Another school year

I love my job! I love my new class , all 31 of them! I was dreading teaching this year,because of our large class sizes. But I am so happy with my class, they are a wonderful group! Lucky me!

Gratitude

This time of year reminds me of all my many blessings. I am first of all grateful for my testimony. I am SO thankful for a Heavenly Father who knows me and loves me. For a living prophet, for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, for a beautiful temple close to our home and for the opportunity and blessings temple attendance affords our family. Second, I am grateful for my family. I love them with all my heart. I am grateful our family will be growing next year. Marriage is a wonderul thing! I am grateful for my wonderful friends. I am so blessed! I am grateful for my job! I am so blessed to love what I do! I work with dedicated professionals and get to spend my days with 6-7 year olds who consistently remind me that they love me!I am grateful for the beautiful land we live in. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

My Life Lately.....

I've been chastised by my daughter to update my blog. Since I have next week off from school, (thank you Turkey Day), I thought I would take her suggestion. A lot has been going on. Ron and I just returned from St. George, Utah where we attended a funeral for our dear friend, Tim Cummings. We have known the Cummings family for over 20 years and have wonderful memories of Tim and Liz. Tim died on November 14th from cancer. He fought a hard battle and was valiant to the end. He was an incredible husband, father, priesthood holder and friend. He will be truly missed. Liz is amazing. SHE was comforting everyone at the funeral. But that is Liz, an angel on earth. How grateful I am to know that families can be forever.

Our daughter, Courtney is engaged to Michael Kelly!!! We couldn't be happier! Michael is a wonderful young man and they make a great couple! He flew to London for the weekend to propose! Yes a romantic...just what Courtney needs!

Kristen comes home tomorrow for Thanksgiving and I can't wait!!! I love when the girls are home.

More later....I need Kristen to show me how to post pictures!!

Funny Day...

This week my second graders are taking the California STAR test. Since this is their first experience in the world of standardized testing it has been quite interesting. Today one of my students finished his test in less than 10 minutes. (The test should take between 40 - 50 minutes.) My first reaction was, "Are you kidding me? You can't possibly be done!". In which Sam (names have been changed to protect my job) replied, "Yes I am. I answered every question." I checked his test and he had answered every question. The problem is... he answered "B" to every single question! What was he thinking????? Later, after everyone had finished I overheard "Sam" telling his buddy, "I think I did really good today. My dad told me if I didn't know the answer to the question, bubble in "B"." Thanks dad....I can't wait to see "Sam's" score!!

Fun Weekend

It was so fun having Courtney home this past weekend. As usual she keeps us going...in a fun and energizing way! She flew in on Wednesday and was able to watch a little of John's water polo game. We left early to get something to eat and have some girl time (we didn't get enough)! She was so tired from packing and moving apartments that she was falling asleep on the couch by 9:00. Thursday I was at school and Courtney spent the day at the dentist and having lunch with Ron. We spent the afternoon watching a marathon of America's Biggest Loser...let's say it was quite inspiring. John talked us in to going to a movie on Thursday night, we had the theatre all to ourselves.very FUN. Friday we went to Courtney's doctors appointment. I could finally see the bone growth on her x-ray's...so EXCITING. She is doing amazingly well..we feel so BLESSED. The rest of the weekend was spent with Courtney's friends from college. She is so lucky to have such a great group of friends. They are all remarkable young men and women. I love being able to put a face with the many name(s) we hear from Courtney. Good news....Kristen is coming to visit in a couple of weeks. It looks like Spring term will fly by!

Spring Break...Finally!

I love spring break! Especially this year. The weather is beautiful and it is so fun spending time with John. I'm sure it will be one of the last years he wants me around so I'm enjoying every minute of it. I spent the weekend watching conference, which was amazing. Yesterday I took John and some of his friends to TAB. It was another perfect day in paradise! Thank you Retta and Steve for sharing your paradise with us! Today is errands: dog groomers, hair cuts, grocery shopping. Tomorrow I have a fun morning planned with my dear friend Melissa(Temple and lunch). I'm praying the girls are sleeping and studying and not stressing over finals. I miss them both!

What a Difference a Year Makes...

It seems like yesterday that I was in the awful position of receiving a RIF notice from CUSD. What a difference a year makes...this year I am in the lucky position of not receiving one. Although lucky, it is a sad day. Too many of my friends and colleagues are being RIFted. What is a RIF? It is the acronym given to a "Reduction in Force" letter that is mandated by the California Ed. code which states that if a permanent employee might not be needed for the following school year, they must be notified by March 15. Now the good news is if you receive one, it does not mean you will be laid off, just a chance. The real lay off notices come on May 15th. So to my teacher friends, "I'm sorry you have to go through this again."