't stand the thought of loosing them. I cried on a few letters and am really having a hard time coping with letting them go. Last year I was totally cool because I knew I would see them again in 6th grade. Now being a 6th grade teacher and knowing I won't see them again is really getting to me. I don't know if I can do it. Is it legal just to take them all and keep them for myself. Perhaps hold them back a year? Lol. I never would it is just a nice thought. I only got through 8 out of the 24 letters today. It will be a hard week I can feel really it.

Sister-in-law

2009-04-21T18:52:00.001-07:00

Ok I only have one but I love to be around her. Here's why:

-She is hilarious
-She is kind
-She makes amazing cookies
-Has a yellow car
-Was a fun roommate
-Invites me to things
-Likes the office
-Can quote the office
-Likes Gordon Ramsey
-Married my brother
-Has great decorating skills
-Smart
-Works at Olive Garden
-Can take it as well as give it

Chris is back!

2009-03-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

I never knew how dependent I was on my cousin Chris until he went to see some family in New Mexico....

Here are just some examples:

*Chris and I go to the gym 5 am in the morning during the week, apparently I won't go unless I know for sure he is going.
*I love the new pancakes at Village Inn, I won't go unless Chris goes with me.
*I was debating to go to a family party last week cause he wasn't gonna be there. I went, but thought about not going repeatedly.
*His wife is the only wife I can really get along with and enjoy myself. Amy (Chris' wife) is the type of woman that you are so comfortable around you want to grab a flavored soda, kick back and 'shoot the breeze' with. I love it when she is around and hate it when she works, just like Chris. :) If she wasn't married to Chris I would still want to be her friend. In short, she is really cool.
*I don't hold Office night unless there is a chance he just 'might' show up.
*He is the only person I will go to 5 or 6 different restaurants with on a Saturday afternoon.

Anyways I hope I am making a point here and Chris will read this. Those who know me know I am very independent and this is just becoming a handicap. :) I am glad he is home...

People you never forget

2009-02-27T18:57:00.000-08:00

There are very few people in life who have left a mark in my life. They have left such a deep mark that I think about the times we have had together all the time. I strive to be like them and would pay good money to be around their energy. Here is the sad part, we move on and take new careers, make other friends, and begin to loose contact.

This week I had a blast from the past come to my school, Jamison. Not only was I able to see him again and be around everything I strive to be but he taught my kids too! It was so fun, he had so much energy and passed it on to my kids. Jamison brought his dog Rooger which was so much fun for the kids and taught them a lesson along with it, you see Rooger is a dog who searches schools for drugs, alcohol, and guns. It was such a great and positive impact for the kids not only to play with a dog but learn about how serious it is and the consequences their choices can bring.

I will never forget the impact it had on my students and to hear their excitement and energy around Jamison and Rooger.

Huge thanks to my friend Jamison and Rooger!

2009-02-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

Woah! What a way to end the week! This last fall I spent a whole day planting some tulips. I love tulips and always have for many reasons. They main one is I am lazy and hate to plant so I figured since my parents tulips grow back every year with no work, it would apply to me. Another is their beauty, the colors they produce and the way they stand so straight is remarkable to me. The last is they are big in Holland and I went there 2 years ago and so it makes the memories more sentimental. Anyways, back to why this made my week; last fall I planted tulips that would bloom all throughout the year; I really planned ahead here, some in the spring, summer, and fall. I know get to the point.....they are starting to grow!

If she wants to ride she rides, if she wants to roll she rolls...

2009-02-16T21:10:00.001-08:00

This always happens this time of year. I start to miss traveling. I miss sleeping in small hotels, traveling on a bus all day, having my closest friends with me, and picking out souvenirs. It sucks too; I will not be seeing another major landmarks for the next two years, since I will be journeying towards my masters degree. Not saying this will not be a journey in and of itself. I guess these pictures will have to remind me of what I love and will be counting down the next two years to doing again.

Reasons why I like hockey games....

2009-01-24T23:02:00.000-08:00

1. The fights
2. The fights
3. The cute men on skates
4. The people I sit next to that I get to meet
5. Only 3 periods, not 4
6. The kids on the jumbo TV that dance like fools
7. You parents get on the jumbo TV and have no idea
8. The fights
9. Go into overtime
10. Go from overtime to sudden death shootouts
11. Free things come from the ceiling
12. Hitting your sister with the free things that came from the ceiling
13. Getting out for time with family
14. Pulling into the parking area, I love how they guide you through and you never know whether to stop or go.
15. The people that coach you into a stall and tell you where to park and you must pull through so you won't have to back up after
16. Screaming your head off

Everyone should experience at least one game. They are a ton of fun to be at and you can take my list and check them off as you go through out the day. Sounds like a challenge? :)

Master's Degree

2009-01-18T22:11:00.000-08:00

I have found the next big step to take in my life. I want to get my master's degree. Of course that statement just terrifies the crap out of me. I am afraid for my students and how they will suffer, my sanity, my family, my friends, and my future. I am excited though because it will be in technology and in a small cohort, with lots of help, no thesis, no exams, will not start until hopefully the summer and will result in more money.
If things go as I am hoping and I get into this particular college it should result in the above. I am starting to think though I will definately need to stop the Europe trips for the next two years, plan a big one for when I am finished (this will definately push me through); also start looking into a job to start in the summer and the weekends throughout the school year. Any suggestions on where I should go in two years and what job I should look into? Post them here!

I read Kyle's goals for the new year.

2009-01-03T16:09:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to log back into my blog and catch up on what has been going on in everyones lives. It of course took me an hour or so to remember my password, but at last I was able to over come that heep in my life and log in. Once logged in I started looking at my favorite blog by Kyle Mantas only to discover his goals for the new year, boy was I surprised.
Let me give you some background....Kyle is one of my favorite people for so many reasons:

1. He goes to the gym with me
2. He comes to Office night
3. He understands my dry sense of humor
4. Takes offense at my dry sense of humor
5. Is really great at getting along with my other favorite cousin Chris
6. Started cousin night which we haven't been the best at keeping up on but it isn't his fault
7. Has a contagious laugh
8. Smiles a lot
9. Helps out my kids and me at school
10. Can dance like you wouldn't even believe
11. Does stupid things to prove a point
12. Is one of those people you constantly want to be around because you know he can make you greater
13. Thinks Todd is cute just like me
14. He is a super rare person but has no idea
15. He always wants to better himself
16. Isn't afraid of looking stupid
17. Is genuine about helping anyone and everyone
18. Has talent like you wouldn't believe
19. Gives you goosebumps when he plays
20. Can conquer almost anything life gives him

If you already don't hate Kyle enough keep reading....

Anyways, Kyle announced to me this year that it was his goal to perhaps attend BYU; as you can imagine this crushed me. :) Only because I love him so much. So it was then that I decided to start a bet on how soon he would be married, since those who go to BYU usually go with some other agenda (don't get me wrong here, BYU is great and all but most people go there to get hitched. I am not saying that ALL people go for this reason, but it a reputation). It was a huge hit everyone wanted in on this bet we even had to start a google calendar to keep up with everyones month they choose. Kyle as you can guess acted less than pleased about this event even though I know deep down he loved the attention.

Anyways back to my original point. Kyle listed his goals as follows can you guess which one set me off today?

My goals: The Year Two Thousand and Mine

Move out of my parents house.
Write more songs.
Go back to school.
Find a woman.
Accept defeat.
Buy woman big ring.
Live happily ever after

Love you lots Kyle, but we need to talk.... Especially about the month I have money placed in on the bet....

We didn't start the fire!

2008-12-10T20:18:00.001-08:00

Catchy title? I sure hope so because this is a great story.... I had been planning this big lesson for my students to be tested on their knowledge of following directions and understanding fractions by having them bake chocolate chip cookies. Seemed like a good idea; at least for my class.... So as many of you know I am now in 6th grade working with the awesome team that trained and motivate me through my student teaching year. Mr. Mitchell, my awesome mentor, has a new student teacher this year, Santos Marquez. Santos is very unique, fun, friendly, and forgetful. This is where the real story begins.... Yesterday, was my students test for fractions and all 6th grade classes had decided to allow their students make cookies as well. Santos came in and helped my class prepare the cookies and he also baked them for my class. They surprisingly turned out amazing and really exact to the recipe. Santos then took the recipe to his class and they followed the directions as well, as far as I was aware it was going extremely well. My class had just finished enjoying their cookies when the fire alarm went off. We had many drills before but usually we are warned when it is a drill and it is usually not during lunch time. My students of course looked to me and wanted to know if they should in fact line up. I gather them up and we grab the emergency bucket and start filing out by the time we get down stairs most students are evacuating the building. I see students filing out with lunch trays in their hands and many classes lined up and worried about where the alarm came from. I hear my principal get on the intercom and announce it was a false alarm and they found the source of the problem; which was great there was only one issue.... The 2nd graders never heard the announcement and no one bothered to let them know. Apparently they were out on the field in the snow with no coats on since we really press the students to leave everything behind. Eventually they heard the news and came in icicles and all. It was really sad and hilarious at the same time. Here is the reason the alarm went off... Santos had taken his classes cookies to both faculty rooms on the upper and lower floor of the school. We are on the top floor and he had forgotten he had some down on the lower floor until it was too late. He realized he had left them in their too long and ran downstairs, he opened the door only to find the room engulfed in smoke and a woman pulling the cookies out of the oven with her hand and then runs towards him to flee the room. Santos then enters and tries to save what may be left of his cookies at this point since the kids can run out and the cookies can't. The alarm then goes off and he runs to the office to alert the staff of the reason for the alarm. Eventually everything was put back into control everywhere in the school but the upstairs faculty room. All the upper grade teachers had known what had happened and were in a hilarious mood about it. I remember such jokes as "Boy Santos you sure know how to light a fire under the kids," "Way to 'spark' their interests," "Way to motivate the kids to do something," and "Nice job at smoking out those who won't succeed in school." Santos was actually pretty good about it. I told him how he was a legend and all Howard's student teachers usually do something stupid to be remembered by. For example, my last day with my students I was the one who ripped the front of my pants open in the middle of the party the kids had for me. Not to mention the student teacher before me who had his student's write an anonymous notes about how his teaching went throughout the year. That one turned out bad. All in all this was definitely an experience to remember. Thank you Santos!

I finally reset my blog

2008-11-26T19:04:00.000-08:00

The reason for my not updating or posting on my blog is because I forgot my username and password. This is about the 3rd time I have reset my information for this blog and it never seems to get easier to remember my username and password.... Anyways here is what is new.

A new roommate moved in this week. She is amazing and the best part about her is her name! Can you guess what it is? I give you a few guesses before telling you. She is really laid back and loves to go the the gym like me she just joined my gym GOLD'S and loves it like me. I really like how sincere she is too. Here is an example, my cousin Chris passed his disgusting cold to me this week and tonight she offered to go to the store and get me some medication or whatever I may need to feel better. I really appreciated that one.

Anyways next subject. Although Chris made me ill the day before Thanksgiving I still love him. He is the greatest, I received a free laptop from my school and wanted help setting it up and getting things to work with it. He of course came over and set me up with some wireless Internet as well as uploaded programs to my computer to make it work even better. What a cool guy.

Linking off of a previous subject, school. I love my class a ton for those of you who are not aware. I was teaching 5th grade last year and moved up to 6th this year and am lucky enough to have some of the same students this year. Anyways, I just love them and here is why... Last week I got up on a chair to grab a headset for a student upon approaching the ground the chair came back and smashed my leg and knocked me over. They were so worried, they paniced and screamed a little, I finally convinced them that I was ok and got them to put themselves together. Little did I know that I was bleeding severely. Apparently my blood was seeping through my jeans and was all over the floor, oh man did this set them off. They were begging me to take care of it and some were crying. So I called down to the office and had someone come cover me while I repaired my wound. Eventually everything was ok and I ended up bleeding for the rest of the day and with a really awesome bruise all over my leg. Regardless, I love my class they make me feel loved. :)

Here is an attempted picture of my bruised up leg.

Some experiences this summer.

2008-09-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

I decided to start this blog with a few new pictures of Greece. My students at school are currently creating power points on ancient civilizations including Greece, Rome and Egypt. This is really fun and convenient for them since I have been to two of the three places and have pictures of the current locations and the knowledge.

I went on tour with, my great friends Allison and Melissa Turley. We went to High School together but did not become friends until college when we discovered we were going into the same profession and had many classes together.

If you can believe it, yes the water is this clear. If you can't I just don't know what to tell you. I am still not too sure how it is that their water is so pure and clean and ours is not. :)

Ah, the hikes up to the highest points in the cities. Yes we hiked up this mountain. The Greeks liked to locate themsleves on the highest point for protection. They also like to keep their history so they do not pave roads and make it easy for tourists.

Here is the mighty temple of Zeus. It is a gigantic ruin full of history and life placed right in the middle of Athena. The cool part is you can see it in the distance from the Acropolis, one of the most incredible temples.

I am getting on the train.

2008-09-22T19:58:00.000-07:00

I have noticed how big this "blogging" thing has become. I have only done it with my class and usually it is a picture of me and they are making odd assumption of where in the world I am. Needless to say, this should be a new experience for me.