Straight Hair and Dye

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Off track time. I need a break. I have a little list of things that I need to get done but the stress of so much to do with so little time and energy is on hold for a few weeks. I love year round school! I always take my first day off to sleep in today I enjoyed it a little bit more than I should have. #2 - I often think I don't know what I'd do if I lived 100 years ago and had to live with gray hair. So today I'm grateful that I don't and that I can dye it. I'm also thankful that occasionally I straighten my hair so  I can have a little change. #3 -Home evening. Today I enjoyed it. It may have to do with the fact that it wasn't very long coupled with not an activity that we've ever done. Just short with a good little message. #4 -Preston and wii fun. Preston and I are very close to beating the Super Mario brothers game. It's going to take one more session but we'll get it done. I've been having lots of fun playing! Thanks Preston!

Sunday

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -Stake Conference. We had another great meeting today and again I was strengthened by those who were called to speak to us. The mission president and his wife spoke and it made me think of my own mission and mission president. One thing from today that impressed me was the idea that the oil in our lamps is not filled by big extraordinary things. I've always known this but it is good to be reminded that oil is added drop by drop from the little ordinary things that we do as we live day to day. #2 - A Sunday afternoon nap. I love a nap on Sunday! Too bad I don't have early church cause I'd take one every week. Maybe that's a good thing. I didn't sleep too long today because I invited several friends over to share lasagna with Tricia and I. #3 - Sunday dinner with friends. Becca, Brett, Kyle, and Kerri all came over and we had a lovely dinner. I was happy no one had other plans. #4 - A musical fireside. Our ward has been working on a musical program called "From Cummorah's Hill". It was really good and I enjoyed those in my ward that have talent and are willing to share it with me. #5 - The rest of a Sunday evening to catch up on my blog as well as enjoy some quiet time. I also love the feeling that I don't have to go to work tomorrow! So great!

Late Night

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -The blessings of attending the temple. Usually I get to the temple before Saturday but this week was so busy that I didn't get there until this morning. As I left this morning I was so happy in my heart. I was filled with the peace that I know the gospel is true, that this life is all about returning to live with our Father in Heaven again. That Jesus Christ is our Savior and because of His Atonement it is possible for me to make it back. This life is a journey that is filled with a lot of challenges but with the challenges there is a whole lot of joy and beauty. Our lives here on earth are meant to be rewarding and enjoyed. #2 -Quade who once again let me join him for an afternoon of watching BYU basketball at his house. BYU is still ranked #7 in the nation. San Diego is ranked a couple of spots above them. This was a huge game because it was two top 10 teams playing against each other. I was a little worried that our boys wouldn't pull it off because they were playing at San Diego. But there was never a need to worry. They played great and were in control the whole game. It was such a fun game to watch as they won 80 - 67. I'm a little sad that the fun will be all over in just a few weeks. It's probably a really good thing though - the weather is getting warmer and I should be outside doing other things besides inside watching sports. #3 -A quick visit to Michelle to meet her new little addition. She is a beautiful baby. #4 -Stake Conference. Tonight I was reminded of a meeting I attended in Rock Springs when I was overcome with emotion and the reality that meeting together to hear the words of Christ strengthens us. I remember resolving on that day to never turn up an opportunity to gather with the Saints. Tonight as I gathered at this adult session of our stake conference I thought of what a blessing it is to be blessed by hearing the words and testimonies of others. I am so thankful for the speakers and for their words that help me to know what I need to be working on doing better in my life. #4 -Preston and Tricia again we watched a couple of shows and went to one of their soccer games in between. This is a horrible picture because it's really late or really early depending on how you want to look at it. I don't think it's a good idea to publicly admit just how late it was. I'm not grateful we stayed up so late but I am grateful that I have good friends that make staying up so late lots of fun!

Science Fair

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -Realization of what yesterday's performance really meant to my students. As we started our party Raegan and I complimented them on all their hard work and how well they they did. Then we asked them to share their thoughts about the project and what they learned. I was delighted to hear most of them say how they were so nervous in the beginning or how they thought it wasn't going to be fun but then in the end they learned that even though it was scary it was worth it because they had so much fun. They also said that they were nervous about performing in front of the school but after it was done they got a lot of compliments at recess and one little boy even said that another child saw him and exclaimed - "I want to be you!" I thought this is why we did all this work. This is what makes putting on a big performance worth a lot! Their confidence was increased, they learned that it's OK to try hard things and that when something is difficult it makes the end so much more rewarding. This is a great life lesson that I hope they continue to build upon. #2 - When I finally got home from work today I was so hungry. Tricia and I decided to grab a pizza. She also cooked some cabbage and it was a delicious dinner. I'm grateful for yummy food. #3 - Being able to go to the district science fair to see some of my student's projects. I had four girls who participated and three of those four qualified for the state science fair that will be held at BYU later in March. These girls were so excited and it was fun to see them. I was glad I'd gone to take pictures of them with their boards. I took a picture with the three who'd won. They had really cute ribbons and had them proudly pinned on. (Again- I can't post this picture so a picture of my yummy dinner will have to do.) #4 -Tricia made me cookies. When I got home Preston was over and we played a little Super Mario Brothers. Kerri and Kyle joined us for a little while. I mentioned that I'd really like a chocolate chip cookie and before I knew it Tricia was busy in the kitchen making a batch. How sweet is she? Yep! I've got a pretty great life, only because of the wonderful people in it.

A Musical

Today I'm thankful for: #1 Amazing students. The day to perform our play finally arrived and it went better than I ever dreamed it would. As soon as school started Raegan came into my room and said "Wolf is sick. He won't be here." A big problem here was the boy who had this part also sang a solo in one of the songs. I appealed to my students by saying we have an emergency. One of my little boys said, "I'll do it!" This is a boy who I wouldn't have guessed would have volunteered. He had the two speaking scenes memorized and the solo verse ready to sing in 30 minutes just in time for showtime. You would never have known that this wasn't his part the whole time. We invited all of the school to watch the play but made it clear that it was optional. Every grade came from kindergarten to 6th grade. I was so proud of our kids singing and performing in front of a packed gym. They really did such a wonderful job. It was so fun to have them share their talents with the whole school. My picture for today is one with Raegan and I with our classes. Since I can't post that one I'm posting another one.   #2 -Raegan. I really am so lucky to have such a great friend to do such fun projects with. I told a parent that we're really being selfish when we do these projects because we have so much fun working together. There is a whole lot of truth to that. We do it for the kids but we also do it because things like this are one of the reasons we love our jobs so much.  #3 -An evening to get a few things done. Tonight I came home and made muffins while I imported today's performance onto the computer so we could have a party the next day and watch it with the kids. I had a horrible time getting it imported which meant I got to bed much later than I should have.

Good Friends and Yet Again More Basketball

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - My friend Raegan who is willing to do fun projects like this musical with me. She's put so much work gathering things for props and thinking everything through - she's pretty wonderful like that. I get to just go along with it and have fun. Pretty sure I've got the better end of the deal. #2 - My 6th grade team who are pretty great. They support me and encourage me - maybe not in a lot of words but I know they're always there for me. Today I missed 1/2 of a meeting because we were practicing for our musical. They could have been annoyed that I wasn't pulling my weight but they are patient with me. They are great to work with and I'm a better person and teacher because of them. Annette - I hope you read this post and that you know just how much I love ya and how happy I am that I get to work with you. And I love Darlene and Gregg too but I know they don't read this so I need to write them a note. #3 -A wonderful principal that for some reason has confidence in me even when I don't have very much in myself. Because he does his job so well I'm able to enjoy mine. #4 -A quick parent e-mail that said, "We appreciate having you as our son's teacher!" I needed that message today. #5 -Fun at another BYU game with good friends. Heather, Kerri, and I drove to Provo together, enjoyed dinner at the Pita Pit, and enjoyed watching BYU beat CSU 84 -78. I was going to say it was a great game but I really could've done without the officiating so I'll say I enjoyed watching them win. I'm caught up in the craze of their winning season and I'm loving every minute of it! #6 -Tricia who let me unload my day on her. Thanks once again friend for listening. What would I do without you?? #7 -Roommate prayer. This week Haley, Tricia, and I dedicated ourselves to having roommate prayer together. I'm grateful for their faith and for the blessing it is for me to have their examples in my life as well as the opportunity each night to kneel down with those I live with and petition my Father in Heaven to bless those in our lives that we are concerned about. It also is such a comforting feeling when someone prays for you specifically. It let's you know they care and that Heavenly Father cares too. It strengthens my resolve to do better, to be better, to increase my hope and faith, and to find ways to bless the lives of those around me as they are blessing mine! It's true I have A LOT to be grateful for!

At home art project

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -All the sets for the play all hung and looking great! I love them the kids did a great job and I can't wait for them to perform for the other classes and their parents! It's not Broadway but it'll be pretty wonderful! #2 -Kara for letting me pick her up at the airport and for the fun chat we had while I took her to her car. Thanks Kara for sharing your life with me, for letting me share mine with you, and for being a wonderful friend. Hope you know I'd gladly come and pick you up any day even if it is blizzarding - I'm glad that tonight it wasn't but I would if you needed me to. #3 -Brett. I needed to make these stellar mirrors for costumes for three kids tomorrow. I called Brett and asked him if he wouldn't mind coming over and helping me out. It went a lot faster with help and I'm thankful that tonight I have a friend who's willing to help me when I need it and is more than happy to be of service to me. Thanks Brett and the kids thank you as well! Oh and for the record normally we'd let the kids make the project themselves but we ran out of time so I said I'd make them and let them decorate them tomorrow. I'm sure they'll look pretty great when the girls put their personal touch on them!

Pigtails

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -A Monday off. I love a Monday off!! I'll take a Monday over a Friday any day. I love that I feel like I have an extra Saturday. #2 -That I can sew -sort of. I don't really sew but I can do a little and I'm grateful that I know how to thread a machine and a can create a few things. Today I sewed two little dwarf hats for our play. They really aren't anything special but it'll add to the costumes. #3 -Pigtails. Sometimes I just want my hair up and I love when it gets long enough to pull in a ponytail or into pigtails. I know I'm probably too old for these but I don't care - it's not like I wear my hair this way everyday. #4 -Harry Potter with some friends. We had a great time at the dollar theater. I'm thankful for good friends and the chance to be a friend to others.

A lovely Sunday

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The day of Sunday. The rest it brings from the other aspects of life and the opportunity to focus on the spiritual. For the time to reflect upon my Savior, on my trust in Him, and on the reality that with him all things are possible. I am so thankful for His Atonement that I may be clean from my mistakes and shortcomings and for the knowledge that through pain and disappointment He knows how to comfort me because He's suffered as I suffer. #2 - Again this Sunday I went home with Tricia to a lovely Sunday dinner. I'm not just grateful for the food but that she invites me and her family always makes me feel so welcome. #3 - A nice talk with all my roommates and Haley who let us eat the leftovers of the dessert she was making. And the chance for all three of us to kneel down had pray together. Such a wonderful way to end the day.

My ipod and a "nowhere to go Saturday"

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - My ipod that makes running bearable. I love to listen to different talks or books on tape. It makes the time go by so quickly and I love that. #2 - A Saturday of no obligations. This would be the reason my hair isn't done and I have no makeup on. I think everyone needs a day like this every once in a while. I love it when these Saturdays fall on an extra long weekend for me because the day seems so long because I know I've got Monday to get little things done before I go back to work. #3 - A clean bathroom. I scrubbed the floor and every other surface. Unfortunately, it's needed it for a while and with a day of me not needing to be anywhere I was excited to get it finished. (I also enjoyed the BYU game against TCU. They won 79-56. I did fall asleep in the second half - just couldn't stay awake I stayed up to late last night. Maybe I can catch the game on a replay.)

Modern Medicine

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The end of a long work week and that I survived. Really it's never a surprise that I'll make it through but it can be a bit stressful and I often come down with something. I'm always so relieved when it's over and I can focus on other things. This week I'm really happy that I didn't get sick. #2 - Tylenol. By lunch time today I had a head ache. I think it had a lot to do with having very little to eat this morning. So during my lunch break I headed to the office to get some extra strength Tylenol. I don't take a lot of medicine. I have a pretty high pain tolerance but with several parent teacher conferences after school I knew I'd need something to help me through. I'm so thankful that when I'm really not feeling well there is medicine that can help me to function and that helps my body recover. On a side note when we got back from lunch I told my students that they had to get quiet and listen because I had a headache and couldn't talk very loud. What was amazing to me was the fact that Friday afternoons are usually so loud and hectic. As soon as I told my students my head hurt they got to work with the Friday routine and did it quieter than they ever have done before. I never realize how much my kids care for me until I'm sick and then they take care of me by doing what they know they should be doing without me reminding them. #3 -A fun night with friends. Tricia, Preston, and I got takeout from Chili's for dinner. Tricia and I both had gift cards there that we wanted to use. We went and picked up our food and drove straight home because we were starving. You can imagine our dismay when we discovered that it wasn't our order. We called the restaurant had them remake our food and went and picked it up again. They did give us a free dessert and a couple of 5 dollar coupons. Still a pretty big hassle for dinner.

The Couch

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -The adorable children that I teach each day. We've been working on this play and it is going to be FABULOUS!! One of my little girls is having so much fun being so dramatic and I am loving every minute of it. I can't wait for the performance! #2 -The support I get from parents. Today was my long day of parent teacher conferences. I had parents from 4-7:30 nonstop and it only felt like a couple of minutes. I enjoy meeting with these wonderful parents who are raising amazing little people. I feel so blessed to take a small part in it. I am also thankful for comments like- "He's never been this happy with school for this long of time." or "She thinks 6th grade is the best thing ever." or "He has a big smile on his face everyday he climbs in the car." Parent teacher conference reminds me why I do what I do and why I love it! Really I'm not doing anything spectacular with these kids but I'm giving them an environment that allows them to do something and be something spectacular and that's why they are happy. #3 -A few hours to just relax after the long day. I enjoyed just hanging out on the couch and watching a few shows with Tricia. It was a great way to end the day. (Notice I'm enjoying pretzels for the second day in a row.)

Math Assignments

Today I'm thankful for: #1 My sister who made this unbelievable cute invitation and play posters for the musical my class is performing next week. I was SO excited to hang up the posters and give the kids their invites to take home. So much fun! Liz you are wonderful and I want you to know I'm sure lucky to not just have you as a sister but also a best friend. #2 -The Granny Smith apple I ate at lunch I love a good apple! It's the perfect treat and I love how they are tart and juicy. #3 - I was pretty tired after work today so I came home put on comfy clothes and relaxed a bit but still got the last 5 day's math assignments into the computer. My new goal is to enter daily work assignments into the computer everyday. I'm no longer writing grades into a grade book. All my grades will go straight into the computer. I've got to be better at keeping it all updated - Wish me luck! And now it's time I get to sleep so that I can function tomorrow. I've got to be there 12 hours, I'm going to need it!

Always better with Friends

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -Kerri who brought a salad, Preston who brought a baguette, and Haley who shared her cake. We had a lovely dinner on tonight. I made some yummy balsamic chicken with pasta and feta cheese. This is a recipe that I love but tonight it was especially yummy because of the great company to eat it with. #2 - An evening to work on my math grades. I finally got them completed around 11. I don't mind visiting with parents. I actually quite enjoy it. However, I hate getting report cards ready. Well that is finally finished and now I just need to meet with parents. #3 -Snyder's of Hanover pretzels. I picked myself up a bag while I was at the store buying a couple of things for dinner. I love pretzels and ever since I lived in Hanover. PA I love these pretzels. They are so good - and are one of those comfort foods for me. That has more to do with my mom always having pretzels when I was growing up. Whether we were driving in the car, watching t.v., sitting at an endless wrestling tournament or dance competition there was always a bag of pretzels to enjoy. They're still one of my favorite treats.

Roses

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -So Valentine's day really isn't a favorite for me. This has NOTHING to do with the fact that I don't have a Valentine. It does have everything to do with working with children and that they go CRAZY on any holiday. Valentine's is extremely bad because there is so much sugar! However, I do think it's cute when my student's give me a little Valentine card. Today I got a big surprise when I looked over and saw a dozen roses on my desk. A special surprise that made my day. I don't get flowers often and loved that even though I don't have a Valentine I still got something beautiful to enjoy. And really my Valentine's isn't too horrible because we have a dance and it's adorable to watch the kids dance with each other. It's also adorable to see the mom's all there taking pictures and video taping it. I love it! #2 - The amazing back drops that my students made with the 3rd graders. This musical is going to be the best performance! I can't wait! #3 -To have my spelling and vocabulary grades finished. I'm one step closer to having this week over. Parent Teacher conferences always make for a very busy week!!

Sugar Cookies

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -My parents who stopped by on their way home from southern Utah. They left me with a bag of fresh lemons and a bag of fresh avocados. I'll make a lemon meringue pie and enjoy the avocados all week long! #2 -Tricia's mom who cooked dinner and then let us bake cookies in her kitchen. Sunday dinner at Tricia's parent's house is always so delightful. Our sugar cookies turned out great and are ready to give away! #3 -Coming home to Brett and Josh who dropped of a Valentine's treat. So sweet of them and it just makes my day! Life is so nice when there are people who are thinking about you and care. Thanks guys for the fun visit and for the treat!

Jason and BYU basketball

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -Nice weather outside so I could go for a run with Brett and Kerri. Today we went and ran around Sugar House Park. I hate starting a run but I love the feeling of it being done! #2 -My sister Liz who took time out of her busy day to make a Valentine's Card for my roommates and I to take to our party on Monday. She's so talented and is so nice to share her talents with me. #3 -Jason who took me to the BYU vs. Utah game and to dinner afterwards. BYU had a bit of a slow start but it ended great with a  72-59 victory. Jason and I ate at Zupas - I love this place! The soup is so yummy and I love the sandwiches. And how horrible is this - Jason is allergic to chocolate so I got to eat his chocolate covered strawberry as well as mine! It's horrible that he's allergic and horrible that I was so excited that I got to eat his.

Roommates

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -Cute new shoes. Tricia and I went on a short quest for black shoes. I have a lot of cute black and gray pants but I haven't worn any of them this year because the shoes I have to wear give me a headache by the end of the day. I didn't actually find black shoes but found some very cute ones that I'll be able to wear with either brown or black pants. #2 -My roommates. So I realize I've been thankful for these girls a lot and it's true I don't know what I'd do without them. Life sure wouldn't have near as much laughter that is for sure. We decided to make a Valentine's card. I stole the idea from my cousin Tania. Our picture isn't near as cute as Tania's but we thought we were pretty funny as we were self taking this great picture. Thanks Tania for the idea I can't wait to give out our cards to my ward at our Valentine's party on Monday. #3 -A quiet evening at home and the chance to go to sleep early. I watched a movie and worked on report cards and then headed to bed around 10:00. I know I've got an exciting life!

Dinner with Friends

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - My principal who supports me and helps me to be a better teacher. I used to feel that I was too young to be given the responsibility of educating children. (That probably has a lot to do with the fact that I was young.) Now I love the feeling that I am on equal footing. That I'm still learning but my insights are respected. Just another reason I love what I do. #2 -Donating my O+ blood. I'm thankful that my body is healthy and that I can give my blood to someone else who needs it. #3 -Alisha and Maurianne some of the funnest girls in the world. The three of us served together in a Relief Society Presidency about 1 1/2 years ago. It was the first time that I served in a presidency that I really connected with all of the girls in our presidency. These are girls that I want to stay in touch with throughout my life. We haven't all gotten together for months it has been way too long. We decided that we definitely need to do more together. We had yummy Indian food. SO good! I very great day!

More BYU basketball

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -My dear friend Michelle and her family. I'm not sure what has happened in 2011 but I haven't seen Michelle since December. So I stopped by her house to visit for a couple of minutes. Her sweet boys were so excited to see me and it made my day. I often wonder what I'd do in life if I didn't have so many friends to share my life with. #2 -Haley who made fajitas for dinner. I was starving and they tasted delicious! Have I mentioned that I have wonderful roommates? Haley was super sweet to share with not only me but a couple of friends who I'd invited to watch the game later in the evening. #3 -Kyle and Kerri who came over to watch the BYU vs. Air Force game. Haley also watched most of it even though she'd rather be watching The Aggies. BYU is now ranked 7th and are still so much fun to watch! Tonight they won 90 - 52. Not bad. What really made me laugh was as soon as the game was over we quickly switched the channel to ESPN to see if the game made the highlights. It did and I thought really we just got done watching the game and we've got to watch the highlights? I'm not sure how I became such a crazed fan but I'm loving it!!

Temple

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -The hilarious scene of me scraping my car off this morning. I have a really hard time leaving for work on time. I set a goal at the beginning of the year to be in my car in time to listen to KLS's sports update. A little hilarious that is my reward for being on time - I get quite annoyed when I miss it by a minute. So this morning there was a couple of inches of snow on my car and some nasty ice underneath it with gusts of wind. I was hurrying so I could get in my car and hear the sports report and every time I brushed off snow I got a face full of snow. It was cold and oddly enough I thought it was funny. I was trying so hard to hurry and the more I hurried the more snow flew in my face. Needless to say when I got into the car I'd missed the report and I had mascara all over my face. I should have snapped my picture for the day of that. I guess I'm grateful that instead of starting my day off wrong this made me laugh. #2 -Attending the temple with some sisters from my ward. Kerri and I car pooled and we took this stellar picture after we got out of the session. It was cold and I wasn't about to snap too many. I'm thankful that Kerri drove and most of all I'm thankful for the spirit that the temple filled my heart with tonight. I'm so grateful I get to attend the temple often. I know it is what helps me stay grounded. #3 -My roommates who listen to me, share their lives, and laugh with me. I always look forward to being home because I know it is a comfortable, loving place to be. I'm so happy I get to be friends with these amazing girls!

Chex

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -The cool new P.E. equipment that finally arrived! Annette and I wrote a grant for new P.E. equipment and today 18 boxes arrived. I'm so excited to have some fun with my students with all of it. #2 -A little snowstorm. A storm rolled in around 4:30 complete with thunder and lightning and started snowing like crazy. Good wet snow too. Is is weird that I enjoyed my drive home with my windshield wipers going like crazy? There is just something about a storm that I really enjoy - that is as long as I don't have far to go! #3 -A bowl of cold cereal. I was at home evening longer than I wanted to be and I still had to run to the store. By the time I got home it was past 9:30. BLAST! That's all I have to say! I didn't get much of anything done tonight! I needed a snack before I headed off to bed. A bowl of Honey Wheat Chex was just the right thing. I enjoy cold cereal in the evening much more than I do in the morning.

Debbie

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -Sunday mornings when I get to sleep in. I know this won't always be available to me so I enjoy it as long as it lasts. #2 - The brakes on my car. Today the car in front of me stopped suddenly and I was very thankful that they worked well. #3 -My friend Debbie. Debbie and I were roommates at college the semester we both returned from our missions. She from Uruguay and I from Pennsylvania. We became instant friends as we relied upon each other as we continued to adjust back into everyday life. We needed each other even though we'd both been home for several months. We discovered that we had entered the MTC on the same date in Feb. She would stay for a couple months to learn Spanish and I stayed only two and a half weeks. Our paths didn't really cross then but interesting that we would be brought together as roommates later. I needed a friend who understood who understood me and Debbie was perfect because she was feeling the same things. Since this time Debbie has married and has two beautiful children with another one on the way in May. Her oldest daughter is named Olivia and I feel like a pretty lucky friend. Debbie and I have had a lot of fun together. I love her and I love her family. It is always a treat to spend time with her in her home. Today we decided to get together and eat Sunday dinner. We have made several plans to get together the last few months and something always comes up. So we decided we had to fit it in this week and Sunday afternoon worked. Debbie said something to the effect that she's really glad BYU wasn't playing in the Super Bowl because then I couldn't have come to dinner. And it's true I'm a bit preoccupied enjoying BYU sports but I enjoy it with friends so I won't feel to bad about my hobby. Today Debbie and I had a great time as usual. Laughing until it hurt and catching up on life. Debbie I love you! Thanks for letting me take a picture with you! For the delicious dinner and for being such a wonderful friend.

Preston and Burn Notice

Today I'm thankful for: #1 Brett who went jogging with me this morning. I haven't gone in months and it felt good to be out and moving again. Thanks Brett for suggesting it I'm glad we're friends and that you don't mind I'm so slow. #2 - The afternoon spent with Maurianne. -Really I have such cool friends! We waited about a half hour before we got into the Marriott Center. Then when we got sat down I went to work grading Greek tests. We had a little time before the game started (two hours). With a great team playing you've got to get there early to get a seat. I really didn't mind because I got almost all my tests graded. #3 -Watching a couple episodes of Burn Notice with Preston, Tricia, and Haley. We've only got 2 left and we'll be done with season one. I like the show but wouldn't enjoy it near as much without Preston. Again I have such cool friends!

Cookies, Ice Cream, and Friends

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -That my parents were able to stop by my school on their way to St. George. It was lovely to see them and I shared with them a few pieces of cake and I think I did a pretty ok job for my first time. When my mom think something is good then you feel like you've succeeded because she doesn't tell you food tastes good unless it does and she herself has made a lot of good food so she knows what she's talking about. #2 -My friend Melissa who fed us tacos for dinner at her house. They tasted delicious at the end of a long Friday. Then we headed over to the Sport's mall to a single's activity. We shot the basketball a bit and then spent a few minutes watching people play dodgeball. I wasn't about to sign up to play though - who wants to get hit by a ball. I'll watch others get hit though. #3 -When we got home I baked a few cookies and we ate a little ice cream over them. This is one of my new favorite treats and it is always so much better when it's shared with friends.
- Oh and it's Gracee's 6th birthday today! She's getting so big and grownup! I don't like to think about it. I can't imagine how Liz feels about it.

Eggs

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -Compliments. A couple of people told me I looked nice today (which you wouldn't know by the picture because by the time I took it I was busy making a mess baking.) Anyway! I'm thankful for nice people who are genuine and make me feel good when I'm around them. Makes me realize that I need to be more complimentary of others. I often think compliments but don't share them near often enough! #2 -Talking to Gracee and Emme on the phone today. They both sang me a song and laughed and giggled. I thought oh! how I miss them! But I'm glad that I can talk to them and tell them I love them often. #3 -Fresh eggs. I think I wrote last week that my friend Kris gave me a dozen fresh eggs from her chickens. Tonight, even though I had a long list of other things I should have been doing, I decided to make some Angel Food Cake from scratch. I'm really hoping that the cakes taste good. I'm excited to share some with Kris and a few other friends. I'm going to work on perfecting my Angel food cake skills so that I can make my Grandpa Oldham one the next time I'm home. Apparently my Grandma Oldham was a master at making an Angel food cake. However, she started making them she did it without electric mixers and in a wood burning stove. The bottom line is I'll never quite make it to that standard but I can try. I dearly want to be more like both my grandmas. So really that's what these fresh eggs are all about. Being more like the women that I love.

Kerri and Heather

Today I'm thankful for: #1 -It was so dry and cold this morning that there was no frost on my windshield to scrap off. You've got to be grateful for something when the temperature dips into the single digits. BRRRR!!! #2 -Math class today. I enjoyed helping my students. We did an extra worksheet on a concept that we learned yesterday. I always appreciate the learning process. Today was one of those days that I not only enjoyed but had fun discussing problems with my students and going over the steps they need to take to solve problems. I really do have the best job. (Didn't I tell you having a bad day on Monday would be a good thing!) #3 -Dinner with Kerri and Heather while we watched the BYU vs. Wyoming game. I cooked these yummy feta stuffed turkey burgers with vegetables. Definitely something I'll make again! Dinner was great -the game not so much! BYU was coming off a loss on Saturday and barely pulled this one out. I'm going to go ahead and blame it on the 30 below weather in Laramie. Or it could have been the ridiculous/odd garters that the Wyoming cheerleaders were wearing. Ok they didn't effect the game but I found them really disturbing... Let's hope that our boys in blue get home, get some rest, and are back on their game for Saturday's game!!

New Experience

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The beginning of a new month and the start of several new projects at work. Raegan and I are putting on a musical with our two classes. We got started today and it is going to be pretty great. I think I'll be grateful the day it's over but for now it'll be a lot of fun!! #2 -I met the Mayor of Riverton today. He's a pretty nice guy. More than being thankful for meeting the Mayor though I'm thankful that Raegan and Preston agreed to come to the Council Meeting with me so I didn't have to sit by myself until I met the mayor and stood before the whole city council. So thanks friends for coming with me and supporting me. I'm so lucky to have you as my friends. #3 -Ice cream with friends. Later in the evening Preston, Tricia, and I met a couple of friends for a little ice cream. The ice cream was yummy but even more than that I enjoyed just sitting and visiting. It was a great way to end the day.