Merry Christmas, to me!

Merry Christmas to me! I am the proud new owner of some pretty awesome shoes. I told one of my students that this was what I wanted for Christmas. He didn't come through, so I thought I would take it upon myself to buy them for me. I always seem to get me just what I want for Christmas. I also got myself the boardgame sequence. We have already enjoyed it several nights here at Sparks II and I have converted several of my roomates to its greatness. Tomorrow I leave for Arizona, so until I see you again, or when I see you there, Merry Christmas!

Christmas Time

When many are excited to head home for Christmas I am excited to be going the other direction. This will be the third Christmas in a row that I will spend in Arizona with all of my extended family on my mom's side. We are the only ones that live in this winter wonderland of Utah.

This means that five of the list six Christmas days I have not been home. You may find that sad, but really the memories I have from Arizona are far better than any I have had at home. I love being able to see my cousins and to play games with each other. We especially love playing hearts, we have played a game of hearts with about twenty people and three decks of cards. It is crazy! Especially if you get all three queens.

I love everything about Christmas. I love the spirit of giving, the music, and being with my family. Unfortunatly I won't be able to see or talk to my brother this Christmas since he is in the MTC. Him being on a mission has helped me stay focused on the true meaning of Christmas and on what life is truly all about. I hope that we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas.

I hope that your Christmas is a great one! May all of your wildest dreams come true.

Football

Nothing like a great football melody to make one happy. ;)

Thanksgiving

As a defender of the great holiday of Thanksgiving I feel a need to post something in regards to this wonderful season. There are so many things we have to be thankful for, even the things that seem small and insignificant. In class this week I had each student share at least one thing they were thankful for. I love how simple children are and how they can find joy in so many different things.

Here are some things I am thankful for: First of all my family, I am so lucky to have a family that loves me and that I know will do anything in their power to help me. To have a brother that is my best friend, a mom that is fighting through cancer treatment and the blessing she recieved from our Bishop that she would live, and a dad who can make me laugh.

I am also thankful for my wonderful friends. I have been so blessed to have friends that have stuck together. We just can't get rid of each other, even those that are married, we all try and see each other at least a few times a year. I wish we saw each other more, but I know they are still there for me if I need them, and I would do anything for them. I also have such great friends here at my apartment, life without them would be uber lame.

I am grateful for a job and money in this time of economic difficulties. I am glad I worked hard to graduate at the age of 23, two and a half years after I got home from my mission, so I could be where I am today. I love my job and have grown a lot. The kids make everything worth it, even with the hard times.

I could go on and on forever, I could talk about how I am thankful for grapefruit, trees, sports, lettuce, air, water, freedom, the gospel, indoor plumbing, carbohydrates, grass, clouds, hydrogen, music, blankets, hands, health, the list goes on and on. I hope we each can take some time to really think about how good we have it here. I know I for one am very thankful, Happy Thanksgiving!

What a Difference

This week has been amazing! I told myself last Sunday that this week was going to be a good week, and it was. Of course it is easy to have a good week when the one previously may have been the hardest week you have ever had in your life. Life really is what you make it, hard times happen to each of us. You can either let those times get you down, or you can refocus yourself and overcome them. I feel like this week I really showed myself what I was made of. Now I just have to stay focused, keep giving my all, and continue to improve myself everyday. I have learned so much this year. It is amazing how much we can grow when we allow ourselves to be humble and have a desire to learn from our mistakes. Here is to another great week! What a difference one week can make.

Sports = Joy

When I have a week like I have had this week, it is great to have something to look forward to. Yesterday I stayed after school until 5:30 working on a math lesson for Monday with my Vice Principal. After spending an hour and a half with her I still had no idea what I was going to teach, talk about frustrating. I then spent over half an hour talking to the teacher next door to my classroom who was still there working. Leaving school at 6:15 on a Friday night was not my idea of fun, especially when I had nothing to show for it.

I pulled into my apartment complex about 6:45, frustrated and glad the week was over at least. Then I remembered that the Jazz play in fifteen minutes! A small smile slowly came to my face. Maybe it's a little silly to let something as seemingly unimportant as basketball determine my happiness, but hey, I needed it yesterday.

I love playing sports, I am so glad that I played on three BYU intramural sports teams this semester. I looked forward to those games more than anything, especially soccer. The feeling you get when you make a great play is like nothing else. To feel like you are in control of your own destiny, working together with a group of friends, with one goal in mind, is pure joy.

We are blessed right now in the sports world. The Jazz have the best record in the NBA, as one of only three teams that have not lost yet, and having one more win than the other undefeated teams. BYU has been ranked and finding ways to win all season, Real Salt Lake made it into the playoffs for the first time in its short history, and Team Girl Squad is going to be the BYU intramural soccer champions of the world! Long live sport! Thank you for making the hard days a little easier to get through.

Goodbye

Today my brother entered the Provo MTC to prepare to go to Mongolia.  He will be in the MTC until the middle of January including:  Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Eve.  My family is not one that gets to emotional and it was the same today, we are going to miss him like crazy, but he is where he is supposed to be and he will be a great missionary.  

It brought back a lot of good memories, I wanted to follow him out the right side of the room where the missionaries get to go.  Not just because he is my favorite person in the world, but because I miss my mission.  I would go back in a heartbeat.  But my two years are up, I can't get a minute of it back or have a minute more.  

It really made me appreciate the time we have on this earth.  We don't get it back, we need to make the most of it.  Looking forward to the future, living in the present, and learning from the past.  What things am I putting off that I should do today?  What blessings am I, and those around me, missing because I stop short or put something off.  

As my brother is out serving, it inspires me to look within myself and see the divine potential that I have.  The potential to do great things, to work hard, and to do my best.  Hopefully I can keep this motivation and turn it into action.  I know he will be doing that, he is my hero.

Brothers by Chance,

Friends by Choice!

My brother has blessed my life, now he will get to bless many more.  I miss him...

Potential

There is a quote I received at UVSC while I was in the Education program. Since that time it has meant a lot to me. I have had another hard week and this quote has been on my mind today. I thought instead of dwelling on my problems, I would try to focus on living up to my potential. I want to be someone who inspires those around me to be better. It is hard to be constantly motivated, especially when you feel your efforts aren't noticed. Even harder when you are trying so hard and you feel like you can see where you want to be, but you can't quite get there. I don't care what one or two vocal naysayers say, I am a son of God and have endless potential. I can inspire and lead, I can do anything I set my mind to. Watch out world, here I come! Anyway, here is the quote.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence, automatically liberates others." -Nelson Mandella

September Ends

Let's just say I'm not to sad to see September End. It has been a hard month in almost all areas of my life. This past Friday was the climax of all that was bad with September. At least it is ending and I feel just like the song, wake me up When September Ends. It's over, I've improved and will continue doing so. October is going to be a great month!

Since this weekend I talked more about the negatives than the positives of school I thought I would include some funny things from our monthly district news.

Physics Teacher: "Isaac Newton was sitting under a tree when an apple fell on his head and he discovered gravity. Isn't that wonderful?"
Student: "Yes, sir, if he had been sitting in class looking at books like us, he wouldn't have discovered anything.

The second grade teacher came up with a good problem. "Suppose, there were a dozen sheep and six of them jumped over a fence. How many would be left?"
"None," answered little Norman.
"None? Norman, you don't know your arithmetic."
"Teacher, you don't know your sheep. When one goes, they all go!"

An earth science teacher was lecturing on map reading. After explaining about latitude, longitude, degress and minutes the teacher asked, "Suppose I asked you to meet me for lunch at 23 degress, 4 minutes north latitude and 45 degrees, 15 minutes east longitude...?"
After a confused silence, a voice volunteered. "I guess you'd be eating alone."

A child comes home from his first day at school. His mother asks, "What did you learn today?"
The kid replies, "Not enough. I have to go back tomorrow."

Little Johnny wasn't getting good marks in school. One day he surprised the teacher with an announcement. He tapped her on the shoulder and said, "I don't want to scare you, but my daddy says if i don't start getting better grades, somebody is going to get a spanking!"

"Isn't the principal a dummy!" said a boy to a girl. "Well, do you know who I am?" asked the girl. "No," replied the boy. "I'm the principal's daughter," said the girl. "And do you know who I am?" asked the boy. "No," she replied. "Thank goodness!" said the boy with a sign of relief.

"If there are any idiots in the room, will they please stand up," said the sarcastic teacher. After a long silence, one freshman rose to his feet. "Now then mister, why do you consider yourself an idiot?" inquired the teacher with a sneer. "Well, actually I don't," said the student, "but I hate to see you standing up there all by yourself."

Anyway, here is to a great October!

About Time

Time is an interesting thing. Sometimes we don't have enough of it and sometimes it seems to go as slow as a slimy snail. Then there are the times where your blog gets ignored for far to long, this is one of those times. I had started writing a poem a week ago, but I didn't finish it. Besides it went more into the depths of my soul than I am ready to share with the whole world.

Life is a little crazy, I don't even know where to begin. It has been a rough couple of weeks, thank goodness for my marvelous friends who help keep me sane. I wish I had more time with them, more time to sleep, and more time to prepare for my amazing students. I guess you can't have it all, I have the best friends, the best job, the best students, the best coworkers, and I have the gospel. If anyone can find me some more minutes in the day, even milky ones, let me know and life will be complete.

Oh and some more time to write on my blog would be nice.

Labor Day Parade

My best friend Jared told us a few days ago that Savers was having a half off sale on Labor Day. We decided that we should each go, and with a $10 limit, see who can buy the craziest/coolest stuff. This slowly evolved into us having our first annual Labor Day Parade. Sadly, some people questioned how awesome this would be, and we only had about six of us who actually dressed up. Worst decision they ever made, I haven't had as much fun as we had today in a long, long time.

At the front of our parade we had Matt's convertible with Melia our Labor Day Queen. We also had Jeremy riding around on a scooter entertaining the crowd. Then in the truck we had Jared, Chris, Joel and I. Chris and Joel took turns waving a big American Flag. As we drove all around the streets of Provo and BYU campus. We also had another car start to follow us and stand up through their sunroof. Pretty awesome! People come up and video taped us and made a lot of people's days. How cool are we?

Teacher of the Year

So funny story, ask me about it.

I made it!

So after a nightmare or two about the first day of school, I was finally ready for the real thing. My first real day of teaching ever! It actually went really well, the kids are so amazing. I honestly love them already. Several people have been bugging me to blog again, but my mind has been a little busy with school and other wonderful things. So for now just know that I made it! I'm ready for more amazing days and many great stories to share with you.

Perfect Ending

So my summer is now officially over, but I ended it with style! It has been an amazing weekend, if all weekends could be like unto this one the grasps of boredom would be destroyed forever.

It began Friday when my good friend Sarah and I went and worked in my classroom. It is really starting to look good and come together. Having help was such a blessing, not to mention a lot more fun than doing it by myself. Later that day we had a ward activity where we got to go bowling for two hours and then eat pizza and ice cream. Three of my favorite things all in one activity! I am sure right now you are saying, Wow! What an amazing day, you spent time with Sarah designing a dazzling dream room, then got to go bowling, and eat pizza and ice cream. How could your day have been any better? Well it did! After the activity a group of us went and played capture the flag and had a blast.

Saturday we had a Stake activity where breakfast was provided, I know... two meals in a row that I got for free. Sorry if you are jealous. At the activity we got to create something with the cans we brought for the food drive. We created the great wall of China and the Olympic village with our food donations. It was really something special. After that Trisha, Elyse and I ran away from the wild world of Provo. Our adventure began at Wal-Mart, led us to Freedom Elementary, continued on to Salt Lake where we watched the Joseph Smith movie, ran around temple square, ate dinner, and then explored the great gateway mall. On our way home we were able to watch two firework shows along with a great lightning show. We ended our night with milkshakes from the malt shop. Wow, what a day!

The fun didn’t stop on Saturday though, we woke up at 8:00 to watch the USA vs. China basketball game (which didn't start until 9:00) and enjoyed a great soccer game while we waited for that. USA won and it was an amazing game to watch. Church was great, I was able to eat dinner and spend some time with my family and now I am about to go and have even more fun. Life is good, so was this summer, and especially this weekend. Did I say life is good?

I Want to Fall in love

So love has been in the air lately, it's my roommate’s air, but at least I get to breathe in that same air sometimes. It is always nice to see someone really happy and to have things work out. Sometimes when people ask me why I don't go out much I give them this response; every relationship fails except for your last one, then statistically half of those fail as well. I don't really feel this way, but it seems to get people to leave me alone for a little while. In all reality, I want to fall in love! (Promise not to tell!) Beneath this rugged, strong, manly exterior is a heart that just wants to be loved and to love. Oh no! The love in the air is starting to get to me! Must run!

Lists

So my good friend Chris is such a great example of making lists. I decided it was about time for me to make one of my own. And no, it's not my top 5 list of girls at sparks II. I have only shared that list with one person.

So I was looking through my old yearbooks for the most interesting quotes. There were plenty of things that people wrote that were very sentimental but these aren't those. In no particular order:

1. Dave, You are the awesomest weirdo I know. Your dad’s name is Waldo, and you are ambiguously awesome! Peace. (Not everybody can be the awesomest weirdo, extra points for using ambiguously)

2. Dave- Have a Super summer! You are a Hottie! -Dianna –pizza hut- (Not very many people have the privilege of having the hot waitress at pizza hut sign their yearbooks)

3. Dave- Hey! Thanks for all the help in cheer! You are the best yell leader! (Funny because I was not a yell leader)

4. David- You are a cool dude. I hope you die. You have been a good friend and I hope it lasts forever. –Bottom Feeder (Rather contradicting, wanting me to die yet have a friendship that lasts forever, and who is this bottom feeder?)

5. Dave Dave Dave, You are hot j/k Have fun this summer. (j/k? that's messed up)

6. Dave- Tab Warriors Rule! We’re Seniors. You know what’s cool, we say that every year basically. (I don’t think we have said any of that more than once in our lives)

7. Dave- Thanks for being my husband! You’re so great! Have fun in the world w/o me. You’re the best! -P.S. sing more- you’re great at it. (See ladies I make a great husband! and I sing well!)

8. Dave, You’re so cool! Seriously of all the people to be friends with you’re like #4 on the list! Really, you’re cool. Choir was fun. Se ya around! (#4 really isn't that bad when you think about it)

9. Dave, For such a smart kid you sure act strange. (Is this a complement?)

10. -David- Be a nice kid during the summer, then come back and be yourself. (I don't know what they are implying)

Honorable Mention

*I hope you make it into the WNBA with me –Ben

*David, who don’t you want?

Funny Dating Story

Sorry for getting your hopes up if you actually thought this story was about ME going on a date.

So my good friend and I like to "joke around" sometimes, last night happened to be one of those times. I was sitting in my apartment about to start watching a movie and I decided I would text her. I said, "My lips are lonely". She didn't text back and I was a little bit sad that I didn't get a better response.

Well to my great pleasure, today I learned that she had been on a date last night and that she did get my text and the response was much better than I could have ever anticipated. Not only did she see it, but her date saw it as well. She had a lot of explaining to do... She tried to convince them that she wasn't a player and that the most we had ever done was high five maybe.

Anyway, I thought this was pretty funny. My lips are still lonely though...

Seize The Day

So I decided it is about time I started one of these blogs... As I pondered what great things I should divulge, I decided to write about something deeper than my usual thoughts. Don't worry there will be plenty of craziness and awkward moments to come!

I have been thinking lately about how valuable time is. Like usual, this realization came due to a discovery of how time is running out. A lot is changing in my life right now and I’m not sure I'm ready to let go of the way things are. Luckily, I will always have the great memories of the past and will be able to continue to create many more.

Things changing... The last week and a half I have kind of disappeared. The reason is that one of my all time favorite cousins, Audrey, is in town. She along with my brother and I have had many adventures the last week and a half, and have for many years. Unfortunately, for me, this will be our last hurrah as she is most likely to be engaged in the near future.

Not only is this the last time the three of us will be able to hang out like this, but my brother as well. He leaves for his mission in Mongolia in October. Things will not be the same when he gets back, who knows I may be married... I have really enjoyed this time to spend with both of them, as well as my amazing mother and father.

If that wasn't enough to make me think, I begin my official career as a fourth grade teacher in about two weeks, CRAZY! Am I really that grown up? Don't answer that! Anyway, you can see why time has been on my mind.

It is so important for each one of us to value every moment of every day! Time is something that can not be made up. We can, and must, learn from everything we do, but we can never get back time that we have wasted.

So let us work together to continue to have great times together and remind each other of all those we have already had. I will do my best to keep this updated with those memories. Thank you for your friendship and all you have done to make me who I am today. I wouldn’t be nearly as awesome without you!