Update

Well we are now going on day 5. It's going pretty well; we are finally beginning to get into the regular routine which makes planning and teaching go so much better. We still have a few things to learn about procedures, but we'll get to it. I was a little tired and burned out yesterday, but I took the night off and didn't do anything to do with school. I just needed a little break. I felt much better today.

Before and After

Finally I have finished my classroom!

Well, to the best of my knowledge; I'm sure there are a few things I've overlooked. Anyway's here are the before pictures...

This is what it looked like when I first saw it. Last year this was pretty much just a storage room. Here's another picture of my desk area.This is kind of a during photo. I had all of the desks set up and a few other things, but nowhere near done. Here's mom helping me with the final touches. Thanks Mom! I seriously couldn't have done it without you. Love you!

Here's the final product. Look it actually looks like a classroom! These picture's don't really do it justice. I will post with some more detailed photo's later.

This is my favorite part. Best of all it's my view of the room. I got that background at Wal-Mart on clearance. Love It!
Kinda cool when you see them side by side. Anyhoo! School starts On Thursday and I just hope I'm ready! Wish me luck!

Classroom

Ok, it's been awhile since I last posted, but I don't think anyone reads this anyways. Oh well, I'll keep posting for my own cathartic reasons.

I was able to go to my school for the first time since I interviewed. I was able to meet all the important people like the secretary and the custodian. They seemed like way awesome people. I also got to see my classroom. It's a trailer that is shared with another teacher. It's basically a "double-wide" The outside doesn't look like much, but the inside is actually quite nice. It's got a lot of windows and wood panelling inside. The best part is that I can control my own air so it can be as cool or warm as I want. Yee Hee! I took a picture. It's not great, but think of it as a before pic. I'll post pics when it's all put together...I have a lot of work to do. T-minus 3 weeks and counting!

Vacation!!

Well I just returned from a fabulous vacation to Disneyland with the fam. My little brother was dancing and we went down to play and watch.

First stop Vegas!

We only spent the night but this is where my little sister got engaged! We all knew except for her and she was totally suprised. Down the street from our hotel was the little chapel that our grandparents were married in. So we went to visit and that's where he proposed. I knew it was coming so I got some awesome shots...

This is about the time she realized what was happening...

Amanada said he was so nervous he actually held the box out upside-down at first.

I'm so very excited for her and I am really glad to have Greg in the family. Greg don't say we didn't warn you!

Disneyland...

I didn't get a lot of pics here because I didn't want to cart my camera around and worry about it. Anyhoo here are a few shots of the fam that I found particularly amusing.

Here we are waiting for the firworks to start. Which we thought we had a pretty good spot for and then when they started there was a big tree that blocked the whole firework show! My fam can always take a great picture! This one makes me giggle. Andrew always comes up with something amusing to do.

P.S. The wierd guy in the corner was not part of our group. He does look like the average father at the end of a day at Disneyland though doesn't he?

This is another one waiting for the fireworks. This is Mom, Greg, Amanda, and Andrew being silly.

Golfin' With The Boys.

So today was a first for me. I have never actually gone golfing before, and I've always wanted to give it a try. Friday, Josh decided it would be fun to get everyone together and go golfing Saturday. So we all went to lunch at Moodie's ( a really delicious sandwich shop uptown...don't ask me where), and then we went to a golf course and rather than actually golfing we decided to just go to the driving range. This was truly an awesome experience. I was able to spend some time with all of my brothers (Jarred flew in from Phoenix for the weekend), my dad, and my sister-in-law Emily (who also had never been golfing). Here are just a few pics of the fun time...

James, Devin, Emily, Josh, Dad, and Jarred

Me getting ready to make the ball fly! Not really but I certainly gave it a shot.

Thanks dad for the tips!

Andy-woo-woo! This kid is good at everything!

Look at the view pretty great huh?

This is James making a pretty good drive. I just thought this was a really good pic I took and I had to share... again great view!

Anyhoo, all in all I had a really great time. I will definitely do this again.

Becoming A Teacher Checklist

1. Go to college and earn a bachelor's degree in elementary education. (Check!)

2. Get a job. (Check!)

3. Acquire a teaching licence. (Check!)

Looks like I have all of the things I need to become a teacher. Now all I have to worry about is being a teacher. Just thinking about the road ahead and how I haven't even began planning I feel very overwhelmed! I have 3 months to get over it and do some serious planning.

Update!

Can you believe it! I have now posted two days in a row! A small step-up from my usual once every 2-3 weeks (or months depending on what calendar your looking at). I just wanted to give an update on the job search. This evening I officially accepted a job offer to be a 6th grade teacher!!!! I am very excited.
I have given it much thought lately and I really think I am going to be teaching at a great school. The principal was very eager to get me which made me feel very good and I know I will be welcomed. I will be teaching at Eagle Valley Elementary. I have briefly met the team leader, and what little I saw I was impressed with. I feel like I am going to do well and be happy.
Anyways, good luck to those of you still on the search I know you will find a position! Every interview I have been on the principals have had good things to say about UVU. I really think that UVU has one of the BEST teaching programs, and it has a good reputation.

Smooches!

L