favorite christmas memories.

waking up to the yellow walls of my room.
the way my house smells like home.
sunshine.
fam.
modern family marathons.
playing games.
new iphone game addictions.
baking chocolate eclairs.
christmas.
seeing mom cry when she opened her gift.
weddings.
sleeping.
friends.
John Dana.
green girls.
reading.
lazy days.
movies.
face off.
sweet treats.

i'm definitely blessed.
goodbye 2011, it's been a good one.

j

Christmas at School

Oh my goodness, 26 kids on the last day of break before Christmas = INSANITY! I don't know what happens to my sweet kids on days like these....they go a little insane. BUT they're still so much fun.

We spent the day singing Christmas songs at the assembly, having our class party (including games, cookie decorating and sugar!) watching movies, reading the book we made, and finally opening presents.

I'm so blessed to have this crazy bunch in my life. They're great.

Pictures to come, I forgot my camera at school in Provo and currently I am sitting in the SLC airport. What can you do?

One flight to Phoenix, then to Oakland and I'm home!

xoxo
J

Secret Santa continued...

Monday FHE Activity: Gingerbread houses with Katie, Ty and Megan

I think I created a rather cute little cottage.


Tuesday: Gosh, the holidays kill me....I can't say no!



Wednesday: Wearing these bad boys right now!

Thanks again beautiful ladies.
xoxo
J

Secret Santa

Bad news: I'm still stuck in Provo....

Good news: I have amazing roommates who left me presents for each day I'm stuck here.



Day 1:


Day 2: Spiritual Enlightenment




And pizza


I'm so blessed to have such wonderful friends!

J

Gate 67

Tonight is the Christmas devotional....I love this devotional!

Here is one of my favorite stories from President Monson two years ago.

"By way of illustration, he spoke of an incident that occurred in December 1970, when an ice storm caused thousands of travelers to become stranded in the airport in Atlanta, Ga., as flights were delayed for many hours, lessening the chances for them to get wherever they most wanted to be for Christmas --— "most likely home."

The midnight hour had tolled and passengers clustered around the ticket counters, conferring with ticket agents.

"When an occasional plane managed to break out, more travelers stayed behind than made it aboard. The words 'standby,' 'reservation confirmed' and 'first class passenger' settled priorities and bespoke money, power, influence, foresight – or lack thereof."

President Monson said Gate 67 in Atlanta was a microcosm of the whole cavernous airport. Except for a few passengers traveling in pairs, there was little conversation. A salesman stared into space, a young mother cradled an infant in her arms and a man in a finely tailored gray flannel suit seemed impervious to the collective suffering. A person observing this busy man might have identified him as an Ebenezer Scrooge.

"Suddenly the relative silence was broken by a commotion. A young man in military uniform, no more than 19 years old, was in animated conversation with the desk agent. The boy held a low-priority ticket. He pleaded with the agent to help him get to New Orleans so that he could take the bus to the obscure Louisiana village he called home.

"The agent wearily told him the prospects were poor for the next 24 hours, maybe longer. The boy grew frantic. Immediately after Christmas his unit was to be sent to Vietnam – where at that time war was raging – and if he didn't make this flight, he might never again spend Christmas at home."

President Monson said the agent was clearly moved but could only offer sympathy – not hope.

Finally, the agent announced that the flight was ready for boarding. Travelers, who had been waiting hours, shuffled onto the plane until there were no more seats. The agent turned to the frantic soldier and shrugged.

"Inexplicably the businessman had lingered behind. Now he stepped forward. 'I have a confirmed ticket,' he quietly told the agent. 'I'd like to give my seat to this young man.' The agent stared incredulously, then he motioned to the soldier. Unable to speak, tears streaming down his face, the boy in olive drab shook hands with the man in the gray flannel suit, who simply murmured, 'Good luck. Have a fine Christmas. Good luck.' "

President Monson said no more than a few among the thousands stranded at the Atlanta airport witnessed the drama at Gate 67. "But for those who did, the sullenness, the frustration, the hostility, all dissolved into a glow. That act of love and kindness between strangers had brought the spirit of Christmas into their hearts." (Taken from "Drama at Gate 67," by Ray Jenkins.) "

Janelle and the hard day.

Today was a hard day.
It just was. No matter what way you look at it, it was tough.
I feel like I have a pattern. Things slowly build up one day at a time and then suddenly I just break.
This usually means lots of tears.
Then I pick myself up and start again.
My kids are great, but life outside my little room seems to be so much harder.
I'm not sure what to do.

Yesterday for FHE one of my roommates shared this thought that came to mind on my drive home from work. She reminded us of the story from the New Testament when Christ is awakened by the disciples and calms the storm that is raging outside. She paralleled this to our lives. Sometimes Christ comes and calms the storms in our life. Other times, he comes and all he does is calm the sailor, us, our storms are still there. They still rage outside our doors, but he helps us find a way to withstand the wind. I feel like that sailor. Blown about too and fro but still holding on and trying to remain calm in the whirlwind.

Lori.

I have the best momma, really, she's the best.
I love every minute I get to spend with her. The last two days were not enough.
We were laying on the couch watching TV a couple days ago and she told me I was her best friend. Guess what, she's mine too.
Home is always the best. Lots and lots of good food. Great times with my cute family. I met my cute new dog Hickory.

Can't wait for Thanksgiving!

10/18

Things have been going so well...In school ;)
I'm not sure why, but I'm trying to love every minute of it. My class is so great, I look forward to spending each and every day with each of them, seriously each and every one of them. They're the greatest.
Today I was observed by my principal. Super intimidating, but it went splendidly. I hope he liked it because I thought it was divine.
Danville bound tomorrow! (Nothing beats that statement)
Thank you UEA (something I never grew up with but I appreciate as a teacher)

Miss Webb is Missing!

Today I had intern training all day...boo...it's actually not bad, it can just get boring, and it is annoying to write sub plans. I have the best sub though, she is a mother in my class and is the best!
Anyway, today I left a special assignment for my little children to do. If you've ever read the book Miss Nelson is Missing! you know that it is a gem. A teacher has the worst behaved class ever so she goes missing. The sub that comes to take care of them is horrible and all the students want their teacher back. There is also a fun twist at the end, go read it!
I had my sub (who is wonderful not terrible) read the book to my kids and then I gave them the assignment to write a story of where I was and draw a picture. The result was hilarious! They are so funny!
These kids are a riot. Here are some gems.
Possible (What I wish I was actually doing): "Miss Webb is maybe at the spa getting her hand and feet done. (just one hand) Getting them mashased (massaged) and her toes nails and finger nails are painted. And shes having fun without use (us)"

Not a bad day I would say.

Maybe I shouldn't wear large flowers in my hair....or tell them about my fear of clowns...."today Miss Webb Dident come to school today And we had A suBsitout I think She got stuck in a fluffy living flower (Wait....aren't all flowers alive?) that moves and It swallowed her. Or she got stuck In a maze and she tock the not scary exit. Because there were scary clowns. So She was so scared And She was late"

I think the ocean themed room may be rubbing off on him..."Miss Webb is Missing I think she went to the ocean and she was scoobidiving and she found a well (whale). Then she got on the well and started to go sround the ocean. Then she sleped with the wells over night. After that she got to feed there baby well. Then she starting coming back but she found a dolfin (my favorite!) and right now she is riding with a dolfin family. The End"

I'm still trying to figure out what happened here...At least the gorillas were mean for taking me..."Miss Webb is Missing today! She might got caried away by grillas! She was probaly sleeping like a inisint little baby. When those stupid, mean, rude grillas came and cidnaped her! And there pribly in the gungle bring a monkey!"

The novel that leaves me weary of birds....and moles. "When Miss Webb's class got into the classroom they realized something was wrong. For a second they couldn't figure out what was wrong but then someone shouted out 'Miss Webb is missing!' The classroom was filled with chattering. Everyone whispering or talking. 'Maybye she went to a different country' 'Or she got carried away by eagles!!!' Finally everyone agreed on one thing....She was captured by the animals that escaped the zoo last night!!!! No one was absolutely sure so they went to Miss Webb's house. (How do they know where I live?!) On the way there was more suggestions "The flamingos probably carried her along with the three eagles." "The moles probably put her in a underground chamber." "The caterpillars threw her in the trash!" (That was a weird comment.) (the last parentheses was actually part of the story...haha!) When they got to the house they tried everything. They knocked on her door, rang the doorbell, and banged on the windows. They gave up in despair. The next day she still wasn't there. Where is she. Find out next time on channel 37."

They're so great.

xoxo
j

best moments of the day.

1. Dinner with daddy - having him tell me how good I look, how happy.
2. Conversations with mom - gosh I just love her.
3. Forget-me-nots, I'm still on a spiritual high from this talk. It just sticks with me for some reason.
4. Having my mentor/BYU professor Lynnette come and observe me today. I wanted to impress her so badly and she had such wonderful things to say to me. She's been with me since the beginning, since I started the education program. She talked about how much I've grown and the progress I've made and there is nothing better then having someone tell you how impressed they are with you and how proud they are. love it.
5. Having ash jan call and tell me she wants to come in and watch me teach on friday.
6. Realizing that no matter what happens in my class, I am the adult, I am in charge and things do not have to get to me. I can brush off problems and keep moving.

love,
j

the big 5

In education we always talk about the "big 5". This usually refers to the 5 most important things in literacy. Ever since i have been teacing i've been having a hard time staying up to date on my journaling. Not exactly a shocker, but still sad. So whenever I get a chance I want to hopefull post my big 5 for the day.
Today's Big Five so far...
1. My dad is coming tomorrow! what!
2. I was flipping through journals today and I found this lovely.
"My teacher is the best and nicest teacher ive ever had. She lets us read a lot. She gave us journals to write in. She even lets us pick prizes if we win a drawing. She let's us write on her promethean board, she lets us read her books, she even got us our own book marks. I hope my sister will get Miss Webb when she is in fourth grade. If she does she will have the best year of elementary school if she does get her. Once again, my teacher Miss Webb is the best and nicest teacher ive ever had."
This was written by one of my favorites, I know I shouldn't have favorites, but hey I do.
3. A cute girl in my class brought me fall leaves she collected this weekend (aren't they precious)
4. It was pizza day at school! I love pizza.
5. I just have such a good class, they are so cute and so funny. I adore them so much, even when they are driving me crazy. I am so blessed.

Forget me nots.

I've always loved this little flower and now Elder Uchtdorf gave me a beautiful talk I can always remember when I see them.
1. Forget not to be patient with yourself.
2. Forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice.
3. Forget not to be happy NOW
4. Forget not the "Why" of the gospel
5. Forget not that your Heavenly Father loves you


For the full talk, which I highly recommend it is wonderful, click here

reality.

Here's the thing. Life as a teacher is hard.
Like really hard.
This last month there have been so many moments when I literally felt as if I was drowning.
There was no light anywhere and I didn't think I'd make it through the day let alone the weeks and months I had to go.

I've been working towards this my entire life. I planned my entire college career around this time. This moment. When I could have my own classroom.
When you finally get your dream you think it is going to be perfect and wonderful, and everything you ever dreamed of.
Then sometimes, it's not. The only way I can describe it is to borrow some words from good Mr. Seuss.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!

You'll be on your way up!
You'll be seeing great sights!
You'll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won't lag behind, because you'll have the speed.
You'll pass the whole gang and you'll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you'll be the best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest.

Except when you don' t
Because, sometimes, you won't.

I'm sorry to say so
but, sadly, it's true
that Hang-ups and bang-ups
can happen to you.

You can get all hung up
in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You'll be left in a Lurch.

You'll come down from the Lurch
with an unpleasant bump.
And the chances are, then,
that you'll be in a Slump.

And when you're in a Slump,
you're not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done.

When I first started out I assumed I would be great. I assumed this would come as easily to me as it always has, and then things happened. I realized I wasn't as great as I thought I was. I realized I had a beck of a lot to learn. I began to drag and fall. I began to lose confidence in my self and if I could really handle it.
I felt like I was lost and couldn't see anyway out. People would ask me, "are you loving it!" And honestly I'm not sure if I could give them the answer they were looking for.

It's moments like this I'm grateful for the priesthood. I received a blessing from my cousin. It was a blessing of comfort and exactly what I needed. I thought the next day would be magnificent, but guess what it was still hard. But things have been getting better, and Thursday was my best day so far. I left that day remembering why I love teaching. I love that my kids are so dang funny. I love when something just clicks in their heads. I love when a lesson goes somewhere I never planned, but it ends up better then I could ever hope. I love when my kids think I'm funny. I love that they love me sometimes. I love that most of them are so eager to learn. I love when they draw me pictures. I love teaching them everyday. I love when I can bring in things that they love. I love just talking to them, they're hilarious.

Last night I was with Mrs. Dustin and we were catching up since she was visiting from Idaho and I had a realization. It's something I've been slowly realizing, but this was the first time I actually said it out loud to anyone.
Both my blessing from my father and my cousin talk about teaching as a path that I have chosen. I never looked at it that way. I always figured that it chose me. As I look back on my life I realize that this was something that Heavenly Father allowed me to decide on my own. I have full faith that he has backed me on this decision, but this was something that I decided all by myself. So really when I lose it I have no one to blame but me! ha! anyway in all seriousness it was a realization to me that my Heavenly Father trusts me enough to allow me to teach his precious little children. Its a huge weight, but one I am happily bearing. I don't know why he has entrusted me with these special little people, or why their parents trust me with them each day. But all these important people have confidence in me and that is a great reminder to me that I need to have confidence in myself.
I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.
It's my new life mantra.
love,
j

First Day of School...as a teacher!

The fact that this was actually written a week after school starts but I have yet to post it (and it has been a month) is kind of the story of my life. I'm so lame...I have zero time.

So I know this is now a week late...life of a teacher I guess.
Day 1: Heaven.
The first day of school was wonderful! If you know me you know that if I'm anxious or nervous about something I usually don't sleep, feel sick all the time, and am generally on edge. The night before the first day I slept like a baby. I was so calm and relaxed and knew this is exactly where I'm supposed to be right now in my life. I'm so grateful for that calm reassurance.
My 26 little people are adorable. One brought me home made potholders the first day. I mean how cute is that? I could probably only pick up munchkin sized pots with them, so I hung them up by my desk. There are two boys who I loved the second they walked in the door....so cute! They're going to be little studs when they grow up.
School was filled with getting to know you stuff and a whole lot of me talking....fun for me, and they think I'm pretty funny :)
The first day was a whirlwind and was over before it even started.

After school I was thrown into my first rounds of parent teacher conferences. I had some great parents and they made me feel so comfortable and everything went so smoothly. Pot holder girl's mother was my last conference and as I was walking her to the door she told me how at first when she found out it was my first year of teaching she was nervous, but after meeting me she is totally confident in me and my ability to do this. Talk about a nice confidence boost!
I left on a high thinking I could conquer the world.
I was made for this.

Day 2: Hard.
I cried.

But...
The beautiful brooke was married that day. See.

And even though I cried again because I missed her coming out of the temple and I got lost in Salt Lake and I was convinced I was never going back to school....It was all ok. Funny how life is like that. She was beautiful, the wedding was perfect, and I was so happy I was there to be a part of it.

Some Good Reads.

Last post for today.

I have had so many people ask me what I have been reading (if you know me you know I always have an unfinished book in my purse, especially this summer while I was working).

So some of my favorite summer reads. I can't say enough about all of these, I loved all of them!!
I know that I have read more, but these are the ones that are sticking out right now. I can't take any credit for finding any of these myself. All were reccommendations from Miss Carsten who always knows a book that I will love.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore: amazing new series! So original and keeps you hooked for hours. Read all about it here. Read this one first otherwise you ruin the second one.

Fire by Kristin Cashore: also so great. Read all about it here.
There is going to be another and I am so excited.

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares: such a unique concept, and great love story. Find it here!

And finally, I just finished this little gem.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett: I can finally say I understand what all the talk was about and I can't wait to go and see the movie! Find this one here!

hunt for a good outfit.

So...beautiful brooke gets married in two days! I can't even believe it is finally happening, but at the same time I feel like she's been married for the last couple months. Anyway, she wanted all of us roomies to be in blue and green shirts and black pencil skirts. Easy right? Hannah and Talia will wear green because they look good in green and karen and i would rock the blue. straightforward and simple.
ha. i wish!

Since I've been so busy since I've been back in utah (it's only about a week and a half but it feels like an eternity already) We decided that on saturday, yesterday (cutting it a little close i know but this was going to be so simple), we would head to the mall and grab some coordinating blue shirts.
We got there, and went to : bannana republic, the gap, nordstrom, papyrus, forever 21, charlotte ruse, and a few other places I can't remember all with no luck! i swear when did shirts stop coming in blue? I mean seriously. We hit up macy's and karen found a really pretty white shirt for herself, but other than that we were out of luck.

We then decided to go to kohls, nothing. Then we went to Target, where I found pencil skirts on sale and bought one in black and one in tan, mostly for work. We had found sweaters that were the right color, but looked horrible on, so that was a bust. We then decided to head to Old Navy (which I will admit with pride is one of my favorite stores.) finally at Old Navy I found a shirt! It was on sale for $6 and i finally got some new jeans on sale for $15. I counted this as a success, but unfortunately Karen still didn't have anything. So we went to TJ Maxx, nothing. Karen remembered a shirt she thought would work at banana rep. so we headed back to the mall to look at it. It was all wrong.

At this point I had blisters on my feet, was tired and cranky and just wanted to go home. (Plus, in the back of my mind all I could think about was the fact that I still hadn't planned the first week of school, written out procedures that need to be taught, and a million other little things). I told her we could do one more store.
Back to nordstom, we literally grab anything they made in the color we wanted. I found a cute sweater and it looked great with her cute white shirt she had bought earlier.
Finally success! (after about 6 hours of shopping....no bueno!)

We then headed to Westridge so I could grab something that I had to do for the first day of school, and went home. Where I fell into bed and a book and put off all of the stuff I still need to do! I know its bad.

But all the insanity will be worth it once we're waiting for our beautiful friend to come out of the temple with her husband on tuesday :)

love you future mrs. clark.

b2s night

Back to School Night, or b2s night as I lovingly called it the last week was quite the experience. I had spent the last week trying to make my room presentable, suffered through blood, sweat, and tears for it to look good, and I often forgot why I was going through all of this work. Then, Thursday finally came and all my little people and their parents came walking through the door to meet me. I was met with a lot of "oh, is this your first year teaching?" which was a little concerning at first, but hey, I may be young, but what I lack in experience I make up for in enthusiasm.
Back to the little people, they all came through my door some excited, some shy, and some not wanting to be there. It was very overwhelming and I was so nervous at first, but once it got going it was a lot more enjoyable.

Thanks to all who have come and helped me with some many different things: Karen, Alex, Karissa, Aunt Kim and co, I appreciate all the time you put in to help me somehow get all of this together and keep some of my sanity.

School starts tomorrow.....AHHHH!
If I think about it too much I get concerned because everything is so not ready for this next week, but at the same time I have this calm sense that everything will be fine. (Maybe it's just the calm before the storm....) but I just keep relying on Heavenly Father and the knowledge I have that I can do this, and I am ready for this.

Count on a first day of school post shortly.

<3
miss webb

Because I know you are all dying to see some pictures! :)

yes my name is on the door!






My pride and joy :)


I can thank Karissa Bosco for that awesome Survivor Island on the cabinets

Miss Webb.

So I know I've seriously disappeared from the blog world lately.
Sorry! Summer was fun, but uneventful. I was a nanny to the cutest girls, I read A LOT, spent time with great friends, and just hung out and relaxed.

Let me tell you it's a good thing I recharged.
These last 5 days in Provo have literally been the most insane of my life.
I spend, I kid you not around 12 hours each day trying to get ready for school. I had no idea it would be this hard. I've been on the verge of tears too many times to count, and my to-do list gets longer, not any shorter, each and every day.
Thursday and Friday of next week I really thought I was going to lose it. I thought I would burn out before the kids even stepped in the door, and sometimes I still feel that way.

BUT, I have found a new strength I never knew I had.
It's real.
In 5 short days I'll be a teacher.
The day after tomorrow is back to school night, and I'll actually meet them.

The class list went up today, which means that 26 little people came to see who their 4th grade teacher was and saw my name.
That is so weird and wonderful.
This is everything I've spent the last 3 years working for and I can't believe its finally happening.

ps: don't expect me to have a social life this year, cause I don't. I literally work till I drop, and that probably isn't changing anytime soon. But hey, what can you do? That's life

keep smiling :)

seriously misunderstood creatures...

Janelle's secret wish:
Become a witch and move to Hogwarts.

The first book came out when I was 11 years old so I've grown up with Harry, Hermoine and have been crushing on Ron.

Because the last movie comes out this week I've been watching the movies non stop with my family, can I tell you how much I love this:



It's just the greatest

America has a Birthday

Can I tell you how much I love my town?

It's the best.

Anyone whose been here will tell you. Danville is known for its amazing 4th of July parade. People from all over come to watch the parade. I don't know why I've never been before it was so much fun!

Some fun photos:








Other fun photos from this summer:

Nanny Diaries include...

Coloring princess pictures with cuddlebug


Bug and I eating icecream


Picnics at the park with sky and bug


We watch princess movies and make princess crowns :)

I know I have the best job.

My Little Sis Turned 14!!
I can't even believe it, two weeks ago she officially turned 14 and is starting high school in the fall, i swear isn't she still five years old?


love, j
<3

Nanny Diaries: Day 2

A little less exciting today but I do have to say:
When cuddlebug looks up at you and says, "I'm happy you're back wif us and you stay wif us" it kind of melts your heart
Love that girl.

J

Nanny Diaries: Day 1

Well, today was the first day of nannying my two cute green girls again and it's great to be back. What's not so great? Let me tell you. Mama Green asked me to be at their house at 7:30 this morning and me having the white rabbit mentality can't stand to be late, so I set my alarm extra early and had everything ready to go. When my alarm didn't go off and I woke up at 8 I was freaking out as I ran around my room trying to get everything together. Despite the late start Mama Green was so nice and told me not to worry about it. After reading tutor we went to swim team, where as we were leaving I proceeded to slip and eat it in the gravel and dirt while carrying two big bags. My poor leg was gashed in but after some hydrogen peroxide and band aids everything was ok!

The rest of the day was nice and quiet with lots of time spent coloring and reading a good book

Love those girls and my family it's great to be home

J

Oh and did I mention it's 90 degrees :)

also....

the beautiful miss bosco who I love and adore found
"this little gem" and put it on her blog. I think it is kind of wonderful.
so, here you go, read through it all, it's worth the time I couldn't stop smiling :)

If you want a spiritual boost read this other lovely gem.
It changed my life.

loves

who finished college?

(minus my internship next year)

oh ya, that would be me!

CRAZY!!

finals went really well, I got a 100% on my art final, a 95% on my marriage prep final (so basically I'm great marrying material...haha) and I'm not sure about my D&C final because it was in class and hand written so we'll have to wait and see, I felt pretty good about it.

Now all that is left to do is pack up what I'll need for the summer, load up the car, and drive back to Danville tomorrow morning.

weird.

I'll miss Provo and all my friends while I'm away, but I'm trying to embrace change and see it for the good (I'll let you know how that one goes)

Tonight I hope to play with my roommates and enjoy my last night here for the next two months.

love,
j

last day of college.

today was my last day sitting in a college class.
(as least for my undergrad who knows i may go back one day)
i consider that quite an accomplishment.

week round up.

you know that skirt/pants you keep even though it doesn't fit because you swear one day it will. mine is a skirt, it's adorable and it finally fits.
thank you spin and mrs. zelnick


Speaking of the gym...tuesday we played at seven peaks, first time in a swim suit this season = success, gotta keep up this whole gym thing 5 days a week. haha. water slides and sunshine was worth ditching my art class for.

Finished art class finally, my final is turned in and i'm waiting to get it back. that will get its own post because currently it is under wraps.

B is engaged and her ring finally came! I want her ring, i've seriously considered stealing it a few times, i mean check it out...

I always come up to her and ask to wear it and stare at it on my finger...one day...

We threw B a bridal shower last night, it was a lot of fun, and so beautiful! The food was divine, the decorations incredible and the presents made me laugh :)
Fun photos from the event:

our color scheme for the party...i swear it was a mini wedding

Best food pic, it was so good and there was so much of it!

she's excited to get married


still trying to figure out how i'm going to live without her

After the bridal shower i went and saw Limitless, i swear i'm on a movie kick lately, i've seen a lot it feels like. it was ok, not my favorite. but i had good company, so a fun night overall.

This morning delicious kneaders breakfast with the roomies


(wet hair...haha)

After breakfast we sat by the pool and worked on our tans. so nice :) I love the sun, and the pool, and summertime.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how this is my last week with all five of these girls. Everything is changing. Both Becca and Brooke will be gone when I come back in the fall. Brooke will be almost married and Becca will be in England serving the Lord. I'll be getting ready to be a real teacher. It's hard for me to think about this huge change, I tend to put it out of my mind. I hate change. I'm really bad at it. I can't imagine life without the six of us in our little apartment. Who said it was okay for us all to grow up? I think I need to have a chat with whoever decided that.

Things to do this week (if I can make it through the next seven days I'll be back in Danville)
1. set up my classroom! I'm super worried about this one, I basically have Monday because my dad is coming Monday night and then he'll steal the car for the week....I'm kind of freaking out
1b. Finish all of my stuff I'm trying to make for my class - well as much as I can, I want to do everything I can while I'm here
2. pick up daddy! he's coming this week :)
3 a. Take my last class of my college career!
3. study for and take two finals
4. pack up for the drive home
5. enjoy the last week with my roommates amid the chaos

I'm getting sad writing this. I can't believe it's the end.
:(

posty post.

Wow, it's been a while...sorry!

This weekend I normally would have been camping for five days with the family up at Big Sir, so fun, but, for the first time ever, I'm here in Provo still trying to get through classes and survive the freak rain storms we've been having.

This weekend was rather enjoyable.
I saw these two movies:




I highly reccommend both of them. After this weekend I want a pet elephant, Robert Pattinson, and to go to Hawaii with Johnny Depp.

I went back to Spring Creek where I did my last cohort (student teaching) and saw my 5th graders again. I tell you, one cannot feel insignificant or unimportant when they walk into a room with 25 screaming kids all shocked/excited to see you, all trying to hug you, and all wanting to tell you all about their lives since you last saw them. They were so precious and they make me feel so good about myself.

I was also able to get started on some stuff for my class theme. I decided I'm going to have an Under the Sea/Ocean/Beach theme next year. I went to the teacher store and bought some decorating stuff, a cursive chart, a calendar, a number line, and name tags for each desk. I also spent time making the table group numbers, each one is a different ocean animal that I drew and colored. They're pretty cute if I do say so myself. It's crazy, I cannot believe that all of this is actually happening. In a couple months I'll be a real teacher, who said it was ok for me to be a grown up? I'm not so sure about that.

This was supposed to be my Sunday post:
Inspirational quote I was given today in church by Elder E. Enzio Busche

Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks.
The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.

When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.

In your life there have to be challenges.
They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you.
But you make the decision of which road you take.

First, and foremost, you are a spirit child of God.
If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness.
Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.

You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.

Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.

Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane.
In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his church.

Gos knows that you are not perfect.
As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.

God knows better than you what you need.
He always attempts to speak to you.
Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us, everything will fall into place.

Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.

When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.

Never judge anyone.
When you accept this, you will be freed.
In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.

If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.

Avoid at all any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts.
If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm.
On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts.
If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.

Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words.
Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet.
Be aware of that as you enter holy places of worship.

Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength.
In thoroughness is satisfaction.

You want to be good and to do good.
That is commendable.
But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost.
Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.

The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment.
It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.

Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.

And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now.
But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

Today I spent Memorial Day with my extended family here in Utah up at my aunt's house in Lindon. It's always good to spend time with family and be surrounded by people who love you.

Love,
j

Called to Serve Him

Even though I haven’t been blessed with a lot of boys in my life I have been blessed with knowing some of the most amazing girls in the world. Besties, Roommates, they’re all so wonderful and such a positive influence in my life. They strengthen me and are my family here in Utah.

Two of the most wonderful girls I know have decided to put everything on hold to serve a mission for the church and Heavenly Father.

Sister Becca Jack:

Called to serve in Manchester, England

She reports August 5^th 2011

Sister Karissa Dee Bosco:

Called to serve in Cordoba, Argentina

She reports September 7^th 2011

Karissa opened her call tonight and I was in tears, I can’t believe another bestie is leaving. Now we’re down to three. I just love these girls.

I’m so proud of you.

(besties at the opening - and then there were three)

Love,

j