SUMMER!!

At the beginning of this school year I thought that the end couldn't come soon enough.  I feel like I was handed a challenge that I would not be able to complete.  Here was the challenge: teach 33 students.  The end.  Not only teach them, but help them to have a successful year where they make enough growth to be successful in life.  At times during the year I had glimpses of hope that I was getting through to these kids and then I would have set-backs.  However, at the end of the year I couldn't have been prouder of my kids.     They worked so hard!!  And, I fell in love with ALL of them.  I'm going to miss them this summer, but I welcome the break with open arms!!

Favorite Body Part

I love looking at other people's hands.  I think that your hands tell the story of you. 


I have a few vivid memories of Crazy Grandma.  My favorite memory is when Grandma came to live at Mom and Dad's house because she couldn't live on her own.  Somebody had to be with Grandma all the time because we didn't know what she would do when she was left alone.  Anyway, I was with Grandma and decided to put lotion on her hands because I remembered that she liked to have her hands rubbed (I mean really, who doesn't).  I got out some lotion and sat down next to Grandma and asked her if I could put some lotion on her hands.  She said yes, of course, and I rubbed her hands with some nice lotion and got all kinds of oos and awes out of her.  While I was rubbing her hands I started to think about all of the many things that her hands had done.  Her hands had saluted while in the Marine Corps, held 3 children, disciplined 3 children, washed many dishes and bathroom, etc. 

Some people's hands carry scars or wrinkles that mark the passing of trauma and time. 

Other people's hand are soft and untouch due to a life of luxury.  Then you have a baby's hand wrapped around a trusted person's finger. 

What do your hands say about you?  Take a look at them and think about the story that they tell. 

Conference

I was given tickets to the Saturday afternoon session of General Conference last Friday.  My life last week was crazy and my house was a disaster so I was really struggling with being willing to spend the day away from life to enjoy conference.  My dear friend Trevor agreed to go with me and my sisters told me that I had to go.  So, I donned a dress and hopped in the car and Trev and I went to Salt Lake to enjoy conference.

Enjoy it I did!!

One of the BEST parts was that we were early.  We sat down in our seats and listened to the BYU-Idaho choirs warm up.  AWESOME!!

I love listening to amazing singers, speakers, and feelings both bring.

Jared!!

Last night I was up way too late chatting with Jared.  I haven't been able to visit with Jared in forever because he lives in California right now. :(  Sometime during our visit Jared mentioned that he still checks out my blog every once in a while and he mentioned that I NEVER post.  I promised him that I would post about him today.  Here it is, just for you Jared.  I had so much fun talking with you last night, even though you kept me up a little past my bedtime.  If you don't know Jared you can look back a couple of years to a little post about the Young Brothers and you'll know a little too much about Jared and John. :) 

Here's a cute picture of Jared in his uniform:

(Too bad you can't see his beautiful eyes and eylashes.  They're killer!)

My Everyday Delights

Here are just a few things that I see on a daily basis:

1.  My classroom.  Check out all of those desks!

2.  The mug that contains the secret to a happy Miss Arnold.  Diet Dr. Pepper!!!

3.  The playground.  The sight of this reminds me of the peaceful seconds I have during a hectic day.

4.  Badge!  The key to the school.

5.  Lizzard that reminds me that it is my job to help take care of my friends.

6.  Keys!  Each one opens a different door that is important to me.

7.  Shell necklace from Hawaii.  The last trip I took with some of my sisters while they were still single (too bad Claire had to jump the gun and get married :) ).

I'm trying to see all the "things" that I have in my life.  No matter how insignificant they may seem, they usually have a purpose for being there.

I'm a BEAST!!

I love my job, I love my job, I love my job.  No, really I love my job BUT today was really frustrating.  Some days I wonder if I sound to my students like the teacher from Charlie Brown.  I wonder if I have lost my ability to explain things to my students.  Then I get ornery with the kids because they don't do what I've just asked them to do.  I don't know how to fix it. :(  HELP!!

Living Next Door to My Sister

One day, last spring, I came home from church to this:

Isabel

Aaden Bug

I <3 my family!!