Reaching New Heights

Thank goodness for all of the things you are not! Thank goodness you’re not something someone forgot, and left all alone in some punkerish place like a rusty tin coat hanger hanging in space. Some critters are much-much, oh, ever so much-much, so muchly much-much more unlucky than you! -Dr. Seuss I’m grateful that I’m not something someone forgot, and that we all have a caring and loving Father above who is ever SO mindful of us.  I’m grateful for 2011.  WHAT A YEAR!  This year Josh and I were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple, we graduated from Institute, and ran a 5k, 10k, and half-marathon together.  I student-taught, graduated, and began my first teaching job.  We find our strength and power through Heavenly Father’s Plan for us, and we CARRY ON.  So here is to 2012, the beginning of a New Year, and endless adventures awaiting.

I believe that everyone has a certain amount of inner authority, the ability to hold our ground, and stay true to our decisions, no matter what.  In one of my favorite teacher books written by Rick Smith, he writes, "Inner authority doesn't involve holding our breath or gearing up for battle or carrying ourselves in an aggressive way.  It is a relaxed, natural state that permeates everything we do."  I believe that  inner authority reflects in our everyday lives.  We all hold some sort of leadership position throughout our time here on earth.  Whether it is a church calling, a job, or as a parent, we rely on our foundation of inner authority.  The way you carry yourself, and believe in yourself, reflects through the choices that you make.   My inner authority is challenged and strengthened daily as a teacher.  Children depend on safe and structured environments.  Is your inner authority valid and can you withhold stormy situations, or do...

After hurdling some obstacles with my first grade class, we are finally starting to settle into a fabulous routine.  I already feel like this school year is going by too fast, and I want it to last longer.  I am absolutely enjoying these children and the joy that they add to my life.  I think Josh is jealous of the time and energy that I put into thinking about these kiddos.  Last week, I decided that it was time for our class to come up with a team name.  I wrote down every idea that they had on the board, so that we could vote.  It ranged from the kitty cats, to the readers, to The Bears, and everything in between.  The boys liked the idea of having a sports team name.  We narrowed the choices down, and voted a few times...our class is now named THE BELIEVERS.  The student who gave this idea said, "I think that we should be The Believers, because you are always teaching us to believe in ourselves."  Wow!  What a statement and what...

Wow, I can't believe that I have been teaching for 3 months.  WHAT. A. JOURNEY!  I feel soooo blessed to be in the midst of these sweet children.  I often catch them singing primary songs while they work.  One girl wrote about Jesus and how much she liked him, and that "he is funny".  These children are such a blessing in my life, and I am grateful for the power of their influence in my life.   Do you ever wonder what you are being prepared for?  When times get hard, I often wonder what I am being refined and prepared for.  I am grateful for the tender mercies in my life and for the love that our Heavenly Father has for each one of us.

Do you ever feel like you are rushing through life, so caught up in the Now, that you don't even notice the little things on the wayside?  Sometimes the little things are the things that matter the most in our lives, but we don't have time to savor their sweetness, because we are too busy doing what we think is "important".  Let's be honest, I pass by those opportunities all too often.  I've come to learn that the principle "By small and simple things are great things brought to pass" is SO true!  Those little things add up, and they become a meaningful part of our lives.  So don't let the Forget-Me-Nots pass you by, when you get caught up in the beauty of the Roses. P.S. My dear husband Joshua so gracefully wrote the previous entry.  I guess that's what I get for letting him know all my passwords.

I just wanted to let everyone know that Josh is my absolute favorite!!! Sometimes I talk about 1st graders, siblings or parents as my favorites, but that is just because I'm not comparing them to my Joshy. :)

Welcome to The Adventure Express!  Hop aboard . . . and don't expect to get off anytime soon.  My life has suddenly gone from taskless summer days to a world of never-ending adventures.  I am so grateful for this new chapter in my life.  Last Tuesday night, I accepted a 1st Grade teaching job!  Amount of preparation until Meet The Teacher = 2 days.  Amount of prepartion until school started = 5 days (including the weekend).  Today was the first day of school, and I haven't even been working at the school for a full week.  I am super excited to teach 1st Grade, and I am so fortunate and blessed to be involved in the lives of these young children during this short period of their lives.  The Adventure Express is taking me everywhere.  Last Wednesday, Josh and I completed our 2nd Half Marathon.  My goal was to finish the race, but I ran 16 minutes faster than last year!  I run for the purpose of #1 staying healthy and...

What Money Can't Buy Did your mom ever tell you that money can't buy everything?  Well it's true!  My life is SOOO RICH.  My bank statement might disagree, but no one has enough money to purchase what really counts in life.  I have been blessed with a wonderful family.  I overlooked this blessing a lot throughout my youth.  I never realized what a tight, loving, caring family I have.  We look out for each other and we know each other's strengths and weaknesses so well, that sometimes it's kinda scary.  I married the most patient man you have ever met.  Guess what...money can't buy that!  Money can't buy success, happiness, and acceptance.  You have to work for those things continually throughout life.  Count your blessings one by one...and treasure up what really counts in life. A Few Guilty Pleasures I'm not sayin' that it's not fun to have some spending money...but it's just nice to put things into perspective.  Call...

"Knowing that we are being blessed brings feelings of  gratitude toward a kind and loving Father...that's a blessed state." (Church News 2009) Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the many blessings that Heavenly Father is pouring over you?  It is a wonderful feeling!  I feel embraced by my loving Heavenly Father daily.  I am grateful for this stage of life and for the experiences that it brings.  I try to grasp these memories and feelings daily...for I know that they will be of strength during hard times.