Professor in the Making

I woke up one morning and found this...

Writing away in his comfy little cove.  

Sunday's

Over the course of these last few years I have become incredibly lax in keeping Sunday's truly sabbath. As a single college student I was good at keeping the TV off until about 7. My roommies and I would plug in "family" movies in the eve. On Fast Sunday's I would push through the lightheadedness, headaches, and pukey feelings well past the time church got out. I attended any kind of fireside available. If their was a way to be spiritually strengethened, I did it. I loved the challenge and the strength that pushing beyond my natural self brought me. In retrospect I can see the spiritual blessings that resulted from my efforts.

Lately I have noticed how easy I have made things for myself. When I get home from church I frequently veg in front of the TV or pass time on the internet like I would any other day. I rarely leave enough quiet time to reflect upon gospel principles and further my spiritual growth. On Fast Sunday's I typically eat as soon as I get home. OR on days such this I completely forget it's Fast Sunday until my husband catches me with a bitten piece of toast in hand and reminds me "what today is."  At this point the rasberry-peach jam has already kissed my lips. After only one bite I could probably start over. I stare at my perfect toast and contemplate my next move. The internal struggle begins...and ends as I rapidly scarf the remaining toast down. 

I can' t remember the last time I overcame temptations such as these. Small? Yes. But these little things make a world of difference. So much so, that I have noticed a void in my life from this sheer lack of effort. And so my goal is to do better, try harder, and make an effort in these areas that I have become so lax. 

The Job

So last month I started my new job. My Dad spread the good news to all of my family who had been fasting and praying for me (us.) Everyone wanted to know about the job so after a few days of work I described the position as best I could in an email that stated the following:

"Well I never thought I'd be back in high school, but sure enough I am. I'm pretty excited about the job, part of that has to do with timing. I have so much peace of mind knowing that I now have a job! According to one of the people that interviewed me there was a large stack of applicants so I am feeling really grateful.  

Basically I am a teachers assistant at the high school. I'm working within the special ed department. They break kids into classes according to their needs. I am working mostly with students who have learning disabilities, some behavioral issues...there is really quite a mix. They offer alternative classes for the courses they are struggling with. Right now that is Math, and English. The classes range from 5-15 students. As an aid I help the kids with their assignments during class and help with the grading. I've only had a few days of work but am liking it so far. The people I work with are great. I'm sure there will be some challenging days but as a whole it's one of those rewarding kinds of jobs where you feel like you are making a difference, and at the very least working on the virtue of patience."

So glad I wrote that. Lets key in on that last sentence while I highlight the last couple of  days at work. (Just wrapped up week 3.)

Yesterday:

Girl A is ranting about how she doesn't want to take her final, I enter classroom.

Girl A says to teacher "Now I'm really not going to take it...because she's here"

I ignore comment and proceed to teacher.

Girl A: "I don't like her."

Teacher to Girl A: "That's not nice."

Girl A : "Seriously, I hate her."

Yikes.  Why? What?

Today:

Teacher asks if I can watch her class while she goes to the bathroom.

I enter in (same classroom as before.)

Familiar Boy B looks up: "You're in here?"

"Yep" I say with a smile on my face.

Boy B: "Well get the hell out!"

Students gasp.

Boy B: "I was just kidding.."

Phew. But seriously?

Making a difference one day at a time...

Seven Things No One Tells You About Marriage

I wish I could say I wrote this myself. But no, the link to this article just so happened to be resting near my email inbox page. Divine intervention perhaps. Typically these links (which I occasionally click on) are the kind that lead me to a weekly collection of celebrity and fashion photography. I didn't expect to find such a satisfying analysis of marriage. Here it is, Seven Things No One Tells You About Marriage.

By the way Happy New Year everyone!

Holiday 2

We have had a fabulous Christmas holiday and break (and a white one too!) Christmas morning we unwrapped the presents, joined some more family for lunch, played basketball at the church, and ate a tri-tip roast for dinner. 

                                     We got to see both sets of grandparents.

 All of us girls went and got our hair cut yesterday. This was the result.

Idaho Snow

Before we left for Utah we were getting a fresh layer of snow just about everyday for a week. Leila (our dog) was loving it. Those snow tires for the Corolla we decided not to bring with us are sounding pretty good about now. Good thing we have the Subi too. That thing is seriously a life saver in the snow.

Holiday 1

Back during Thanksgiving I didn't have a blog. I just got a hold of these pictures so I thought I would show a few of the things that led up to this wonderful Christmas holiday the last time we came to Utah.

 Picking out the tree

  Games with the Fam