The Importance of the Family

August 13, 2013

I know--I'm still single. But--I love when the opportunity comes for me to be able to go to the temple to be able to participate in sealings. Tonight, one of my friends and I were trying to catch the new video at the temple (apparently, you have to go early to get in on it...) but the session we wanted was full, so they sent us up to participate in sealings.

What I love about sealings is hearing the great blessings that are offered with this highest ordinance. The sealing power is so amazing--and hearing it from both perspectives--of a couple being sealed and then as a child being sealed--remind me of just how important this is. Tonight I was able to take my great grandma and grandpa's name through the temple to be sealed. This is my mom's mom's parents. And I couldn't help but agree with the sealer when he said that the people we were doing the work for tonight had been waiting for a while and how grateful they would be for this blessing in their lives. I am excited to be able to do more work for my family and can't wait to go back.


Ironically, tonight the Sunday School President came by to bring me the manual for Sunday too because I get to fill in this week. The lesson is called "Sealed...for Time and for All Eternity." (A theme to my life today?). The lesson focuses a lot on Eternal Marriage and the importance of it. I am grateful that it has a section on "if" this part of life hasn't come. There are times where I do struggle and I feel all alone--like God has forgotten me and I must be very undesireable. But--then I have moments where I realize that this is not true--God is very aware of me and He has a plan for me. I feel that even more now in my life more than I have ever felt it before. It is a righteous desire of my heart--to have a family and to experience the joy from it. But--I also know that I am doing a work right now that God has for me to do. I know that teaching is an important part of my life and God has given me gifts that He needs me to use to influence the learning of His children here on earth. I don't know that I've really shared that with people--and it is a special thing to me, and it brings me hope that I have a purpose in this life. I am learning to trust in Him and His timetable, and even though I count this as one of my trials in life--I have grown so much from it. I am so lucky to get to watch successful marriages all around me and see successful child rearing. I truly feel blessed. And I sure hope that those people that help me feel this way feel blessed too--because you truly have a gift. I look forward to the day when I can have it as a part of my life too.

The temples truly are an amazing part of our lives...and I am so grateful for the priesthood power and the sealing power. For some reason, God wanted me to learn about it this week. I think it was to remind me how blessed I am to have my family and to be able to be with them forever. In the eternal scheme of things, this is what matters!

Feeling Blessed...

August 6, 2013

Have you ever stopped and thought about how lucky you are to be alive and to be able to experience life? And all the feelings and emotions that go with it? And the lessons you learn? Today was one of those "stop and smell the roses" kinds of days. Life is all about the memories we create, after all.

I haven't written on my blog for a while--Brad Wilcox would be disappointed at me in not continuing my journaling. So--I better write somewhere...

Today--I had one of those great days you wish you could just pause and remember forever. It started out by me experimenting with my job. I have a new job--I work at the district office as a mentor teacher specialist. I am over 300ish provisional teachers and I get to watch these new teachers teach and give them feedback. I did my first observations today of some new teachers--and at first--I missed it. I missed interacting with the kiddos and helping them love learning. But--then as I started watching the teachers, really watching them--and seeing them have fun and enjoying what they were doing--seeing things that made them struggle a little and having great ideas pop into my head to help them--I felt at that moment--that I made the right choice. This job really can bring me joy--and I am so excited for that!

My official badge...that picture was from when I first started teaching...

Also today--I had the opportunity to listen to a missionary discussion tonight--about the restoration. These elders did sooo good! I hadn't felt the spirit so strongly in my little heart for a while. We were having my friend Jessie visit with them to learn about the church and answer questions she had. I heard some beautiful testimonies from some of my friends and learned things about them I didn't even know. It was so special ... and I hope I don't ever forget the way it felt.

I also spent some time tonight with another friend celebrating his birthday. I gave him a drawing kit and some pastels. We spent time tonight drawing and I have to say...my art work is about as good as my first graders. But--his was so good--he drew me an elephant because it is my favorite animal. Puts me to shame...

Regardless of my drawing abilities...I feel so blessed today. I truly am lucky to be alive--and to be able to experience life. I think that is one of the many lessons of life--to learn to love each day for what it is. Living in the present is surely the best thing to being a happy person and enjoying all the little moments. I sure hope I can remember that lesson tomorrow--when I get to attend my first night class I get to help teach at. Fingers crossed!

All I can say right now is I sure feel blessed.

Teacher Appreciation

May 7, 2013

Today is National Teacher Appreciation Day. Often times, parents or friends will ask me for advice on what to give their teachers. Sometimes I'll joke and say gift cards (gift cards are nice!). But--in all honesty. Even more than the gift cards, I find that there is something a little bit better.

The thing that means the most to me are the notes of appreciation that are specific about what I've done well or what things I have done to make a difference in the life of my students. This year I received three that made my heart melt, from some triplets in my class. They will definitely go in the days I need a reminder box.

When all is said and done--I won't remember the gift cards or the little knick knacks or the treats and the supplies that were bought for me. I appreciate those things--but it is the notes and the honesty of them that will make me remember that I have done something valuable.


I too am grateful for fantastic teachers in my life. I feel God has blessed me with so many of them. I have had an amazing learning experience where I asked one what the most important thing a teacher should do is. His response: "Teach the children to love learning." I have had so many that have taught me to have joy in learning and I feel like it is something that has turned me into the woman I am becoming. I hope and pray that in my career as a teacher, if nothing else, I teach my children how to learn and to love doing it.

Hiking Observation Point

April 27, 2013

This weekend was one to just get away--I'd had a hard week and my roommate Mindy decided we should take a trip away. So, we went to St. George to "get out of dodge." My friend Bo lives in St. George and decided he was going to take us hiking. 

When we got up Saturday, Mindy and I had talked about possible hikes we could do. But, we had slept in a little late for doing Angel's Landing (we wanted to do that one to do a hard, scary thing). But--it was over 80 degrees when we were moving around at 10:00 am. We decided that wasn't the best idea in the busy, hot part of the day. My friend Bo suggested we hike to Observation Point. He said, "Oh, I've done it before--it's 4 miles to the top...(meaning 8 miles round trip--did we think that through?). So we said okay.

Starting out we were energetic and full of excitement to get to the top. 

The top is the part in the middle where the white part is with the trees...

We began hiking and passed many switchbacks--some within minutes of each other. There were so many different features to this trail from slot canyons, really dry looking deserts and even some green areas. It was beautiful and breathtaking. But--tiring--very steep in some places. I remember one point where we past a woman coming down and Greg asked her if we were close. She rolled her eyes and sarcastically said, "no." At that point I think we had a rough 2 miles to go to get to the top still. But--once we finally did it--it was totally worth it. 

A future arch?

The top--we were trying to get there

My favorite wildflower--indian paintbrush

a view out the canyon from down lower on the trail

the walls were so huge!

So many different rock formations

Greg and Bo leading the way

This part was so green!

breathtaking!

so many trees in this desert area

lots of different mesas and flat areas

A view of Angel's Landing on the way up

We were getting close!

The view from the top! It was so rewarding!

Bo, Greg, Mindy and I felt very accomplished for our 4 miles--then we remembered we had 4 more to do...

The trail from above

6,508 feet above sea level--and we did it!

On the way down--we told ourselves that we deserved Oscars...a place that serves Mexican and Burgers out side of the park. And it was totally worth it. Best food ever--especially after hiking like that

Doing hard things makes you stronger--especially if it involves hiking 8 miles. Thanks Bo, Greg, and Mindy for making me stronger this weekend!

It's Been A Long Time

April 20, 2013

It has been a long time since I have blogged and I have realized that there is a pretty good chance I'll never get caught up on my life...but--I decided today that it is okay. I will just post as I can.

I am currently taking a Comprehension class as part of my reading endorsement from Brad Wilcox. He has challenged us to write in our journals regularly. SO--I decided I would write in my personal for me journal once a week and I would write on my blog once a week to see if that works. So, here goes.

Today we crossed an item off the bucket list--sorta. I still have one more dive to do to be able to be a "certified" open water scuba diver. But, today was day one. Honestly--I am a little afraid of scuba diving and there were a few moments under the water today that I did have anxiety and felt afraid of not being able to breath--then I remembered there was air in front of me. Diving is a lot of fun though and you can see some beautiful things underwater. Today we made it to about 45 feet underwater. We practiced some skills and just had fun exploring underwater. There are crazy things deep down under the crater.

But--it is a fear of mine--being underwater like that. I am amazed though that I can overcome it and feel comfortable and be able to enjoy it. That is a goal of mine this year though--is to overcome fears and look them in the face and be able to have courage to live life and have fun.

This year I also learned to ski for the second time and I feel like I have enjoyed it this time as well. One more thing off my list.

This year is full of possibility for me to overcome fears. I am grateful for people who believe in me enough to support me in my crazy antics and extremeness.

Keep posted for more craziness...

Me at the Homestead Crater, Midway, Utah

A new perspective...

July 25, 2012

It's been a while since I have made myself post on my joyful blog. But--I recently had an experience that needs to be recorded for myself so I remember...remembering is essential to growth.

Over the past year I have been applying for different things feeling like I need a change. I had a job interview with a company called Imagine Learning. I was denied. I applied for my doctorate through Utah State University (they are in the top 10% in the nation for their education program.). I was also denied. I also applied for the DODEA (the government teaching program for military bases) and wasn't sure where that went at all. I received no notification that I'd even filled out my application correctly. So--I'd been sitting here feeling stuck in 1st grade wondering what to do.

Then--to make it more exciting to my life--my Chinese partner (from my dual immersion program) decided to quit at the end of last year. She was offered a job that paid the same to go and teach English in China for Disney. I was told I would get to train the new Taiwan teacher and that I wouldn't get to switch grades like I wanted. Which is flattering that my principal trusts me to do it and no one else. Granted -- after all my rejection I'd been faced with lately--my poor self esteem was taking a hit.

So--I had settled that this would be my year. I've become okay with it. Then-I was blindsided over the weekend.

I had just spent Friday teaching my new students about routines and things and having an interesting day realizing we have our work cut out for us when I realized after I sent them home I had a phone message from an out of area number. As I listened to it, it was from a principal in Turkey who works for DODEA and she was wanting to interview me for a job ASAP. She had a spot she needed to fill before she went back to Turkey. I called her back planning to thank her for the invite (had it been Hawaii--I don't think they have a base school--I would have been all over it.) but telling her I wasn't interested. When I called her back--she addressed the scary things about Turkey quickly and sold me on the idea of how great it could be to be in Turkey teaching for DODEA. The base was Incerlick base outside of Adana--right across the Syrian border (kinda a scary idea.). As I did more research (she gave me the weekend to ponder it before she would let me accept an interview--she didn't want to waste time calling references if I wasn't serious), I discovered that it wasn't an awful setup.

First off, the government would pay to ship my whole life there--my car, my furniture, my teaching materials I have, just everything (sadly--I don't really have much--a jeep and a bed. Life would be high I tell ya!). I would probably receive some of a pay raise. They also would give me a housing expense if I chose to live off base of $20,000 a year (granted I couldn't pocket that money--what would not be used would be expected to go back to them.). They have specialists in all their extra curricular areas--pe, music, etc.--even a Turkish specialist to teach them about Turkey. She had one of her Kindergarten teachers call me to sell me on it too--he was full of great information as well. He told me when the lyra was up and the dollar was down, that the government would make up the difference. He said he loved it. During the summers and Christmas breaks--they would even pay for us to take a vacation home to visit our families yearly. The more they talked--the more appealing it became.

Turkey is home to many great biblical things as well as just historical things. It is smack dab in the middle of Europe and Asia (allowing for great travel). I'd be able to get out of debt because I'd make more money than I do here in America and not have to pay for my housing.

There were some negatives--but I won't go into those because you can do your homework on what was not great about Turkey. But--ideally--it has made itself on my list of places to go someday after this weekend.

So--why am I not going though?

Good question. As I was tossing the idea around all weekend...I couldn't make up my mind. Part of me thought--wow--what a way to get out and have fun. Just what you've been wanting. But part of me thought--will this put you on hold for your other dreams and things you have been working so hard to get to (the whole teaching college someday concept...). And the more I pondered--the more confused I became. I couldn't tell which was right or wrong--neither felt better. But--I had a ton of anxiety. If I took the Turkey interview and had the chance to go--I would be in the middle of my already started contract with Jordan School District. I would be penalized for leaving (which means I'd pay a fine) and I'd have to start the year anyway until they hired someone else to take my spot. My brain was having a hayday thinking of all I'd have to do to get things ready for a new teacher to take my spot and to move by August 20. It was overwhelming me.

Unfortunately--I spent too much time deciding that one of the other principals interviewees decided to do it and she never returned my phone call.

But--now that the whole thing is over--and I don't feel the pressure anymore--I'm able to reflect on the whole situation. And it was a great learning one because it made me put my life in perspective once again. I'm grateful for these moments that come that help me to realize what is most important in my life.

My cochair for my sports council in my singles ward gave me some great advice as I was deciding what to do. He told me this, "Pray. Then think about how it will better my current life situation? Then decide."

As I pondered this young boys advice--I realized--it was true. Going to Turkey would benefit me in the idea of a great adventure and a unique opportunity on my resume. But--honestly--I'm not unhappy here in Utah. I enjoy being close to my family (but yet far enough away to be away). I love the mountains. I love the winter. I love the school I am at and I love the people I work with. I just am getting bored is all--needing a small change. Turkey is a drastic change. More than I was bargaining for this year.

And after today--I've had a few wise friends who know the direction I want to go in my life give me advice. They said there are opportunities here for me to go the way I want to and they feel I am well on my way. It's all that matter of finding the best ways to build me up more with more classes and experiences to make me more marketable.

One thing I learned from this--I am marketable. If DODEA wanted me--I am a teacher full of great things--a boost back to my sad self-esteem.

I also learned that right now--what is important to me is getting to my point b in my career. I am close--I just need to stay focused on it and do a few things and I should be able to get there not too long.

I also learned the importance of the priesthood from all this and trusting what God has promised me. When I found out Susan was leaving me this year and I would be training a new Chinese teacher--my fears overpowered me that I wouldn't be able to do it again--train a new teacher. So, I had a blessing to calm me and in it, it was stated that if I am patient through this year, I will be blessed with happiness. That I would be able to work well with this Chinese teacher and be able to grow as a teacher this year. I didn't want to lose out on those promises.

SO--for now I am testing my faith. And seeing what else is in store for me. And I am trusting that even though Turkey was enticing and a fun option to my life--that I will have opportunities to do what I want. I am very excited right now about the potential I have in me. And that is what is important.

So--for now--no regrets--I would have them for either choice. But--I'm the one who choses if I have regrets or not...and for now--I choose not to have regrets. I chose to just press forward looking to what is ahead and not thinking about the what ifs. If we only focus on the what ifs--we miss what is truly important in life. And this weekend--I think I discovered that.

Be Prepared...

I realize I have been awful and not documented my summer goal of hiking every week--so be prepared for a mass blog upload of my hiking adventures. So far--up til this week--I have been on a good little hike every week. It should be fun to look back and see my adventures with my friends!