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...