Four Quarters Equals a Whole

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Clean desks and chairs. All the desks and chairs in my room have now been scrubbed and washed thoroughly. #2 - A fun party with my kids. I brought my wii in and they had lots of fun playing on it. I think its a very cheap way to reward them for hard work. #3 - A hair cut. I love it when I get my hair cut short. I love how it feels and love that it feels different. #4 - Dinner with Kara and Ang. I met Kara and Ang at Chili's for a yummy dinner. It was so wonderful to catch up with these friends. I'm pretty lucky to have had some fantastic roommates in my life who will always be dear friends. #5 - The temple. It's been a busy week but I'm so glad I still had time to squeeze in the temple.#6- four pieces of a cookie. Tricia went to Smart cookie and bought 4 yummy cookies to share. We sampled a little bit of each. and they were really yummy. I loved that I got to try all four kinds of cookies that made a whole. #7 - Ending the day with friends. Tricia, Preston and I watched a little Burn Notice before I headed to bed. I should have been packing but needed to unwind a bit. Plus, I'll be gone for over a week so we had to get at least one episode in.

Names and Nieces

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The HUGE basket of goodies from Kneader's that the PTA provided all the teachers with. It made me happy and I feel so appreciated by those whom I have the pleasure of teaching their children. #2 - I talked to Jonathan on my way home from work and he invited me over to Annie's parents to see Lilly before they head to Idaho tomorrow. Lilly didn't know I was coming and was very excited to see me. I tell you what nothing makes you feel more loved than a small voice excitedly yelling your name. We ate dinner and then Lilly and I enjoyed playing with Legos. We mostly built towers but also spelled our names. And I just love that little Ivy too. Such a cutie! #4 - BYU football players at institute. The institute forum were a few of the players and it was nice to listen to these boys testify of Christ and talk about being more than just football players but disciples of Christ wherever they go.

Debbie and the Spaghetti Factory

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Lunch with 4 adorable girls. For a reward four of my students won lunch with the teacher. These four were so cute to sit and visit with during lunch. They would talk about funny 12 year old things and then giggle. I loved it. I provided them with a pop and some cookies for dessert. I should reward kids more with time with me. #2 - Tricia who picked up some stuff for me at Costco. I'm in charge of taco shells for the family reunion as well as taking my mom a big thing of oil to make scones. Tricia and I were going to go on Saturday but never got there so she picked up the stuff for me. #3 - Dinner with Debbie, Matt, and the kids. Debbie and I planned a dinner at the Spaghetti Factory. We had a great time visiting and I loved snuggling with baby Mae. I love my dear friend and am so happy we live close so we can see each other often.

Slurpees, 7-Eleven, and Reading

Today I'm thankful for: #1- Little angels who went to work with me. Gracee and Emme got to come to work with me this morning. They were so excited to ride in my new car and to go to my classroom. We welcomed the kids into the room and they thought the girls were so cute. Then my class got started on art projects and Gracee and Emme joined in. Painting and loving every minute. Some of my students needed to do a representation of Jackson Pollock's paintings. He is famous for splatter painting. (Normally this would be scary for a teacher, but I love it!) We roll marbles in paint and then roll them around in a box. Emme said, "I want to paint with the marbles!" So of course I gave her her own piece of white paper and box and she was delighted. - I love paint!! And I love to watch kids paint! I'm pretty sure Emme and I will be painting like this again soon. When Liz came to get them Emme said, "But I don't want to go with my mom I want to stay here with you and have more fun! I'm pretty sure she thinks everyday must be a blast! I'll have to tell her we don't paint with marbles everyday. #2-Helping when it's not required or especially when it's not required. Today was the annual Slurpee walk. In the beginning of the year teachers set reading goals for their class. If the student meets the goal they get to walk with the principal the last week of school to the local 7-Eleven and the school buys them a Slurpee. I volunteer to go because most if not all of my students qualify to go and while it'd be nice to have a couple of hours of free time I'm more than happy to go along. The kids are all pretty excited and it's fun to watch - plus I always get a free drink as well. My picture for the day is me with a few of my students enjoying our Slurpees. #3- Tricia and Preston who came along to the Apple store with me. The store didn't have the part I needed but they did tighten the screws on my laptop. I guess that's worth the trip. We also went to home evening and watched a couple of shows before calling it a night. It's been a great day but I'm exhausted!
*There is no picture with this post because the picture for this day has students in it so you'll have to read my book later to get to see this one.

Emme and Lucie

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A lovely Sabbath day. Nothing extra ordinary just a nice enjoyable Sunday. All my church meetings were great and made me feel closer to the spirit. The weather was beautiful and dinner at Tricia's parents was fantastic as usual. #2 - Fun with Liz and her girls. Liz is on her way to Idaho for the week before the family reunion. She's spending the night with me and we had a great time feeding the girls sugar, putting together my Book of Mormon puzzle, and jumping on the air mattress. Love it! #3- Reading stories and cuddling with these beautiful girls. I'm pretty lucky to be an Aunt. Love all my nieces and nephews!

More Space than I Need

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Tricia who agreed to spend the afternoon with me test driving some cars. I just needed a little moral support and am so happy she'd help me out. I owe her an entire Saturday sometime soon when she needs some support. #2 - Making a decision. I bought a car. It really wasn't my objective for the day. It just happened. My main objective was to compare between a few makes and brands. But when I'm honest with myself I know I had made my decision quite a few months ago. I've wanted a car that will handle good in the snow since a few scary experiences last winter. I've had my eye on Subaru and was very excited to commit to buying a Forester. I negotiated for what I think was a pretty good deal. They didn't have the exact car I wanted at the dealership I was at so we had to drive over to the one a few miles north. They had to take it out of the box for me to drive it home. This whole deal was something very new for me. I don't like bartering on things. I don't like pushy salesmen. Luckily the salesman helping me wasn't too pushy and the bartering was kept to a minimum. I love the new car and love that I'm the only person who has ever driven it so I can take really good care of it until it's time for me to say goodbye to it. Which will be a very long long time. I hated the stress of today. But I loved driving home my beautiful, blue, all wheel drive car. I can't wait for it to snow! It'll be a wonderful winter!  #3 - Savings. I'm so glad I've been saving money so that buying a new car is possible.

Finished Puzzle

Today I'm thankful for: #1- Fridays with my kids. They are such quick days and the kids are so great to work hard even though it is Friday. #2 - My new very cool Potter shirt. It's true I love this shirt. I wore it today because my one student who LOVES Harry Potter is missing the last week of school so I wore it to show her. #3 - The puzzle finally being finished so that I won't stay up insanely late working on it. It was a fun puzzle but I'll wait a few years to pull it out again and work on it.

WAY too late

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Tricia who is a wonderful roommate and whom I love having as my friend. #2 - Working on the puzzle that has taken over our kitchen table for the last few weeks with previously mentioned roommate. #3 - Staying up late. I should have headed to sleep when Tricia did but I was so into the puzzle that before I knew it it was 1:30 in the morning. I couldn't get the last few pieces to fit in right so I left them for tomorrow. I was happy that tomorrow is Friday because I'll probably barely be functioning by the end of the day. Why you have to ask do I do this to myself? I need more will power!

A Snow Cone

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Good Friends. We had a huge stake opening social and a bunch of us met at our place to drive up the canyon to it. #2 - enjoying 2 snow cones. They had SO much food and my favorite part was the 2 snow cone machines and half a dozen flavors. I'd already eaten a snow cone but decided on my way out to have another one. I don't know why I like flavored ice as much as I do. #3 - The rest of the evening to just be home. With the end of the year almost here there is a lot that needs to be done. It's good to be home early so I don't get stressed out.

Harry Potter

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - My dear friend Raegan. I'm pretty sure one of the reasons I moved to Utah was so we could become friends. #2 - Shopping at Hot Topic in the mall for Harry Potter things. Raegan and I decided we needed to scope out the new Harry stuff and scheduled today after school to see what we wanted to buy. Imagine our excitement when we learned they were having a sale on old merchandise. We bought several $5 Harry Potter t-shirts. We are ready for our buddy classes to enjoy Harry Potter in November! Raegan bought me this blanket that was on sale. Gotta love Hogwarts! #3 - Fun new soap from Bath and Body Works. I had a gift card that a student gave me a few weeks ago. I kept meaning to stop in and use it. But I'm not much of a mall goer so it's not surprising I never made it in there. I got a few things that added up to about $15 dollars. Imagine my shock when they told me there was 15 left on the card. I turned around and bought a few more things and gave the rest to Raegan. I'm pretty sure it'd take me a year to use that much. Super nice of my student's mom though. I'm looking forward to all my hand soap and the little hand sanitizers I bought.

New Baking Tool

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - All the projects that keep my kids busy. Our last few days together are going to fly by because we are so busy getting so much done. #2 - A trip to JoAnn's where I bought a decorating bag and a bunch of tips to use to fill cream puffs with delicious goodness. I'm excited to use the fun new tools. Maybe I'll try making some yummy cupcakes soon and use the tips to pipe on frosting like they do on the food network. #3- A lovely home to live in. I love living with my roommates and am thankful for them as my friends. It's such a blessing to know them and to have them as supports in my life.

Sunday Letters

Today I'm thankful for: #1- Wonderful church meetings today. I enjoyed every minute of every meeting at church today. The Relief Society lesson was wonderful we talked about Eternal families and the principles that make up Eternal families. The teacher did a beautiful job applying the doctrine to our lives even though we aren't married. Sunday School was great we discussed the parable of the 10 virgins and the parable of the talents both found in Matthew 25. I was reminded that I need to work harder on preparing to meet the Savior. When He comes again I want to be ready and worthy to meet Him. In Sacrament meeting we had a wonderful high councilman who told us his own conversion story. It is amazing when I hear people discuss that they sought after truth when they we in their teenage years and even with strong family objections they join the church. Our bishop also talked and gave a wonderful talk on fathers. #2 - Dinner at Tricia's. As always it was delightful to spend time enjoying dinner with a loving family even if they aren't exactly my family it's still so great. #3- My dad, who is a wonderful man and I'm so glad to have him as my father. He has shared his testimony with me and it has helped me to be better. He has some funny quirks but I have probably inherited some of those so I better not tease him about them. He works hard and taught me how to work which is something I'll always be thankful for. #4 - The blessing of writing to a missionary. It has been a blessing to write to Marianna. I love telling her my thoughts about life and bearing my testimony to her. This week I even included some of my favorite pictures from the week.

One of those Days...

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - A long run. Even though I was exhausted from it the rest of the day. I'm just happy I can with stand a long run. #2 - A day of getting nothing done. I should feel bad about this but I don't. Everybody needs a day like this every once in a while right? I didn't even put makeup on and I'm just fine with that. #3 - Chips and Salsa from La Puenta. There is just something about their chips that is so GOOD! They put this seasoning on it that I just love. 

Time to Relax

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - Feeling like I had enough energy to stay late at work and for the amount of work I did finish up. Mostly I organized, cleaned, and put things away. I'm not looking forward to the cleaning of my room on the last week of school so I was glad to have a little bit finished. #2 - The temple. I went downtown and went to the Salt Lake temple. I'm pretty lucky to be so close to so many temples and to get to attend whichever one I want anytime. #3 - Relaxing for the evening with friends. Kerri and Preston came home from the movies and hung out for a bit with me before it was time for all of us to head to sleep. 

Everybody needs a cookie every now and then

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - The art project that I've got my students working on. We study a variety of artists and then they do a replica of that artists work. I've shared several artists with them and have them doing projects. I also had them choose partners and choose an artist to study. They researched their artist and then made a powerpoint about the artist as well as their own project replicating their work. I'm pretty impressed with what they've come up with and may I just say when we put it all together in a book it is going to be pretty fun! One pair of students even e-mailed their artist and got a reply back today. They were so excited and I thought this is why teaching is so fun. #2 - Chocolate chip cookies. I'm pretty sure these are my all time favorite cookie. I love them and they always sound yummy to me. I decided tonight to make some to share with some people at work tomorrow. I can hardly wait. #3 - The love of family, modern medicine, and prayer. My mom called me about 9:30 to tell me Grandpa was in the hospital. I guess he was dizzy or something. She was on her way there and just wanted me to know what was going on. I love this man who is the head of our family. He is so dear to my heart. I'm thankful that we live in a day where hospitals exist and where we can go to get help when we need it. I'm also so thankful for prayer and for the blessing it is to know that even though I don't live close and I can't offer him comfort my Father in Heaven can comfort him for me. I don't exactly know how prayer works but I know that it does and it is a power for good.

Bread

Today I'm thankful for: #1- Getting up early. I'm trying so hard this week to arise early. I've gotten up and read from the scriptures before work and today I even got a quick run in. I need to run faster so I can go farther in less time. It's wonderful to be up and out and it is just a little after 6. I think I'm going to love this summer! #2- My students they make me smile everyday. We are working on several projects and it's great to see them work hard on various things. Also the say the best stuff! We were working on an art project and one of my little guys kept getting off task from his project cause his friends were working on something else. I had told him a couple of times to go back to his seat. Then I hear his best friend say, "What are you doing?" The kid replies, "I don't know." and then shuffles back to his seat. Then his friend says more to himself, "What are you SUPPOSED to be doing?" I chuckled to myself sometimes my kids sound too much like adults. It's pretty great! #3- Bread and dinner with Kerri. Kerri and I received a coupon for a free loaf of bread when we finished the race for the cure. We've been talking about going and getting it for weeks now. We finally went tonight. I love to get a free slice of bread and it was the end of the day so our slices were thick and so yummy! We headed over to Rumbi's for dinner of a yummy rice bowl. As always it was lovely to visit with Kerri. #4- My childhood and my mission. For institute tonight a sister who grew up in Sri Leone spoke to us. She grew up during a time of war, saw horrors that none of God's children should ever witness, and ultimately found the church and was baptized. But the part of her story that touched me the most came when she told about her decision to serve a mission and her experience as a missionary. Maybe this touched me because I received a letter from Marianna today. She's 5 weeks into the MTC today and when I hear of missionaries she is front in my heart. This sweet sister told of being the first African sister to be called and to serve on temple square. As she left for her mission she had to fly by helicopter to the airport because it wasn't safe to travel any other way. She said, "I left for my mission with two changes of clothes in a plastic bag. (This was in November of 1999.) I think I have a little more to learn of sacrifice and trust in God as well as a deepened desire to share my love of the gospel no matter the cost. She told about arriving at the MTC and the MTC President and his wife found her and took her to a "boutique" they have right at the MTC where they gave her all the things she'd need to serve on temple square. I can't even imagine and at the same time my heart is touched at the wonderfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. When you are called by God to teach and preach of Jesus Christ you don't need to worry about how many cute clothes you have to wear. Even if all you have is a plastic bag and two changes of clothes the Lord will provide you will all you need and I dare say most of the time much more than you need. I couldn't keep the tears back as she talked about serving on temple square and going with the other sisters to check the mail as they were headed to their apartment for the evening. She said, "I had no family to write me and mine was always empty." She said, "I'd ask the Lord, 'What about me?' and then the answer would come 'Mine angels will be round about you to bear you up.'" Then the miracle of the gospel. The other sisters saw she didn't get letters or packages and they wrote to their mothers and families. Soon her box was full and she had more than any sister. The senior couples left her notes and became loving parents to her. What a blessing for her and what a blessing for those who had the opportunity to serve and love one of our Heavenly Father's daughters who had felt alone most of her life. God loves us! He's aware of us and he will send us what we need in the very moment we need it the most. Sometime we have to wait a while but help will come and often it comes in the love of those around us who can't help but find ways to make our lives a little bit richer. So tonight I'm thankful for a wonderful childhood where I learned to work hard, to love my family, and to love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I'm thankful for the safety I've always enjoyed for a warm home, for never going hungry, and never having to flee from rebels. I'm thankful for my own mission where I witnessed my own set of personal miracles where I learned that my Savior knows me and knows how to comfort me. Where I got to darn a black name tag declaring to the world that I was a servant of Jesus Christ and I came bearing His message. For a loving mission president and wife who are second parents to me. I am so blessed! I have many more experiences in life since my mission that I'm so thankful for but, for tonight I'm so thankful for these things.

Girls Night

Today I'm thankful for: #1 - My adorable class who were happy to see me today and whom I was delighted to see. I'm bracing myself for the end of the year. I remember having a conversation with my mission president it was one of the times I was at the mission home when missionaries were departing to go home, it could have even been when I was heading home. I can't remember, but I remember him saying, "Life is full of hellos and goodbyes." He then said to me, "In my life every year I've said goodbye to wonderful Seniors finished and hello to freshman who have just begun." He finished with, "It's all very bittersweet." Around June I think about that. I think about the goodbye I'll say in a few short weeks and the hello I'll say the end of July. What is interesting is life is so bittersweet and I dare say more sweet than bitter. When I say goodbye to these kids it's not as if I feel that they leave a hole in my heart. What actually happens is they stay in my heart and somehow the space in my heart gets bigger to make room for the next group I'll say hello to. It's hard to understand unless you experience it. I do love these kids dearly and honestly I wouldn't mind keeping any of them. I was happy to see them today. #2- Flowers. One of my students brought me a pot of beautiful flowers after school today with her mom. They wanted to thank me for the wonderful year they've had this year. I should be giving them flowers for my wonderful year. I'm excited to hang them up in the yard. #3- A girls' night out. It was Maurianne's birthday on Saturday so Alisha, Maurianne, and I got together tonight to watch a movie and enjoy each other's company. I love both these girls and feel so lucky to have them as friends. We always have such a delightful time laughing with each other. So much fun!

Oh's Can't get enough!

Today I'm thankful for: #1- A day to get ready. I track back on on a Tuesday this time so it not only means a short week but also a Monday to prepare myself for the final 3 weeks. #2 - A special treat. I loved this cereal as a kid. For some reason I remember my mom buying boxes and boxes of it on a good deal she probably only bought 3 boxes but in my child memory it felt like two pallets full. I still love them and occasionally I'll buy them not to eat for breakfast but to have as a snack. Love them. #3 - Being excited to see my kids tomorrow. I can't imagine having a job that I dreaded! 

One of My Favorites

Today I'm thankful for: #1- The Opportunity to serve in the church. It was my day to teach today and I also  had the privilege to talk on trust in Sacrament meeting. It was a little stressful with double duty. I spoke last and there were only about 5-8 minutes left so I gave the majority of my talk and bore my testimony so the meeting could end. Here is my talk: 

Trust

Today I would like to begin by sharing with you my favorite scripture. I actually have many favorites but this particular one has been the source of strength and comfort many time in the past years. I believe I first came to love this scripture while experiencing the challenges and joys of serving Heavenly Father as a full-time missionary in Pennsylvania. Since then there have been plenty of challenges and joys that have only deepened my appreciation of this scripture. It is found in

Alma 36:27

“And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has ^adelivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still ^bdeliver me.”

This scripture is part of Alma’s testimony toward the end of his ministry as he testifies to his son Helaman about his conversion. What are the trials and tribulations he is speaking about? We know Alma went to Ammonihah and the people rejected him. The Lord commanded him to return as a result he meets Amulek (Alma 8) and together they go forth and teach. Alma is belittled by Zeezrom (Alma 12). Imprisoned and smitten, then helplessly Amulek and Alma witness the death of the women and children, whom have been strong in their faith (Alma 14). Almulek questions Alma saying, “Behold, perhaps they will burn us also.”(Alma 14:12) Alma replies, “Be it according to the will of the Lord. But, behold, our work is not finished; therefore they burn us not.” (Alma 14:13) They are both then cast into prison where they are mocked and persecuted for many days. The Lord delivers them from prison and they go to Sidom where coincidentally Zeezrom lays sick. Alma heals this man who earlier contended so strongly against him and those faithful to the church. (Alma 15) Because of Alma’s humility, because he holds no grudge against Zeezrom, Zeezrom becomes a wonderful missionary (Alma 15:12). Alma’s life is spent in the service of the Lord preaching the gospel. He learned to recognize the Lord’s hand in his life and that through all trails and challenges the Lord could deliver him. He had learned in whom he should put his trust.

         I have not been called to pass through the same trials and challenges as Alma. I have never been bound and cast into prison, I have not been spit upon or cast out of a city for sharing my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, I have struggled in classes at college, laughed at because I willingly testified of my Savior on street corners, I have worried about finding the right employment, I have felt inadequate in a church calling, I know what it feels like to feel alone. We all have our own lists but this is the important part – How has the Lord delivered us from our trials and troubles? I have learned that if I did all that I could – if I attended every class, did my homework, and study for tests I’d be successful in that difficult class. –My heart was filled with the comfort of the Holy Ghost as I turned from those who mocked my testimony and I stood firmer in my faith of Jesus Christ knowing that His gospel is true. –if I follow the guidance of the spirit and am willing to say no to a jobs that would be easy to take and yes to ones I feel really good about but I don’t completely understand why great blessings follow. –Found that if I do all I can in trying to serve the Lord in my church calling He will make me up to the task. –I have learned that the Lord loves me and never leaves me alone. He blesses me with hope and desire for all that is good now and in the future. I feel like I too can say with Alma that: I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has ^adelivered me… and I do put my trust in him, and he will still ^bdeliver me.” I know that I will continue to experience challenges in the future and that my trust in my Father in Heaven will continue to grow as I continue to have faith in Jesus Christ and am delivered from my afflictions. Even if my deliverance isn’t in a way I expect.

         Life here on earth is meant to be a challenge it is a test for ourselves to be proven, to see if [we] will do all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God shall command [us]; (Abraham 3:25)

Part of trusting in the Lord is realizing that life is our test and not his. We are here proving ourselves to God NOT here proving God to ourselves.

So the question comes of how do we increase our trust so that we can prove ourselves to our Father in Heaven? It is like everything else in life we do it a little by little realizing that as we trust God in the small things in life we are able to trust Him in the larger. However, we must remember that things don’t always turn our exactly as we would expect.

Elder Eyering –

You show your trust in Him when you listen with the intent to learn and repent and then you go and do whatever He asks. If you trust God enough to listen for His message in every sermon, song, and prayer in this conference, you will find it. And if you then go and do what He would have you do, your power to trust Him will grow, and in time you will be overwhelmed with gratitude to find that He has come to trust you.” (President Henry B. Eyring, General Conference October 2010.)

But if not….

Our God will deliver us from ridicule and persecution, but if not. … Our God will deliver us from sickness and disease, but if not … . He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not. … Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not. … He will deliver us from death or impairment of loved ones, but if not, … we will trust in the Lord.

Our God will see that we receive justice and fairness, but if not. … He will make sure that we are loved and recognized, but if not. … We will receive a perfect companion and righteous and obedient children, but if not, … we will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will, in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has. (Dennis E. Simmons, General Conference, April 2004)

#2- Dinner at the Tricia's parents with her and Kerri. We always have a wonderful Sunday. I'm so thankful Tricia is willing to share her family with us. #3- the fun of having a puzzle on the kitchen table. We worked on the puzzle for a little while when we got home. I've decided a puzzle is a favorite activity of mine. But I really only really enjoy it when friends and family are helping. It's a lot more fun when others are helping. 

The Belgium Waffle House

Today I'm thankful for: #1-Shopping with friends. Tricia, Kerri, and I ran to the mall to buy Haley a gift and Tricia shared a gift certificate with us and we all enjoyed a yummy chocolate truffle.  #2- Trying out a new restaurant. We decided to eat dinner at the Belgium Waffle house. My favorite part about this place is it reminded me of home. I think it's more famous for it's breakfasts so there weren't very many people in the restaurant and the waitress treated us like she'd known us forever. It just had a small town feel. However, I wasn't incredibly impressed with our food so I don't know if I'll go back anytime soon. #3- A new season of Burn Notice. Preston bought the new season of Burn Notice and we enjoyed watching a couple of episodes. We're almost caught up to the current season that will start in a couple of weeks.