I need to be better...

at keeping this blog updated and current! I have been terrible about it lately! Oh, well, at least I'm trying right? We've been pretty busy this past month or so - I signed my first teaching contract - I am so excited to be teaching the second grade at where I did my student teaching! I already feel like I have support there and feel comfortable at the school. The boys will attend Falls Valley with me - so only Kaylee will have to go to daycare (or stay with grandma - we still haven't figured out all the details!). It will work out nice to have the kids just come to my room after school is over. That way they can finish their homework while I get finished up with my stuff! I just feel so fortunate and blessed to have a job - especially one that I wanted so bad. There are quite a few wonderful teachers who I did my student teaching with that have not been able to find a job - due to the cutbacks in education. There just aren't many schools hiring right now. Anyway, I was able to see my classroom last week - I am so excited to get it all decorated! (It's one of th only square classrooms in the school, but it also has a window that looks out into the hall - so it's a little diffferent...)

After I was finsihed up with school, Guy and I went to Las Vegas to celebrate our 10th anniversary and my graduation, and his acceptance into the pharmacy program at ISU. It was so much fun! We were able to go see The Phantom of the Opera, and it was fantastic - the Phantom was just amazing. We also did a LOT of walking - I got the blisters to prove it! :) It felt nice to be able to do things together without having to worry about the kids. We were also able to see a variety show and a comedy show - both really good. We were only there for three days, but that was long enough - we were ready to go home and see the kids!

This summer the boys have kept us all busy with the T-Ball and machine pitch baseball. Their games are a lot of fun to watch. Especially Jaden's - they are getting more competitive now and he is working so hard at it - he does pretty good, too! They have games every Tuesday, Thursday, and some Saturdays, with practice on Monday - so it takes up most of the week. They end at the end of June, though. (On a side note - at Jaden's game today, Austin threw a ball at me when I had my back turned and it hit me right in the tail bone - didn't hurt much at the time, but now it aches whenever I move!!!) Kaylee loves going to the ball games so she can hang out with some other kids from church. She also really likes to go up to all the moms that are there and talk with them. She is so funny, she'll just go up to another mom and sit down next to her and start talking and telling her stories. They all think she is adorable - I just hope she doesn't bug them too much!

Guy has started a new job at the pharmacy in WalMart. So far, he is really liking it! He's not used to being on his feet so much though - that will take a little getting used to! He also has had to work a couple of Sundays :( but that's okay. Last Sunday, I thought I would give all three kids a haircut before church - the boys needed one desperately! It took forever, but luckily the kids were all very good about it. I'm not sure how smart I was about trying to get all that done before church, but we managed to still make it on time. In fact, we were actually there about 10 minutes early - that NEVER happens! I cut Kaylee's hair to her shoulders - it looks cute and doesn't look quite as stringy as it did long. The boys just got their hair buzzed! Here is a pic of Kaylee - the boys didn't want theirs taken!

I guess that's all we've been up to (we've also had Guy's brother Daryl and his beautiful family up for a visit from Washington - that was so nice, Kaylee actually had girl cousins to play with. She sure misses them!). We are looking forward to my mom and dad coming to visit next week. We will be going camping with them and can't wait for that!!!

Here is a pic of Kaylee with her "girl cousins", Soma and Fela

An Update... Finally!

I can't believe how long it has been since I posted anything on this here blog! I guess I've just been busy! I have finally finished my student teaching (it has been a lot of fun!). I had a fabulous cooperating teacher, principal, and school. During the last couple of weeks of my student teaching, I sent out application after application, hoping to find an available teaching position. I was offered a first grade position at Aberdeen Elementary - but was never sure if I really wanted to work there in such a small little town. That same day the principal at the school where I have been student teaching "unofficially" offered me a job as a second grade teacher there. I was so excited about it - I just love this school and all the staff there are so friendly and helpful. So, I decided to take this second grade job (it was funny how excited my principal was about it!). Later that night, the education department at ISU had a Celebration for all those who would be graduating. We received a certificate of completion and a marble apple (to place on our desks when we begin teaching). It was a very nice night!

Today I went to the school where the principal formally introduced me to some of the staff (I already knew most of them, so that was nice) and the other second grade teachers. They all seem very nice - I can't wait to get started getting my room organized! I also went back to the fourth grade class that I worked with this past semester and said hi to them and see how their shirts were coming (they bead shirts for the Rendezvous every year). I swear I got attacked by at least a dozen 4th graders. It was fun to see them. I plan on attending the Rendezvous tomorrow for a short time - I got talked into it by a couple of the students (one even wrote me a persuasive letter, and another tried bribing me!).

Well, the kids are all doing great. Austin and Jaden had a music concert the other day. They did a fantastic job!!! Their music teacher is great - he is so energetic and excited about what he is doing that the kids can't help be energetic and excited about it as well. Jaden even got to sit by him once in the cafeteria during lunch - boy, did that make his day!

Kaylee is doing great as well - I've sure enjoyed being home with her this week. We made some pudding Monday and she said "we are having fun together, huh mom." We were, and have been since. She is a fun little girl who is just constantly making me laugh by the things she says! (Except when she decided to give herself a hair cut the other day - luckily, Guy got to her before it got too bad - it's hardly noticable!) I don't think she'll ever try that again!!! Yesterday, I helped Kaylee and Austin make some mother's day cards for their Grandmas. They decided to paint them with some watercolors. They actually turned out quite good (Austin is a proud little artist!) So, if you're reading this mom, you know what to expect in the mail - just act surprised I guess! (I'm still waiting on Jaden to get his done - imagine that! The computer and Wii always take priority!).

Anyway, I'll try to keep this updated a bit better over the summer. Guy and I are going to be going to Las Vegas on the 15th for the weekend to celebrate our anniversary, my graduation, my job, Mother's Day, and my birthday. That's five gifts in one!!! I'll be sure to post pics of that!

Boise trip...

Over the weekend, we went to Boise for my sister-in-laws wedding. We had a good time - the kids loved to go swimming in the hotel pool with their cousins! At the wedding reception, Kaylee and her cousing Bode had a great time dancing together (they are only 3 weeks apart in age). It was adorable!

Here is a picture of the kids with their cousins, Jett and Bode.

Here is Kaylee showing off some of her dance moves...

Kaylee and Bode dancing...

And dancing some more...

I have a cute video of the kids dancing, but can't seem to get it uploaded - check back later for it!

Kaylee's First Manicure!

I was reminded by my friend that I have been a blog slacker lately (thanks Kristy!) So I thought I would make a quick post about our day today.

We had a "girls day out" today with Tyra and Lexi (and Lexi's friend, Nicole). We decided that we would all go and get a manicure at the Beauty College in Rexburg (only $3.50 per person for the manicure!). It was a lot of fun! Kaylee just loved it - she was so serious about it and was just talking to EVERYBODY and was showing off her nails to anyone who would look at them. It was just so much fun, we are going to have to go back and do it again sometime!

She was so proud!

And so serious!

I Made A Girl Cry...

It's true... I made a 4th grade girl cry today. I felt kind of bad, but I didn't know what else to do. I was passing out the daily math facts practice - it was a new one that they hadn't done before. It was only 64 multiplication facts instead of the normal 100. You would think that this would make them happy, but we are in the advanced math class. I guess that this girl felt that she was too good for that one. As I was passing them out she asked why we were doing that fact practice. (It wasn't asked very nicely...) I told that this was the one that we were supposed to be doing, it's in the text book. Then, she threw the whole "But Mrs. Lines doesn't do it by the book...." in her whiny voice. I let her know that I was teaching the lesson and this was the fact practice we were going to do. She continued to try and argue with me so I finally just told her that I didn't have time to argue right now, but if she wanted to come in at recess and argue with me then that would be just fine. This stopped her, but as I got back to the front of the class to start the lesson, I noticed her crying. She cried for a good 15 minutes. At one point I went over to her and let her know that I wasn't upset with her, but she needed to know that she is not to argue with the teacher and that her behavior wasn't acceptable. I also asked her if she wanted to be excused to go to the bathroom to gain control of herself. She declined this and continued to cry for another five minutes or so.

I spoke with my cooperating teacher, Mrs. Lines, about the situation after math. (Oh, and by the end of the math lesson, the girl was just fine and talking with me like she normally does.) Mrs. Lines let me know that she believed I handled the situation great and that what I had told her was the best way to get her stop arguing and to know that it wasn't appropriate. I felt better after that.... But, I did make a girl cry today.

Scrapbook Pages...

I've gotten all the pictures from Jaden and Austin's birthday party at the IF Gym done!!! Woohoo!!! It feels so good to accomplish something. Anyway, this was a great party - so much fun! The gym took care of everything: the cake, decorations, activities, invites, goody bags, thank-you cards, EVERYTHING! It was nice to just sit back and watch the kids have fun without having to worry about anything. The kids had a wonderful time playing in the foam pit and on the trampolines. I think we might have to do this every couple of years or so...

I couldn't get a couple of the pages to upload, so I'll try to get them up tomorrow (hopefully! - I'm not so good at that!)

Rough, but good day...

Today was rough.... and I mean ROUGH! In the class today there were two children that were both of their medications. I am not a big proponent of medicating children (unless absolutely necessary...) and it is necessary for these kids. We had one talking back to all adults and trying to push his limits and totally disrupting the other kids. He was saying inappropriate comments and we could not get him to stop. Meanwhile, the other boy (who is quieter) was making cat noises (not to be rude to adults or bug the other kids, just because he couldn't stop himself) he was also licking the desk and cutting up his school work when we weren't watching. Those two were a lot of work. Hopefully, they'll have their medications all figured out soon. I feel so bad for these kids, especially the second one. He doesn't want to act that way, he just doesn't know how to control himself and isn't physically able to. So sad. Anyway, these 4th graders are so much older than they should be. There was one boy talking to some other kids about how girls have periods - totally inappropriate! I was on my way over to let them know that this wasn't appropriate for the class and they needed to stop, but one of the girls told him "I don't like this conversation. I think we should talk about something else." Good for her! She is so mature for her age.

Anyway, this class has so many issues (more than what I hear from other student teachers at different schools anyway) but it will give me so much experience. I am so lucky to be with the cooperating teacher that I am! I also met the principal today. He is great. He told me (very sincerely) that he was there to help me with anything he could. Most of all he wanted me to enjoy my time at their school. He also let me know that I am teamed up with one of the best teachers he has ever seen (I've heard that from so many different people). I've never seen a principal who helps out the teachers so much. Today, the lunchroom had ran out of mac 'n cheese (don't ask me how they let THAT happen...) and instead of making the teachers sit with their students while more was made, he told them to go ahead and have their lunch and he would stay with the kids until they were all fed! Anyway, I was impressed. I think this is a great schol, such wonderful staff, and I know I will learn a great deal. Even with all these challenges, the teachers manage to make their classrooms fun and inducive for learning. I think the kids feel safe and happy there.

Student Teaching

So I've been going to the school now for just two days. It has been a lot of fun, the teacher that I am working with is WONDERFUL! For this week I'm just mainly observing and getting to know the students, school and the teachers. It has been fun, but it will definitely be challenging when I start teaching the class. It is a fourth grade class, with 29 students (very large for this area). The school is in a poorer section of town (about 60% are on free or reduced lunch). There are also quite a few special needs students in the class. There is one deaf boy (he has an interpreter, but many of the reading/writing lessons will need to be adapted), there is a couple that are ADD and on medication, another boy who is on medication for another reason - he gets difficult when he's off medication or when they are trying to change the doses around. Last week I guess he was licking the desk and eating pieces of paper off the floor, but when he is on the medication he does great and is actually a very bright little boy. It's so sad. Anyway, there is also another boy that has been in foster care for the past several years and he has recently been adopted, however he still carries quite a bit of baggage and has issues with stealing. Consequently, he can't ever be left alone in a classroom (or the last one out...).

So, anyway, there are going to be quite a few issues that I will have to work around - but it will be great experience for me. I'm actually quite excited about it! Like I said, my teacher is wonderful and the other teachers seem great as well!

Tumbling Gym

We were all invited to go down to Pocatello to go to the tumbling gym that my sister-in-law had rented out for a couple of hours. It was a lot of fun - the kids had the BEST time there!
This is a picture of Kaylee, Austin, and their cousin, Bode, playing in the big foam pit. The kids loved crawling around in this and building forts with the foam!

Look at Kaylee.... she is such a poser! She just loves to get her picture taken. She had laid down on this and then yelled over to me "Mom, take a picture of me now!" It was pretty funny.

And here she is trying to hula hoop! She thought this was so much fun. I have a funny video of her trying, but for some reason I couldn't get it to upload to blogger, oh well - the picture shows it pretty good!

And another of Kaylee laying in the foam pit trying to get out!

And here are the boys in the pit! So funny!

We all had a great time there! I met with my cooperating teacher the other day and she seems like she will be a fun person to work with. I also had talked to some other teachers that worked there and it sounds like they all think she is fabulous and that I will have a fun time with her. I start next Monday and am soooo excited, a little apprehensive as well! She has a large class (the largest ever in her teaching career) and so I know that I will have to struggle with my classroom management a little bit, but I'm sure I'll do alright - hopefully! ;) She asked me if I would be okay starting out with teaching the science and social studies... I am so excited about that, those are my favorite subjects to teach! Well, I guess that's about all for now - I'm sure I'll be back after I begin with student teaching if not before!

And here they are...

Here are the last couple of pictures from Jaden's baptism.....

I love these pictures with the white baptismal clothing.

I think this is a great photo. We gave Jaden his own set of scriptures, a scripture carrying case, a scripture highlighting pencil, and his cousin gave him a mini hymnal. He loved it all and couldn't wait to use them on Sunday in church. It was so cute, he had all three of the hymns looked up at the very beginning and was so excited to 'sing' the songs. Only he doesn't really sing, he just follows along... He seems so old and grown up now!

Jaden's Birthday and Baptism

We took Jaden to Sizzler (he gets to choose any restaurant) for his birthday dinner. He got a free ice cream soda for his birthday and he LOVED it. (In fact, he loved it so much he barely had room for any cake and ice cream at home!)

Here he is blowing out his candles. These candles were so cool beause the flames were the same color as the candles were!

Here is a picture of Guy and Jaden outside the stake center before his baptism. This is the same building where Guy got baptized!

The three kids inside the church house - Austin and Kaylee can't wait until they turn eight now - they all just love attention.

I've got some more pictures to show, but blogger would only let me upload four! I'll try to get the rest uploaded tomorrow or later tonight!
Jaden's baptism was wonderful!