Sunday, March 29, 2009

The End of Things...

Last week was my last week of student teaching. I found myself leaving the doors of AFHS with feelings of sadness, and I have to admit, joy.

I was sad because in the 10 weeks of student teaching, I have met many amazing students, many of whom are inspirations to me. There are many students that I want to keep in touch with, find out how they are doing and the many exciting opportunities they will have in their lives.

I was joyful because the end is in sight. I have to admit, there were some students that caused this joy also. Mostly though, the end is in sight, I have a few more things to finish up, and then I graduate. Wow, it has been a lot of work and a TON of time devoted to see this day coming.

If I discovered anything in my time of student teaching, it was that I chose the right profession. While teaching was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life, it was also the most rewarding. I loved working with those students that were struggling and seeing their faces as they either got the concept, or they saw the ability they did have to do the work. That was the most amazing thing. I am hoping to be able to get a job teaching in the fall (although, things are definitely not looking up for the teaching profession right now, job wise.)

For all those that are as excited as me about my upcoming graduation, it will be happening on May 1st at 8 AM. All are welcome to attend. I will keep you updated on where the grand event will be happening.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

We have been had...

Mike's family all enjoyed a little joke they played on us. I am glad they enjoyed it. At the same time, I am glad it was a joke, although I was seriously looking at other options.

Here is the joke...

I have always wanted to have a little boy named Jack, after my grandpa. He was an amazing man. When my sister had her little boy (7 years ago) she gave him Jack as a middle name. I thought, OK, I can still use this name, it is OK, after all, it is only a middle name.

Then Mike and I got married and Mike's grandpa's name is also Jack. Perfect! I would not have to convince him to use the name! Yes! Then Amanda found out she was having a boy and was going to name her little one Jack. I had a little freak out, but decided, I could still use Jack as a middle name, if Mike and I ever had a boy.

Then, we found out we were pregnant. We were excited! While we both want a girl, we were looking for names for both and finally found the perfect one. Mike decided that he couldn't tell Amanda the rest of the boy name because he didn't want her to like it (after all, we both loved it) so it was kept a secret. Somebody slipped.

Amanda was told that Mike had a top secret name that she couldn't know about because she couldn't use it and they let her know what it was. So Amanda ran with it.

Last Sunday, we were all sitting around at Mark and Sue's house. We had just enjoyed a fantabulous dinner and were just chatting. Amanda is across the room and comments that she was still looking for a name to go with Jack (if anyone has suggestions, I am sure she will take them.) She commented that she had been on her friend's blog who had just posted about her little boy's birthday and he had a cool name that they were now thinking about. Hayden. My heart stopped. I shot a look at Mike. I didn't say anything.

I told Mike this, "I love the name Hayden Jack. But we didn't tell her that we were thinking of using it so we can't tell her she can't use it! But I love it!" Mike and I then started looking at other alternatives for names, just in case Amanda completely fell in love with the name Hayden and paired it in any way with her little Jack.

The family kept us in the dark for a week! Wow, at least they all had a fun laugh about it.

These are the names we are currently considering.

Aida Grace for a girl and Hayden Jack for a boy. At this time, they are the names we love, but they may change. We will let you know!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Thought this was pretty funny...

Just so you know, I have a student who knows EVERYTHING, said student has informed me of this fact. This student also feels that it is not their fault they are failing (as they haven't turned anything in and refuses to do anything,) rather, it is the Utah State Educational systems fault.

If anyone has any suggestions to help said student, please let me know! I am at a complete loss.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

So it has been awhile...

It has been awhile since I last posted, so I figured I would give you an update. Everything is going great, but it is so busy. Here are some updates:

Pregnancy

Awesome! Besides mostly feeling exhausted, I am great. I had a doctors appointment today and heard the heartbeat (again) which was amazing. I am off chair rest and hopefully, the feelings of sickness that come if I get too hungry, or eat too much, will go away shortly. I guess I am lucky that those feelings of sickness don't come too often.

Teaching

Exhausting. I am wrapping up, and while it seemed like the date was so far away in January, it is coming up with amazing speediness. I can't believe that I have been at AFHS for 7 weeks already. Wow. I love teaching. It is busy, it is crazy, grading is , well, grading, but I love it! I have some problem classes that I am hopefully learning a TON from, because they definitely keep me on my toes with 1. Not being prepared for the lesson because NOBODY did the homework or 2. Just a total complete lack of respect for anything, themselves, their peers or me. I hope that these classes don't come along often, but I am sure they do. The dynamics of this class is just so weird.

Life

Mike is still looking for a job. He had an interview today that we hope pans out. It was the first contact that he has had back from anyone that even went further than "Sorry" and it would be doing something Mike has been interested in for awhile. It is discouraging, but we are trying to stay hopeful that something happens, and soon.

Other than that, life is going great. Things are wrapping up, things are starting new. We are just doing the best that we can, day by day. We are so thankful for all that the Lord has blessed us with, especially our two amazing families that we get to be part of. They have been so supportive during everything that has been going on in our lives.