Words of wisdom on a wintery evening

Fall semester is busy busy, which has been a blessing to distract me from the painful football season before me. OUCH. Nevertheless, it has been a great few months of autumn. My roommates and I went on a roadtrip WITH MY MOTHER. It was amazing, especially since we were able to go to Idaho Falls. Poor Jake (Taci's husband) got a glimpse into life in a sorority as there were four college girls, one mother in law and one wife... really the poor man is a saint.
I am working on mission papers and have hit a slight road bump with the medical approval, and I am going to a second specialist on Friday in Salt Lake. I am both nervous and calm about it. I am so thankful for the many people in my life who have lent me their support and faith. Now, onto the words of wisdom from my Multi cultural education professor, Jim Birrell.
"Don't tell God how big your problems are, tell your problems how big God is" Those are words to live by.

35 to 1 odds.

At the risk of sounding redundant, I am sleepy. That being said, I have had just a hoot and a holler being in a Junior High school... until today. I taught in a classroom for the very first time, and I still love it. I taught about part of the writing process in two eighth grade English classes; one the students were angelic and one they were hell monkeys.
The first class of the day, the students participated and were attentive to my every word and they laughed at my jokes! At the end of my instruction, they even applauded my freshman lesson plan, how sweet, right?
The second class of the day, the spawn of Satan showed up to class and wouldn't answer any questions or pay attention to what I was saying. Silly me, I thought that because the first go around went off fabulously that the second would be similar. NOT. The worst part of the it all was when I accidentally said something that could be translated into a remotely dirty phrase and that was the end of that. (word to the wise, never ever say that an introductory paragraph will suck your readers in)
I am now battle worn and weary, and I have never wanted to be an English teacher more than right now.
My uncle once said that the greatest accomplishment of his 30 year career as a middle school biology teacher was that he never killed a student. I have been teaching one day, and that is also my greatest accomplishment.
If you ever want to know how to best write an introduction to a story, please let me know:) Or, if you would like to place bets on my 35 to 1 odds, call my bookie.

Being the grown up.

I have been taking education classes this semester, I love it! I wake up at 6 am and treasure the moments with my diet coke even more now. I also find myself longing for my bed in the middle of the day. I am permanently plum tuckered out.
I walked into Lake Ridge Junior High on Wednesday and I was the grown up in the conservative slacks. I was taller than the girls wearing glitter and more articulate than the book reports I read. I got to use the copy machine and the other teachers didn't question why I was there! I walked into the main office and the secretary gave me her respectful attention. Take note: I am an adult.
This week I have been assigned to observe and aide in a eighth grade English classroom. Grading papers, making copies and learning organizational tips has never been so enlightening, exhausting and enjoyable. What I really love the most are the students. I love the boys who wear high school football jerseys as a status symbol. I love the girls who run up to their friends to share 'literally the best news ever.' I love the zipped up binders bigger than the seventh graders themselves. I love the handwriting -- cursive, names written in hot pink ink with hearts right beside, I even love the illegible last names when kids try to sign stuff.
Students are snarky and sweet all at the same time. They perfectly illustrate the human conundrum of growing up and trying to have fun at the same time. They are sponges, unwittingly soaking up everything you say about life and grammar. These students are obstinate and eager. I can't help but adore them, there is no going back now.

Trevor

Trevor one of my cousins and also one of my best friends. Called to the Auckland New Zealand mission, he entered the MTC just this week and I am going to miss him like crazy! This summer we have been to over 15 movies and played many card games with our grandparents. I am currently working on mission papers of my own, and hopefully I will come home from a mission of my own shortly after Trevor returns. I am so proud of him and I know he will be a fabulous missionary.
Miss you Trev!


Idaho Falls Temple August 2010


Disneyland May 2010


Wicked April 2009


Homecoming Dance September 2007


1992 - We were raised right, BYU fans forever:)

one more- I just can't help it!


Good luck Elder Beckstead!

A Snuggie Saturday

My sister has a coupon gift. The other day, we heard a whisper that Sunggies were on clearance at Target for $7.49. Taci found a coupon for $5.00 off and lo and behold we all bought snuggies for three whole dollars (including tax). We made two trips to Target that day, once with just Taci, Jake and I; secondly with Mother and Brooke in tow. While at Target, Mother saw a neighbor and had to explain why she had a cart full of snuggies... she was rather mortified. In total, we purchased seven snuggies that day. Naturally, a photo shoot commenced.


Just the snuggie gals.


The Fam, Dad took the picture and Cleo didn't want one.

We were also inspired by the pictures on the boxes, there are so many things you can do in a a Snuggie!


Play the Piano


Check the Mail!


Visit friends!


Recycle!


Grill some meat!

And lastly, and most importantly,

Mow the lawn!

Thank you Snuggie for providing fashionable, warm comfort.

Sleep is overrated, right?

Boy, I am sure tired. In the last two days, I have had a total of 9 hours of sleep. (this is typically what I average for one day, mind you) I am plum tuckered out! Between finals, cleaning checks and other homework responsibilities, I have come to the conclusion that I will be forever sleep deprived. I once asked my mother what it was like to have children like me who would never allow her to sleep, she told me that getting a full eight hours is completely overrated. She said that it is totally possible to run on four hours of rest, although maybe not at full mental capacity. Well Mother, I am here to say you are very saintly. I sure hope that when I have children they are the sleeping kind, and I would like to say that I am eternally sorry that as a wee infant I never allowed you the time you needed with your pillow. I am not running at full mental capacity. I am not even running at full social capacity, people are starting to avoid my loopy comments and yawning mannerisms. My hair is clean and my teeth are brushed, that is just about all I can promise anyone at this point. I can't do this anymore, I am going to take a nap, after my next final exam in three hours. (Yawn)

The Shakespearean Monkey is off my back.

36 hours.
19 in the library.
4 1/2 in classes.
22 slide powerpoint
10 source annotated bibliography
5 Shakespearean plays
20 class handouts
20 minute nap on couch in library bathroom
44 coldplay songs, on repeat
1 new favorite song - Kingdom Come

Done.