What!?! A New Post!?! Yep, That's Right Folks, I Need to Vent

I know I haven't written a post for a very long time, but I needed to vent, and I remembered how wonderful it felt to vent on my blog, so here I go. I really don't even know how many people still check in just to see the picture of my cute red car that I posted almost 2 years ago, so for those of you who want to read the ranting of a Junior High teacher, please, keep reading...

Parents probably think they know what it is like to be a teacher. They might even think it is easy. We only have to see their child 45 minutes a day, but the parents are stuck with them forever because let's face it, the students we are talking about are not the ones who are going to go to college, have a career, and add to our society. We are talking about the students who will probably drop out of school, and then their parents and the tax payers, but mostly the tax payers, will support them the rest of their lives either by paying for welfare, or paying to keep jails open. THESE are the students that we are talking about. I just want to clear up a few things, and if anyone reading this is a parent of a 12-15 year old, or if someday you will be the parent of a child this age, you may want to take notes. I'm about to teach you some things that you need to understand and realize when you are a parent of Junior High School Student.

#1. Your student lies to you. Yes mom and dad, your "perfect" child will tell you ANYTHING you want to hear. They are MASTER manipulators. The secret is out. Teenagers know that their parents want to be their best friends. They know that parents are worried about parenting their children because heaven forbid your child ends up hating you for a few years in their adolescence. Believe me, they won't hate you forever. Teenagers will tell you exactly what you need to hear in order to get what they want. Examples of my favorite lies: "That teacher HATES me! He/She just gives everyone an F and then doesn't let us come in to make anything up." "I turned that assignment in, but the teacher lost it." (Side note, that has happened before, but if you hear this excuse more than once in 6 month time frame, it is a lie.) "That teacher is so mean! He/She is always picking on me!" "I didn't know I had to do that. The teacher never told me." "I NEVER talk in class, it is just everyone around me." "We never learn/do anything in that class." I could list more, but I need to move on to the next lesson. Remember, teenagers lie. They are selfish creatures so they will say whatever they need to in order to get what they want.

#2. You student is responsible for his/her education. This is a big one! Let me repeat for those of you who didn't catch it the first time: YOUR STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS/HER EDUCATION. This should not be a new concept. This should be a review yet I am SHOCKED by how many parent have failed to grasp this concept. There is only so much encouragement, help, support, prodding... a teacher and parent can do. The student must take responsibility and pride in their education. You may think that teachers have the secret answer on how to motivate your student. I wish we did have a magic solution. We will try to do what we can, but it doesn't matter how many emails you send, phone calls you make, or meetings you schedule; if you can't get your student to be motivated to do his/her work, teachers won't be able to either. Sometimes meetings with teachers are beneficial, but ONLY if the STUDENT is also present at the meeting. It doesn't do any good for a parent and teacher to meet. It won't make a difference if an administrator and counselor sit in on the meeting; if the student is not there, we won't be able to "fix" all the problems about why your student can't turn in their assignments.

#3. Teachers care about your student. It might not seem like that after reading my ranting and ravings, but inside, the reason teachers became teachers is because they love their students. They want to help enlighten the generations to follow. Teachers make a mark on the world by educating the future leaders, businessmen, inventors, and trying to inspire young people to think outside of themselves. At least that is my ultimate goal. After a day like today, I want to walk down and tell me principal that I quit, and he can find some other fool to deal with these kids, but then I don't. Why? Not because I'm terrified to do that (although I really am), but because when I get to that point where I am about to drop off the edge,I think about the students who come back to me and tell me about the things I taught them, and how that is helping them now. I think about my students who connect what they are learning to things outside the classroom, and then want to tell me about it. I think about the failing student who finally "gets it" and ends up passing. They students keep me going.

#4. Teachers have LOTS of kids. You may be the parent to 1, 2, or even 3 junior high students, but a teacher has upwards to 200 or more students that, depending on the schedule, they see everyday. We will do our best to remember the accommodations for every single student that we have. We will do our best to remember which students need their tests read aloud to them, need extra time on their assignments, need shortened assignments, need teacher outlines of all notes, need to sit in the front of the room away from distractions, need to be allowed to use the restroom whenever they want, have to use a calculator, can't be asked to read aloud in class, can't be graded on spelling or penmanship.... We'll do our best to remember all of these, but please remember, you have 1-3 students that you need to remember these things for; teachers have 200. Teachers will forget. It is NOT unreasonable for a teacher to ask the student to remind them of accommodations. We forget, and until we have a computer in our head that can pull up the accommodation screen for each student at the blink of an eye, we will continue to forget. Somewhere in between teaching, grading, planning, meetings, study hall, re-licensing, and many other things, we need to document EVERYTHING that we do to help your student, so that we don't get in trouble for not helping your child. Please don't criticize us when it takes us a couple days to send a book home or return an email or a phone call. Please don't be mad when we can't recite every assignment your child is missing and how much his/her grade will go up if he/she turns it in. And it is not humanly possible to grade every assignment and get it recorded in the computer before we leave at night. It can't always happen. Remember? Teachers have 200 kids. How many do parents have?

#5. Finally, and this one is SUPER important, teaching is hard, and it is nice to have some gratitude every once in a while. Now I'm not looking for everyone to comment on how wonderful it is that I am a teacher, but it is important to remember that like every job, teaching is hard. Please take the time to thank your students' teachers. They are working hard to help your child be successful in life. They will not give up on your child, even when your child has given up on him/herself. Teachers will go home at night and think and plan and dream about what to do with their classes to make them more fun and interesting. They will get heartburn and ulcers over what to do with a unruly student and their unruly parents. They will spend hundreds if not thousands of their own money to go to classes, buy material, and attend training that will help them be better teachers. Heck, if you go to a party with teachers present, all they talk about is their classrooms and students. Teachers deserve some thanks for what they do.

I don't mean to stand on a soap box and lecture all parents out there. I recognize that parents work really hard for their children too, and really it is the parents who are involved, that usually have the students who are able to find success. I guess I just want parents out there to understand a little better where teachers are coming from. I hope it helps. If you have questions or comments, I'd love to hear them, but as a teacher, it will probably take me a few days to respond. :)

It's a GIRL!!!!

For those of you who not connected with Facebook, here is the latest addition to my little family. It was the easiest and best experience in the world. I saw her. I loved her. I bought her. It is a 2010 Toyota Yaris. I had a short list of things I wanted in a car. I wanted a cute car that was red, had a beepy thing for the locks, was automatic, and had an auxiliary thing for my ipod. She had them all. We got to the dealership, the salesman asked what I wanted, I told him, he showed me, and I was sold. I didn't even want to take it for a test drive, it was love at first sight. I did drive it though, and it only made me love her more. As soon as the paperwork was done, which took about 5 times longer than it did for me to decide what to get, I got to drive her off the lot. Now I'm looking for some good names for my little lady. Any suggestions?

A Letter to My Family

I emailed the following letter to everyone in my family, but just in case they don't read it in their emails, I thought I would post it here too. Anyone can read it, but just to clarify, I wrote it to my brothers and sisters

Dearest Family,

I am taking it upon myself to inform you all of some very important business.

First, I have no idea whose name I drew for Christmas, so I would appreciate someone emailing me to tell me. Thank you.

Second, as you are probably aware, I'm in the process of beginning to put together calendar pictures. If you have certain pictures that are perfect for the calendar, please email them to me or post them on blogs, facebook, etc. I will be looking through you blogs and such for pictures, so warn me if there are any there that you don't want used. Also, I'm just going to put this out there... Because of the difficulty of getting pictures of some people, please don't be offended if you are not found on a page on the calendar! I will do my best, but it seems like some people just find themselves behind the camera more than in front of it. Again, if you are not pictured on one page, please do not think that it is because I don't love you, because I DO!

Third, I love Disneyland. You all know that. I got to go to Disneyland this October with my friends, and it was so fun to see the park all decorated for the Halloween holiday. I didn't know that Disneyland could be so fun for the holidays. I probably shouldn't have gone in October, because now I have the desire to see Disneyland during every holiday! I was seriously considering just getting on a plane and spending a few days down there myself for Christmas, when my friends invited me to go with them. Now, I have a Season Pass, so all it would cost is airplane, hotel, food, and transportation once there. It really is a good deal for the trip. I was excited to go, especially because they have snow that falls on Main Street. How magical is that?!? I told my friends that I couldn't go with them this time.

This brings me to my final point of business. I WANT EVERYONE HERE FOR CHRISTMAS!!!! I know that everyone is struggling, and that people do want to come if it can work out, but I would like to help this happen. I figure that I would have spent about $500 going to Disneyland. To show you how much I love you, I turned down the trip to Disneyland because I would rather spend my Christmas with you guys than with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. I want a magical Christmas whether it is in Disneyland or home with the family, and I'm willing to pay at least $500 to have that happen. What I am saying is that I want to help you guys come for Christmas. I HATE the thought of having another year here by ourselves. Christmas in Utah is so fun! It snows, Santa comes, Stephie is here, it snows... I know $500 is not a lot of money, but if it makes my Christmas magical by getting you here, than it would be the best $500 I ever spent. This is literally all I want for Christmas this year. I already told Mom and Dad that I don't want presents, and that they can use the money they would have spent on me to help get you here.

Will this work? I don't want you saying you won't take my money. I don't look at this as charity or a hand out. I want you here for purely selfish reasons. This is giving myself Christmas. I know that we could wait another year or two, but these kids are growing up! This will be our 4th Christmas in Utah. Can we please spend it together?

Have I used enough guilt tripping now? Please let me know what you think. I am really serious about the $500 and no presents thing. Call me, email me, have a meeting with me in person... :) What can I do to help bring us together this year?

I don't know what else to say. I love you guys so much! I hope to see you soon!!!

Love,

Stephanie

The many duties of a teacher...

I have said before how many things a teacher is required to do in one day, but today I think it is time that I revisit this topic. I am happy to to do the things that will help my students learn, and I am open to constructive criticism, but sometimes I wonder if people realize how much they are expecting teachers to do!

My principal is constantly sending out reminder emails that teachers need to be in the hallways during passing period. I understand the need to have people monitoring students, but if every teacher is out in the hall, who is monitoring their classrooms? I try to stand at my door, but often students will come up to me and ask what they missed from the previous day, or if they can get their missing work, or if I have a band aid, or that they can't find their textbook, or... The list could go on. As much as being able to be in 2 or even 3 places at one time would be helpful, I have yet to determine how it is to be done.

Teachers are supposed to come up with plans to help their failing students. My plan to help failing students is to teach them, give them assignments, and expect them to turn in their work ON TIME, listen when being taught, study at home, and ask questions when they don't understand. This is MY plan. I want to know what THEIR plan is. My class is really not that hard. There is no reason that ANYONE should fail my class, yet I still have students that do. However those students are the ones who turn NOTHING in! So, when my principal asks me what my plan is for helping my failing students, is it okay for me to ask to see their plan first? After all, it is THEIR grade that we are talking about...NOT mine.

Teachers are supposed to teach the state core. The state core for Geography covers general physical geography and human geography of the planet as well as the 200+ countries in the world. I am expected to teach this in one year in a 45 minute class each day. The teaching and learning activities need to be innovative and engaging, but able to be made up at home for those students who are constantly absent or in In-School-Suspension. There needs to be at least 3 smooth transitions in the class, and make sure that you assess student learning while you go. You must move quickly through the material, yet accommodate those students who can't read or write a complete sentence and need extra time to understand the concepts.

Teachers must make all the accommodations for students that have certain IEPs. These accommodations include: sitting near the teacher, sitting in the front, sitting away from distractions, sitting next to a positive role model, having a teacher outline for the notes, having extra time to finish assignments, not grading for spelling, not grading on neatness, and having tests read aloud. If there is only one student in class with these accommodations, the teacher considers herself extremely blessed. Most of the time, she struggles with meeting each accommodation. There are only so many seats in the front, and only so many next to the teacher. Try reading aloud a test and making sure no one else in the room is cheating. Teachers will wonder if the counselors who help to write these accommodations have ever been in a real classroom! You try sitting someone in a seat with no distractions in a 9th Grade Geography classroom. That seat does not exist!

Finally, the icing on the cake for me today is that teachers need to make sure their room is all picked up before the custodians get there. Forget the fact that you have had 230 students in and out of your room all day, by 10 minutes after school gets out your floor needs to look like it has been vacuumed. The custodians have many rooms to clean, and if your room is messy and takes too long to clean, they will tell your principal who will then tell you that you need to have the students clean up at the end of class. I'm sorry. I thought that telling them to throw all of their garbage on the floor at the end of class was acceptable! (Sarcasm - for those of you who can't tell through this written word.) I tell my students to clean the floor, but there is only so much that can be done. Heaven forbid the custodian might have to spend 5 minutes in my room vacuuming. I know, it is asking a lot. If they leave a vacuum in my room, I could vacuum in between classes... oh wait, I'm supposed to be in the hallway. Then I could vacuum during the last 5 minutes of class... oh wait, I'm supposed to teach to the bell and keep students engaged; not to mention I only have 45 minutes to begin with to cover the material. Well, I guess I could vacuum my room after school. I don't need to use that time to plan and grade, and de-frazzle myself from a day of teaching. If vacuuming my room would help the custodians not have to do so much, then maybe that is what needs to be done. I mean, shampooing the carpet in the hallways each week, and waxing the floors every other week, and sterilizing the lockers each night is really important stuff. I'd hate for them to have to waste time emptying my garbage and vacuuming my floor.

Yes, teachers have a lot of things to do. In between all of these fun activities we have meetings and parent conferences, grading and planning, but is it strange to say that I am still glad that I became a teacher? Crazy as it is, there is a smile on my face as I hear my 6th period boys calling down the hallway, "We're coming Miss Kay! Don't worry Miss Kay! We're almost there Miss Kay!" Or when a student that was failing decides to stay after school for a couple of hours to get some work done, and is then able to pass with a C-? How about the student that failed my first test and got an A on the next one? These are the moments that make all of the other JUNK that teachers have to do worth it. I think that maybe people should just be a little more specific in writing a teacher's job description, because it is a lot more than just teaching.

Summer Fun

I haven't posted since the last few days of school, so I thought it is about time for a quick update. I have been loving my summer! I think that payday for teachers are the summer. The last day of school, I had to hurry to finish packing up my classroom, and then I caught a plane for Washington. I spent 2 1/2 wonderful weeks in Washington splitting my time between Sarah and Justin's families. I didn't care where I was, I just loved spending the time with my family. While there, I got to go with Sarah and Sierra to Forks, Washington. For those of you who know nothing of current pop literature, it is where the Twilight books take place. It was fun to go through the town, and then read Twilight again. You can tell that the author spent time there because she describes the town very accurately. When I think about all of the things that Rochelle, LaMar, and Sophie said and did while I was there, I still laugh about it. Also in Washington I had my first pedicure. Oh man! Those are wonderful, I am completely a fan. I've already had another one, and can't wait to schedule my next one!

After returning to Utah, I spent a week as a volunteer councilor at EFY (Especially for Youth). As a volunteer councilor, the go home each night. I have come to love EFY, and saw many marvelous things happen the week I was there. My testimony of the spirit grew so much. I was amazed by the youth and the testimonies they bore to me, and the lessons that they taught me. This is the last year they are doing volunteer councilors, so I have to decide if I want to apply to be a councilor next summer. I'm not sure what I want to do yet. I love EFY, but I come back from one week physically, emotionally, and spiritually drained. I can't imagine doing more than one week at a time.

After EFY I had a lot of down time which has been nice. I've enjoyed many days floating in the pool outside, and trying to burn a tan out of my pale skin. I think I am finally succeeding, though I don't know that I will ever get to be as dark as my mom. Other exciting events that are coming up... I'm having a roommate reunion with the roommates I had my first semester at BYU-Idaho. I am so excited to see all of them. Also I am going with Lindsey to take Sierra, my oldest niece, to Disneyland! I'm so excited. I love Disneyland! Sierra hasn't ever been so it will be a real treat. I'm just glad her parents are letting us take her without having them tag along. Once I get back from Disneyland, I will be heading back to Washington for my cousins wedding, and then I have to return to start school. I love the summer, and hope everyone is having a fabulous time of it!!!

PS As soon as I get my camera down by my desk, I will upload some pictures of my adventures.

Spring is in the air...

I have often heard teachers being criticized for complaining about the long wait for summer. Those who voice that criticism will often say things like, "How nice it must be to get paid to have a 3 month long vacation," or "I really feel sorry for someone who gets done with work by 3:00pm. " For those who have ever felt to criticize a teacher, let me explain to you how the last couple of days have gone for me. I don't do this to complain, but only to educate.

I get to school about 20 minutes before my students come into that classroom. In that time, I try to check my email, pick up my copies, and prepare my classroom to welcome 30 students for the day. When 1st period starts at 8:10, I try keep my 30 students safe and on task as they run around the room, hit each other, call each other names, draw on stuff that is not their own, and steal items from members of the opposite gender (7th graders are just learning the subtle art of flirting.) On a good day, by 8:20, students are in their assigned seats, have their bell assignment done, and I can begin the day's discussion.


Once the class has settled down, I have 35 minutes to teach them everything I can about History. I must make sure they retain the new information, remember the information from the day before, and meet all of the state standards while teaching them in fun and innovative ways because if I don't make it interesting, the students begin to talk and hit and draw on stuff that is not their own and steal items from members of the opposite gender. 3 minutes before the end of class, students, who can't figure out when class is supposed to start but knows when it is supposed to end, will begin to pack up and go stand by the door, whether I am still teaching or not. The bell will ring, and I have 5 minutes to prepare for the next 30 students, answer any questions on missing and absent assignments, and try to keep the next 30 students safe and on task as they run around the room, hit each other, call each other names, draw on stuff that is not their own, and steal items from members of the opposite gender. This pattern repeats itself for the next couple of periods and then comes blessed lunch.

For lunch I have 45 minutes to clean up my room and prepare for my 9th graders who are a different content than the 7th graders. I must update attendance, run to the copy room, and get to the cafeteria and hope that the food they are serving is edible. After making my way through 600 students, I get my lunch and head for the faculty lounge. In the faculty lounge I scarf down my lunch and try to relax for 3 minutes before having to fight through the hallway crowded with students back to my portable to begin class again.

9th graders begin class a little differently. I try to keep students safe and on task as they complain about the weather, write on things that don't belong to them, make comments that inappropriate at any age but especially in Jr. High, and make fun of those sitting around them, all while I try to tell students what their missing and absent assignments are, and try to keep the students out of my personal space. Then I try to teach them about Geography while they complain that I don't do anything fun, and they have too many assignments. They are tired of taking notes, my games are dumb, they don't want to read or do assignments, and they think the movies I show are boring.

There are some students that I have just given up on getting them to do their assignments because after telling them 3 times to get to work, I decide it is no longer worth my effort; but I still must deal with the upset parents wondering why their perfect child is failing my class. Others come and ask me each day what they can do for extra credit. I fail to grasp why they think they will be able to get extra credit done when they can't finish their regular assignments.

When the blessed bell rings to end school at 2:55, I try to make some semblance of my disaster area desk. Respond to all the emails that I have received during the day, and correct the thousands of assignments my students have turned in. If I don't correct an assignment right away, students will ask me everyday when their grade will be updated. I only have to stay at school until 3:15 according to my contract, but many nights, I stay until 4 or 5:00pm in order to get things done. I then go home with my mind a mush from the day's activities, and get to start over again the next day.

Don't get me wrong. I love working with my students, and I can't imagine doing anything else, but when someone asks me how long it is until summer break and I can tell them how many days, class periods, and hours, please don't criticize me. Remember that teachers do not get paid to have summers off, but only for the 180 contract days during contract hours that they work. Anything above that is done out of the goodness of their hearts. Teachers get to spend everyday with 100s of students and try to teach them things that they won't learn anywhere else, all the while keeping religion, morals, and values out of the classroom so not to offend anyone. Spring is in the air. Students are crazy, teachers are worn out, and the countdown for summer has begun. Teachers need those 3 months. Without them, we would really see some crazy people in education - more than what we have now!

Change is an ever constant...

Time to update everyone on my life. I have been teaching Utah Studies and Geography at Syracuse Jr. High this past year. I have loved it, but am definitely counting down the days until summer vacation. I plan on spending about a month in Washington, a week at EFY, and a a few days in California at Disneyland. But now let me update everyone on my situation.

There is a new Jr. High school that is opening up near my house. Because of it's opening, Syracuse Jr. High is losing a good number of students, therefore a good number of teachers are being displaced. Since I have only been at the district for one year, I was on the top of the list of teachers to get the boot. The district told me that they would try to place me, but with budget cuts, and all sorts of other stuff going on, I began to get worried that I wouldn't have a job for next year. I had interviewed at a couple of places, without catching a break and getting a job offer. I was starting to get very discouraged.


Finally I caught a break. Yesterday I interviewed for a position teaching just Geography at Central Davis Jr. High in Layton. The school is about 10-15 minutes away from my house. After the interview I was resigned to the fact that I probably would not get the job, and today the principal called me. They were impressed with my interview and wanted to offer me a job before anyone else could.

I'm not saying this to brag, because I am the first to admit that I am a long way away from being a really good teacher, but I'm grateful that the Lord is watching out for me. It is a tender mercy that I got a job when others are still looking or getting laid off. I'm grateful to have been given the chance to teach at Syracuse Jr. High so that I was able to learn the way Jr. High works. I'm grateful to be teaching Geography again next year so that I can just improve what I have done this year and not have to start over from scratch with a new curriculum. I feel extremely blessed to be given this job. Now I will be able to enjoy the rest of the school year and my summer without the "unknown" hanging over my head.

So I'm going from a Seahawk to a Cub. I love bears! I'll have to bring my teddy bear collection in to decorate my room. The only downside to this is that I will still be in Jr. High, and the school colors are purple. I'll just have to get used to that I guess. I bleed blue, but I can appreciate purple too. :)

It's Time to Celebrate!

So remember how I used to update my blog all of the time? Well, I've been so busy with life that I don't update. I also run out of things to say now that I can get up on a soap box everyday in front of my students. :) I decided that it was about time to write again. After this week, and I know that it is only Thursday, I am ready to have something to celebrate. One thing to celebrate is that one week from today I will be making my annual pilgrimage to the holy land (aka Disneyland!) But next week seems very far away, so I decided that it is time to look at the list of holidays and find something to celebrate today!

Happy National Cheez Doodle Day! So I really don't know what a Cheez Doodle is, so I went to the source of all knowledge (Google) and found that it is basically Cheetos. In fact they look exactly the same, but I've never had a Cheez Doodle before. I guess I'm going to have to go to the store and see if I can find any. But if you are like me, and really don't know where you are going to find Cheez Doodles in time to celebrate, do not panic. There is something more to celebrate.

Happy Mother-in-Law Day! I don't have a mother-in-law, but as I look at the in-laws that I have, I think of how grateful I am for them to be in my family. It seems like they have always been a part of my family, so I am glad my siblings picked some
winners. I would also like to thank my future mother-in-law for doing such a fabulous job at raising my future husband. They say the longer you wait, the better the return, so I'm expecting someone fabulous as a husband, so his mother should be just as fabulous. I'd like to encourage her to light a fire under him to get his rear in gear and start dating me, but I'll be patient for a LITTLE longer. :)

Well I know that I feel better about this week now. I still might stop and get some sparkling juice so that I can celebrate Champagne Thursday, but if I run out of time, at least there are other things to celebrate today. I hope that all of you enjoy celebrating. Tomorrow (Friday) is National Frozen Food Day, so make sure you get something that will require you to re-heat for dinner tomorrow. It will be a DELICIOUS day!

Halloween Pictures

My nephew Talmage hase been asking me to put pictures of my Halloween costume on my blog. I was Flora from Sleeping Beauty. Hopefully now that my pictures are up, my two siblings who have not posted Halloween costume pictures will finally post some. :)

Yes, I am alive, and mostly well...

I know that it has been forever since I last posted. I have been busy with school, and church, and stuff. Usually I don't have time to post while I am at school, and when I get home, I have no desire to be on the computer. Teaching is going well. I've only had one mental breakdown day. 9th graders can be such jerks, but after an email sent to all the parents of the bad class, the students have been a little better. The reason I am mostly well is that I have come down with a cold. I figure I have done well since I was able to make it through my first 2 1/2 months of teaching without getting sick. I am loving teaching, although some days are better than others. Today's activity went mostly well, and I always get a thrill when I realize that my students have learned something in my class. I hope all of you are doing well. I can't wait for the holidays when I will get to see some of you!

Happy Constitution Day!

On this day in 1787, the Constitution was signed in Independence Hall in Pennsylvania. In honor of this day and this document, here is some interesting trivia about the document. It has 4,440 words, and is the oldest and shortest constitution of any government in the world. Probably the most glaring misspelling in the Constitution is the word "Pensylvania" above the signers' names. For those of you who do not know, it should be spelled Pennsylvania. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams did not sign the Constitution. Jefferson was in France at the Time, and Adams was in Great Britain. Patrick Henry who said, "Give me liberty of give me death," was elected as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, but declined, because he "smelt a rat." Because of his poor health, Benjamin Franklin needed help to sign the Constitution. As he did so, tears streamed down his face. Benjamin Franklin at age 81, was the oldest person to sign the Constitution, the youngest was Jonathan Dayton of New Jersey. He was 26. The fist national Thanksgiving Day was established by George Washington on November 26, 1789. The reason for the holiday was to give "thanks" for the new Constitution. George Washington and James Madison were the only presidents who signed the Constitution. James Madison was the only delegate to attend every meeting. It took 100 days to actually "frame" the Constitution. I'm so grateful for this document that protects our freedoms and liberties. Read the Constitution, know it, and elect leaders that will continue to support it!

May We Never Forget...

Seven years ago today, our country was attacked by forces intent on causing terror and chaos. Seven years ago today, our country showed its true colors and united together against those who would seek to destroy us. After seven years, I wonder how much we remember of that day. I'm sure that most of you remember where you were when you heard the news about the World Trade Center falling, or the Pentagon being hit, or even the plane going down in Pennsylvania, but what else do you remember?

When I was in New York City this last summer, I had the opportunity to go to Ground Zero. I saw the hole that is left in place of where the towers once stood. I ate lunch at a Pizzeria that was right across the street. I witnessed the damage that is still scarring the sides of buildings in the area. I saw the monument that was erected for those who gave their lives, and those whose lives were affected. I witnessed people sobbing on the street and asking why and how something like this could ever happen. Seven years after the attack, and people are still weeping for those whose lives were lost - lives of strangers who were lost.

I was humbled by what I witnessed in New York City that day. The monument issued an invitation to all people. It said, "Dedicated to those who fell, and those who carry on. May we never forget." I hope that we never forget those feelings that we felt that day and in the months that followed. The country was united. People helped each other and served each other. Everyone was a little kinder and thought of themselves a little less. I wish that we could remember. I wish that as a people we would remember those feelings.

It is hard to remember charity in an election year. I for one feel frustrated and upset with where things are going, and I don't have very kind feelings towards liberals right now. But I remember 9-ll, I remember that it didn't matter to what party you were affiliated with, all that mattered was who was American. That is really all that maters. We can still have our opinions towards those running for office, but the unkind feelings that I feel, are lessened when I think that each candidate truly does love American and is trying to the best that he or she can. Does it really matter in the end who ends up as our president? Of course it does, but I am reminded today that no matter who is elected, freedoms and liberties will go on, because that is what the American people fight for, desire, and deserve. I love this country, and I'm grateful for those who are willing to give their lives for liberty.

Women in Politics

I like to think of myself as a forward thinking woman, who is proud to see women taking stands and doing good things in life; however, I am getting tired of women in politics. Don't get me wrong, if a woman wants to run for political office, and she is voted in, then I'm fine with that -- more power to her. What irritates me about politics and women is that people lump women all together. When Hilary Clinton was still in the running for President, people talked of her like she was the voice of all women. She wasn't MY voice, and she certainly wasn't the voice of many of my female friends. Now that John McCain has appointed Sarah Palin to be his Vice Presidential running mate, people are now talking of her like she is the new voice for women. Again, I'm not convinced that she is my voice, and women that supported Hilary certainly aren't ready to throw their support to her.

What I really would like to know is why women are supposed to vote for someone just because she is female? Saying that a woman will automatically vote for a woman is like saying she doesn't have brain power to look at issues and decide who the best person for the job is. I hope that women will not automatically vote for a woman candidate, just like I hope that black people will not automatically vote for a black candidate, or Asian people will not automatically vote for an Asian candidate, and so on. If that is where we are headed as a nation, then why should we have campaigns and debates, and conventions. People should just vote based on gender and race.


Discrimination is dying in this country. We can see that because we might have a black president or a female vice president in a couple of months, but why is this the highlight of all the national coverage. If this country really wants to kill discrimination, then maybe we should stop bringing it up... Maybe if we voted for Obama because we liked his policies instead of the color of his skin... Maybe if we voted for McCain because we liked his policies and not the fact that a woman is his running-mate, then we would be closer to truly killing discrimination. If we truly want to get over discrimination, then why do we keep bringing it up when we talk about the candidates. Why does the news make a bigger deal out of the fact that Obama is black, when really they should be highlighting his health care plan or his immigration policy. Why is McCain in the news only because of his female running-mate? Shouldn't we be highlighting his education plan and his energy plans?

It is time for America to stop focusing on 'focus' groups, and focus more on the issues at hand. Obama shouldn't win the election because he is black, and McCain shouldn't win because he has a female running mate. Women shouldn't let the media tell them that Sarah Palin is their voice, because perhaps she isn't. Personally I feel that there were more qualified choices for McCain's Vice President, and he chose Palin mostly because of her gender, and that is completely wrong and disrespectful. Sarah Palin deserves better, and Republicans and Americans deserve better.

One More Week of Sanity?

Four months ago when I got my teaching job, I didn't realize how fast the summer would fly. I have already been working at the school for a week going to new teacher trainings and setting up my room, and now, I only have one more week until the students arrive. I have reached the freaking out stage. I keep thinking of random things that I need to do. Then, when I start to feel like I am getting a grip on things, I think of a million more things that I need to do. I don't know what ever made me think I was ready to be a teacher. If I can make it through this next week of meetings and Back to School Night without my head exploding from information overload, it will be an accomplishment.

Okay, now that I've freaked out, I can reflect on how excited I really am. I was a volunteer at EFY again this summer, and was put over a group of girls that were 14-15 years old, which is the age I will be teaching. It really is a fun age to be involved with. It will come with challenges, but I am excited to be working with kids again, instead of salesmen at R&L that just act like kids. It is crazy to think that the summer is already over, but I'm excited to move onto a new adventure in my life.

Happy Pioneer Day!

This is my 2nd Pioneer Day in Utah. I would venture to say that this day is almost bigger than the 4th of July down here. Last year, this day was a little boring; Mom and I lounged in the pool with nothing else to do. This year, with Sarah, Brian and the Girls with us, we decided to go to the big Pioneer Day Parade in Salt Lake City. There are people who camp overnight on the parade route to ensure that they get a good seat. We planned to leave the house at 4am, but ended up leaving around 4:30. Despite the delayed depature, we ended up getting a spectacular spot right in the front, learning that perhaps we didn't need to get there quite so early. The parade started at about 9am. It was such a fun parade with a lot of beautiful floats. Sierra and Papa ended up getting matching umbrella hats to keep the sun off of their faces, and Sophie was a real trooper, even though she grew tired of the heat and the loud noises of sirens and drums. The best part of the parade though was to see the Prophet, President Monson, ride by with his wife. They were so cute. At first he was looking the other direction, but Mom called to him, and he turned his head, smiled, and waved right to us! It was amazing. I have known that he is a Prophet of God, but today it was reconfirmed in my mind and in my heart. There is a powerful spirit around him that I could feel. I'm so grateful to have a prophet on the earth today, and I feel so blessed that I had the opportunity to see him no more than a few feet away from me. I'm so grateful for my pioneer ancestors who have left me a legacy of faith to build on. I'm grateful that I've had the chance to reflect today on the blessings that the Restoration of the Gospel has brought into my life, and the lives of my family and friends. I hope that you can all take a moment to reflect on the legacies of faith in your lives as well. This has been a fabulous Pioneer Day! The best one yet!!

The Wisdom of the Young

My nephew Talmage, who will be 5 at the end of August, is very smart, wise, and wonderful. I am constantly amazed with the things he comes up with. I was going to thank him for something he said to me the other day, and I thought, "What better way than to do it on my blog so everyone knows how wonderful he is?" About a week ago, I was having a rough day. It wasn't anything extremely challenging, I was just feeling a little down. On my way home from work, I decided that I wanted to talk to Talmage. I called, but they were eating dinner. I tried to hide my disappointment, and asked my brother to have Talmage call me back. About 20-30 minutes later, Talmage called. He instantly brightened my day with his enthusiasm, his wit, and his humor. We got talking about getting married. He told me that Anya, his 2 1/2 year old sister, was going to marry a boy in her primary class. He told me that he was going to marry a girl whose name he didn't know. I asked him who I was going to marry. He said, "I don't know, who?" I told him that I didn't know. He then responded, "You could marry me!" He giggled, and we laughed about the age difference, and how since he was my nephew that probably wouldn't work anyway. Talmage was giggling and laughing, and then he got serious and said, "You need to marry someone sensible and loving because you're sensible and loving, so you need to marry someone sensible and loving and be good." I was blown away by what he said. I don't know why something a 5 year old said affected me so much, but I felt so much love at that moment, and since then I have looked at boys in a totally different light. I'm looking for someone who is not only loving, but sensible, because my nephew reminded me that that is someone that I deserve. So, Thank you, Talmage. Thank you for lifting my spirits and in a way, reminding me of my divine worth. I love you Talmage!

Happy Birthday Nation!

One of my favorite eras to learn about is the time surrounding the birth of our nation. I am inspired by the men who had the vision to see and realize the importance of liberty and freedom. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776. There are many beautiful ideas and truths in this document, and for many, it has either been a long time, or they have never read the Declaration. Indulge me as I share some of my favorite parts with you:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -- That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -- that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable then to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security...

We have warned [the British] from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitable interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General congress Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for rectitude of our intentions, do in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That the United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of the Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

This is then followed by 56 signatures including John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.

The Declaration of Independence was signed 232 years ago, but it is still important to remember its teachings today. Remember that the government has a responsibility toward the people. When the government starts abusing its power, the people have the responsibility to stop it, even if it means voting for an "unpopular" candidate.

Recently I was talking with some friends about Germany and in particular Hitler. Someone mentioned how they don't understand how Germany could fall for someone so evil. I reminded them that Hitler didn't appear to be evil in the beginning. Germany was shattered after World War I. The Allies did not only defeat Germany, but they destroyed the country's pride and honor in hopes to prevent another war. In response, a young charismatic leader by the name of Adolf Hitler began his rise to power. People responded to his patriotism and his visions for the future. He promised changes that the people of Germany desperately desired. Once he gained his power, he was able to become a tyrant and follow through with all his evil designs.

I think about this country. We have a lot to be grateful for, but we are also struggling with a lot of things. I worry that we will get swept up in the charismatic leader who promises a lot of changes right away. Not that I would go as far as to call any candidate a "wanna-be-Hitler", but often people get swept up in the idea that we need to change many things in order to get this country back on track. I agree that there are some necessary changes, but instead of drifting further from our foundation, we must return to stable and sturdy ground from whence we were built.

According to the Declaration of Independence, we have the responsibility to hold the Government in check. This does not mean that we must start a Revolution every time we think the Government is swaying from where they should be. The Founding Fathers had tried for years to use the law and the system of Government to inspire change, and they were stopped at every angle. We must use the law, and the Government to inspire change. We are the only ones that can do it; by getting honorable men and women in office, who love this country, and desire to maintain our rights and liberties. Loving the Country, though, is not enough. We need people who are not concerned about how much power they have. We need a government who doesn't control every aspect of life. The kind of government that has worked for 232 years, is one where the people have responsibilities for themselves, and the freedoms and liberties to decide what is best for them. It is that government that I am putting my faith behind.

Today is a day of celebration. Happy birthday Nation that I love. Thank you for remembering God, and putting Him on your currency and in your documents. Thank you for being a Nation that allows people from all walks of life to experience Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. I pray that God will continue to look down on this Nation, this Promised Land, and that "we the People" will continue to uphold and fight for the rights and truths that we "hold to be self-evident". May we never forget, and may we take the time to celebrate our Liberties. Happy Independence Day!

Another Tag, but atleast it gives me something to post about...

Let me just start by saying that none of these are in any particular order...

8 things I'm passionate about:

The Gospel
Liberty/Freedom
My Family
Harry Potter
Disney
Music
Sleeping
The Constitution

8 books I've read and enjoyed:

Scriptures
Twilight Series
Harry Potter Series
Mary Poppins
Tom Sawyer
The Ten-Cow Wives Club
Pride & Prejudice
Persuasion

8 Things or words I say often:

Oh my heck!
Whatever!
Take Luck!
Curses!
You're True.
If I knew that, then I would know everything!
Does the sun set in the East? (and yes, I do know that it sets in the West)
Well, technically...

8 Things I want to do before I die:

Go to Rome
Go to Disneyland
Get Married
Go to Washington DC
Live in my own place
Become a mother
Travel through Great Britain & Ireland
Do something I will be remembered for

8 Things I have Learned (or remembered, again) this past year:

My Family may be a little crazy at times, but I love them a lot
My nieces and nephews know more then I do
Things do work out, just not in my time
There are some people that just need more than one reminder
The Chrysler Building in NYC is modeled after a real car w/ hubcaps & everything
There really is a life after Harry Potter
5 hours of sleep is never enough
I don't spend enough time on my feet during the average day.

8 People I want to Tag:

Jill
Brittany
Rachel
Lindsey
Sarah
Brandon
Jessica
Mom

New York New York

For those of you who don't know, I just got back from New York last week. Some friends of mine (the regulars that I do everything with) and I went to New York City for 2 crazy days. We flew all night Wednesday night, and got to New York at 6:00 in the morning. We checked in at the Hotel, ate some breakfast and headed into the city. First we took a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Both places are so amazing. The Statue of Liberty really is awe-inspiring. Ellis Island really touched me too. I was amazed at what people went through in order to come to this country. It was humbling to realize that I have ancestors who walked those halls and waited in lines and prayed that they would be permitted passage to the shore which they could see, but was just beyond their reach. There is a sacred feeling on that island that one cannot deny.

After we got back to the main land we walked to Ground Zero. I was amazed at how many people were there to see the place where the World Trade Centers stood. I saw people weeping, and some openly sobbing at the sight. As I looked at the big hole in the ground and thought about that fateful day so many years ago, I was amazed at the miracle behind it. 9-11 was awful, but looking at the huge buildings that are right next to where the Trade Centers were, I am amazed that there wasn't more damage. There is a monument on the side of a building across the street from Ground Zero. It says, "May we never forget". I too pray that we might never forget the price for liberty and freedom, and always remember to honor the men and women who give their lives fighting for it every day.

From Ground Zero we travelled to the Empire State Building. We traveled up to the 86th floor where the observation deck is. I was amazed at how far the city really stretches. That night we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe in Time Square, and saw "The Little Mermaid" on Broadway. It was absolutely fabulous and amazing. It was totally worth the cost of the ticket.

The next day we got up early and did an endowment session in the Manhattan Temple. This was probably the neatest experience of the entire trip. We knew what subway "exit" we needed to take, but didn't really know where the temple was in relation to where we would come out. We were walking up the stairs, and literally the temple was all you could see. It took my breath away. There I was climbing out of the filth and darkness of the Subway, and the temple stood as a beacon to keep climbing up. The Temple was beautiful and so peaceful. New York streets are just like they are portrayed in the movies. Loud, people everywhere, the "yellow ones" really don't stop, but as soon as you entered the Lord's house, an immediate calm, quiet, peaceful feeling enveloped me. I knew that I was entering a holy, sacred, building that housed the spirit of the Lord. When it came time to leave the Temple, the World really slaps you in the face. It was hard not to just turn around and go back in.

After the temple, we traveled to Central Park. We walked around Central Park for awhile (it is HUGE!), and saw many sights from our favorite movies. We then found went to Rockefeller Center and from there walked down 5th Avenue, gazing into huge stores that held merchandise no one I know could afford. We saw Trump Tower, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and F.A.O Schwartz, this huge toy store where I finally bought my very own Harry Potter wand... it's pretty much awesome!

We walked from there back to Time Square where we needed to eat, but didn't really have a lot of time, so we at the McDonald's at Time Square. It was a huge multi-story McDonald's with grossly enlarged prices. I paid $7.00 for 2 cheeseburgers, a medium fries, and a water. After McDonald's we went and saw "Mary Poppins" on Broadway. It was just as fabulous as "The Little Mermaid". The best was when Bert danced on the ceiling, and Mary Poppins flew with her umbrella out over the audience. It was spectacular.

From there we took the subway back to our hotel, got a few hours of sleep, and flew back to Utah the next morning. New York City is amazing, and I would love to go back and spend a lot more time, and see a lot more things, but I am happy with the highlights that I saw. Coming back to Utah, I appreciate the wide open spaces,or really just having to space to not be touching people as you walk by them!

Taking the Plunge...

I am sorry for my absence from the blog again. Sometimes I just feel like I have nothing to write about, but I enjoy updates from everyone else, so I figured I should post an update on myself. School ends this week. So come Friday I will officially be done teaching Math. I am so excited to begin teaching Geography next Fall!! I will be starting full time at R&L though once school is out, so I will still be working the same hours, I will just have a much better commute. Last weekend I went to a Regional Young Single Adult Activity. We went to Camp Williams which is about at the "Point of the Mountain" for those of you who know Utah. If you don't, then it is south of Salt Lake City. Anyway, while there I got to shoot military guns that have been rigged to only shoot air, but that feel like real guns. We shot at a screen, and lets just say I don't have very good aim. I also jumped off a 34 foot tall tower. It is a tower that they use to train paratroopers. They told us that 34 feet is the point where your brain tells you to not jump. Any higher or any lower and people have an easier time jumping, but for some reason at 34 feet, your brain shuts down and tells you not to jump. You are attached to a bungee cord thing that simulates what it feels like have a parachute open up. I wasn't going to do it, but with some heavy convincing from my friend Kim and my Branch President and his wife, I decided to just do it. I knew that I wouldn't die, and also that it would make a good story. I had a friend video tape me so that I could prove that I actually did it. It was very empowering to be able to conquer a fear. I was absolutely terrified on the top of that tower, and thought that I was going to hyperventilate, but I took the plunge and it was AWESOME!!!