One Hundred Years

2011-05-09T21:21:00.000-07:00

Field Day 2011. This little guy was very afraid of me at the beginning of the year. He asked to have his picture taken with me during lunch. Triumphs are not measured in huge steps, but by the smiles along the way.

Coveting

2011-04-22T22:48:00.001-07:00

There is no doubt that coveting is bad. It ranks right up there with some of the big sins and I think that is because it makes one dissatisfied with their life and the blessings God has given them. However, I hear in my head the scripture that says, "But covet earnestly the best gifts; and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way." (1 Corinthians 12:31) I covet wisdom.

I am not a wise person. Daily interactions reinforces that to me. I wish I had the ability to reach into some mental file marked "Wisdom" and pull out the answers that I so desperately need. I found myself today in such a situation where I groped for the wisdom file and there was nothing inside. Frustration! Disappointment! Fear! Was I creating a potential disaster because I was acting without the temperance of wisdom?

What I do know is that my lack of wisdom forces me to seek out God and beg for His wisdom to be poured out on me. I would love that blessing to be mine in the form of the words that spring out of my mouth, but in recent situations, wisdom comes from those around me and I am wise enough to listen.

I covet wisdom.

Jumping to Conclusions

2011-04-13T21:32:00.000-07:00

Is it a female thing or just a me thing that I jump to conclusions, to the worse case scenario? A friend asked me today, "What's the best case and worse case?" I answered worse case first, with all the gory details and must have talked for five minutes, and then best case which only took one or two minutes to report. Why, why do I choose to live in the frustration and pain of the worse case scenario? Several years ago as my grandmother was dieing and my girl cousins and I kept a night vigil while our moms went home and didn't sleep, I somehow determined that I did not want to live like the Israelites. They must have had the WORST memories in all of history. I would embrace the blessings, remember them, proclain them; I would not dwell in the desert. In fact over the years I have made it a little of a mantra, "I will not be like the Israelites, I will not be like the Israelites." But my mantra fails in those moments when the worse case scenario looms large.

But I'm trying. This time, I chose a new a mantra, "I will trust, and I will not be afraid. I will trust and I will not be afraid." When doubt crept in, I whispered, "I will trust and I will not be afraid." When fear snickered I repeated, "I will trust and I will not be afraid." When scenes rolled behind my closed eyes I spoke, "I will trust and I will not be afraid."

I will trust and I will not be not be afraid.

The Gift of Time

2011-02-20T18:39:00.000-08:00

I used to think homemade gifts were cheesy. Not so much the afghans, baby sweaters and baby blankets because Granny made those kind of things for me and my children and I think they are beautiful. More like the cheesy poetry or worse still....cookies! When I was a full time stay at home mom, cookies were a past time. Need three dozen cookies for school? No problem, I'll just whip up a triple batch. That's three dozen for school, three dozen for the next church event and three dozen for the freezer in case someone drops over. Never, ever would store-bought cookies do as long as I had breath to breath. Cookies were not a gift, they were part of....well, they were part of life, something you had on hand.

Even after nearly two years, I still have not learned the art of managing my job and my home. And bake cookies? Haven't you tasted those delicious Lighthouse brand soft sugar cookies with one-half inch of delightful pink frosting? You want to talk bakers, let's talk about those AMAZING Keebler Elves! As much as may I yearn for fresh, hot-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies, I just don't have the time or the energy to make them.

Along comes Valentine's Day. Unlike the past, when money was tight, and Valentine gifts were a bit more creative, this year I could have bought anything I wanted for my four Valentines. I shopped, I looked (ok, one afternoon in Kohl's...it's not like I'm good at managing my time), but I just couldn't find anything for Jim and Chase. I decided to bake them cookies. Monday night before they got home, I whipped up a 1.5 batch...just couldn't see myself staying awake until with a full double batch was baked. A triple batch? I'd still be baking today! I mixed and baked, and finally packaged my simple homemade gift. I was tired. I'd had a long day on my feet at school, and standing on the tile in my kitchen makes my legs ache a bit more. But the gift of cookies felt so much more significant to me than ever before because I gave up an evening of reading my book, or grading papers, or watching TV, or planning for next week, so that I could bake cookies for my family.

I am a selfish person. It would have been so easy to give my men something I bought plopped in a cute little gift bag that I could reuse. But this year I gave the gift of time. I'm thankful I have it to give.

P.S. Chase says that the cookies were amazing.

Thinking out loud

2011-01-29T14:46:00.000-08:00

I know God puts people in our lives...and in turn places us in the lives of others so that we can shine the light of his Son and stand as a witness. I work with a teacher who talks to God often and personally. What is so cool, is that he listens and speaks to her. She recently told me about an experience in which she was praying for a student and how best to help him. During the night, the Lord spoke to her and told her exactly what to do...and she did what he told her to do. I was impressed that this student was given into her care because she would lift him up to God and I told her that. Lucky kid, to have a prayer warrior for a teacher.

I realized how much I love those kind of conversations. Talking about God and his goodness and his blessings to his children. I crave them, much like I crave a good salad without even knowing it. When I finally get around to having salad, I realize how much I missed it on my steady diet of fast and convenient food. My teacher friend reminded me of my obligation to pray for my students and in turn that reminded me of the opportunity of have to pray for my loved ones.

I have a heritage of Godly women with deep connections to the Almighty. Both of my grandmothers were prayer warriors. Each met a different kind of end to this life, but one for which they had been prepared. My paternal grandmother feared the process of death, but passionately yearned for the eternity. So she prayed frequently that her passing would be easy. God answered her prayers, surrounding her with family, and taking her quietly in the night. My mom's mom told me that she'd had a dream in which she died and was met by her family. They asked, "How was your passing, Glady?" "Terrible," she told them, "but if I'd known what was waiting for me, I'd do it again." She suffered a first terrible, debilitating stroke, and then a second four months later. She languished for seven days in which my aunts had to make tough, heart-rendering decisions. Even at that, we all knew what waited for her. When she passed away, there was no question of who met her and what joy she knew. Both grandmothers passed their love of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ to their children. Both lived a life that exemplified their deep and abiding love of God and His son.

So, surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, what slows down my walk with God? I think it is that slow, steady diet of not-so-bad stuff that dulls me to the need for sustenance; real, nutritious, sustenance. And that, I believe, is why the scriptures talk about the need for the last days to be shortened or even the very elect will not be saved. The convenience of this life lulls us into passivity. The pace of our lives exhausts us and feeds the need for convenience. A vicious cycle.

I am thankful for the righteous people God puts in my life.

Where NOT to go...

2010-06-08T14:40:00.000-07:00

I look forward to pedicures in the spring and summer. During the winter my feet are hidden and really don't need the attention. But sandals demand smooth heels and painted toes. Since I only go about once every six to eight weeks I'm will to pay what I need to for this little luxery. For my last pedi, I went to the Super Wal-Mart (first clue) near John and Deb's house. They were packed! I got all the horrible skin scraped from my feet, a gently leg massage and cute pink toes for under $30.

Today was pedi day in preparation for the big summer vacation. Hailey and I hit two places that were either packed or closed. So we headed to Wal-Mart which was open and had little waiting. Once we sat in the chair, the badgering began. They had changed their prices and so calous removal was extra. They kept pushing "sugar rub...you like for smooth skin on leg." Fine, I'll take the sugar rub, but before I could pick my herbal scent, they yanked the book out of my hands and began the torture. Let's just say that while my feet are smooth, heels free from calouses and toes a lovely, glittery red, I am NOT relaxed.

Lesson? Stick with our favorite spot close to church, get the same service for 2/3 the price, and take a good book!

On a side note, we came home to Jim and Chase jackhammering the laundry room floor. The good news is they found the leak before we left. The bad news is...well, it doesn't feel too bad today. That feels good to not to see a bad side to concrete dust flying through my house, the washer and dryer sitting in the kitchen. Thank you God, for good days.

Things I'm looking forward to this summer...

2010-05-31T09:13:00.001-07:00

1. Writing five new Women of the Bible Lessons for camp.

2. CAMP!! Missed it last year, but I'll be there this year.

3. North Carolina

4. Coffee at Starbucks (no time for that during the school year)

5. Sleeping past 6 a.m.

6. Going to bed after 10 p.m.

7. Summer reunions...as many as we can get to.

8. Swimming...I don't know why, but swimming just sounds really appealing right now.

9. Kissing baby Asher. I have cold right now, so that has to wait for a while.

10. Getting ready for next school year (I dreamed all morning about teaching. Something is sooooooo wrong with me!).

Tidbits

2010-05-22T07:18:00.001-07:00

On a standardized test, the question was something like:

Use a strategy like making a table or drawing a picture to solve the problem.

There were six girls and four boys on the bus. How many more boys than girls were on the bus?

I walked around checking my student's work and stopped at one boy's desk. He was carefully drawing a verticle line with four horizontal lines descending from the first verticle line. At first I thought he was making bus seats, little rectangles divided into thirds because first graders must sit three to a seat. I was SO impressed with the boy! I asked him, "What are you drawing?" And he said, "I am making tables."

Four more days of school. My family is helping me get the physical work of checking out of my classroom done. Moving to a new room and must box everything up in addition to checking back in all my curriculum and labeling everything that is mine that will be moved to the new class.

Lost my voice Wednesday, was VERY sick, running a temperature, hot then cold...you know the drill. The first grade aide taught my class with me there to guide her. I don't think she wants to be a teacher any more. Got my voice back Thursday. Voice gone yet again. What a way to end the year.

As Jim and I worked last night, I felt like we had just put up that tree and bulliten board and math progress chart. Time flies when you're looking back over it, but sometimes it just crawls when you're in the midst of it.

Have a great week! Looking forward to seeing many of you soon.

I feel the need to announce...

2010-05-04T22:23:00.001-07:00

that Kaitlyn ROCKED her solos tonight.

Thank you, and good night.

Nearly Over

2010-04-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

I am sad to say that I'm excited the school year is almost over. My expectations proved to be SOOOO very different than the reality of teaching. Maybe it was the population? Maybe it was district expectations? Maybe it was reliving elementary school of the 1970s...whatever it was, I will be able to say I survived first grade.

Today was the big test for my First Graders. Called DIBELs, it assesses risk for reading. We don't use it for risk assessment, we use it for a benchmark (something that the creators of the test clearly stated was NOT the purpose of the test). The golden number is 40: 40 words in one minute. The 1st grade goal was 60% of the students reaching the 40 word goal. About 50% of my English Language Learners made the goal, which is pretty good. Only three little darlings are considered at risk, an even better number going into second grade. Three other little darlings tested at above 70 words/minute. This morning we did alot of mental preparation: we cheered for ourselves, we practiced High Frequency Words, we talked about reading strategies, we cheered some more, we engaged in positive mental feedback...and I think that, all in all, they did great. I'm really proud of the little honey-bunnies.

I had to go to a training tonight, the last of the year, for first year teachers. We spent a lot of time reflecting on what we'd learn, our greatest success and our greatest failures, what we'll do differently next year, etc. I left the question about the greatest lesson I learned blank because I just needed more time to think about it. But driving home I think I know what my greatest lesson is: it's not about me. It's not if I like the lesson, if I think it worked, if it is easy on me. Success is measure on how they do, how they grow, how they succeed. It's all about them. I guess I'll see if it works next year...

The word of the day is...

2010-02-23T10:31:00.000-08:00

its side did!

As in, "Anthony came over to play with me and I was its side did!"

Seven Miracles that Saved America

2010-02-20T21:01:00.000-08:00

I'm reading a really wonderful book called The Seven Miracles That Saved America and Why They are Important by Stewart. It is an awesome book! Although I love history, I like to read it in the form of fiction with a little romance thrown in. This book is written as parts fictional first hand account and historian's perspective. Did you know that the Chinese circumnavigated the globe long before anyone else? That they should have been the ones to find America and just think how that would change our history today. The books repeatedly shows that this nation has been under the protecting hand of Almighty God. As a Book of Mormon believer, I know why. But I also know what is going to happen to this nation. While I might slip into a momentary worry, I know who holds the future, and I know His plan. I pray that I am on the side of righteousness in that day.

2010-02-16T21:19:00.001-08:00

I'm considering eating my young.

2010-01-10T22:05:00.000-08:00

Home from the ranch. There was snow, but it wasn't too cold. Enjoyed having a fire in the stove when we came back from a little hike. Jim and I talked about our New Year's trip on 12/31/08-1/1/09 when we had to walk into the ranch in snow. As expected we laughed a lot about it, but that night I was in tears, soaking wet, and more tired than I've ever been in my life. Chase went along on this trip and we enjoyed having him there. I love it when the boys cook, we eat like kings! A great get away. Now I'm ready for a new week.

Word of the Day

2010-01-04T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hairs

As in, "Mrs. Yates, you cut your hairs!"

I like...

2009-12-29T23:55:00.000-08:00

1. my wonderful husband. He is great, supportive, kind, funny, attentive and loving.
2. my children. They can be SOOOOOOOOOO much fun, soooooo much help, and are becoming insightful adults.
3. my parents. I hated to see them go today.
4. my brothers.
5. fudge.
6. Mustang Convertables.
7. the book of James (in the Bible).
8. the book of Enos (in the Book of Mormon).
9. Anne of Green Gables, the movie and the book.
10. crochetting.
11. warm socks on a cold evening.
12. spiritual conversations with good friends.
13. Christmas break.
14. Christmas.
15. sleeping in a cold room when the bed is warm.
16. the color red.
17. spagetti and meatballs.
18. bonfires.
19. fall leaves.
20. snow.

I just can't believe this!

2009-12-28T20:54:00.001-08:00

Illness number three has struck with a vengence!! I have a raging UTI! Let's see, flu Sunday, Monday and Tuesday of break. Nasty cold Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Now a UTI! What else can I get sick from on break?

2009-12-26T22:11:00.001-08:00

It would never be an ordinary day again.

(From Joni Erickson Tada Essay read by Marlene Oar)

2009-12-25T10:31:00.000-08:00

The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.

Thursday's Word of the Day

2009-12-24T10:53:00.001-08:00

Family

Word of the Day...

2009-12-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

I really liked this idea on Holly's blog. Since I lost most of my pictures when I lost my hard drive, this will be a WORD Wendesday.

Today's word: Emmanuel.

Breath-taking moment...

2009-10-07T20:58:00.000-07:00

Today was our first assembly at school. We honored the students of the month, staff of the month, volleyball team, football team, and a the kindergartners who threw up in front of every one. But at the very beginning of the assembly, the principal called for everyone to stand and say the pledge of allegiance. There are 950 students in our school, 66 teachers, countless support staff, and parents there to see their children. When those nearly 1,000 voices joined together to say the Pledge of Allegiance, my heart swelled with pride. I couldn't swear allegiance to my country for the joy of hearing all those voices. If only it meant to them what it meant to me.

Already...

2009-08-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

I already have my first head cold. Didn't take very long. I really thought I'd make it to November at least. The second week of school, two students came to school with drippy noses and tired eyes...of course they never get to bed at a reasonable time, either. Did I ramp up the hand sanitizer (or "hanitzer" as my babies call it) like I should have? NOPE! It's my own fault!

When I was student teaching I got 5 massive sinus infections. The first Dr. visit, he said, "You're a teacher? You'll be sick for the first three years." One month down, 35 months to do...

2009-08-19T21:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry Facebook Friends, same old pictures...
Just wanted to say a few things that I'm thankful for :

Wonderful teachers who check in every day to ask how my day went.
A great team of first grade teachers who want to help in any way they can.
24 shiny faces.
My wonderful children who have taken up the challenge of doing more around the house and have meals ready when we get home.
My darling husband, who comes to school to help me and make sure I don't stay there until all hours of the night, and listens to me cry when the day hasn't been great, and celebrates with me when the day HAS been great. I've been falling in love all over again with him.
Deeper, more meaningful prayers--the only thing that has gotten me through the day on one or two occassions.
God's blessings that I see and especially the ones I don't know are there.

Fast post...

2009-08-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

A fast update...

My classroom is 85% set up.

My classroom rules and procedures are about 85% set.

My lesson plans for week one are about 45% complete. This is the scary one. The district has gone to a new style of teaching/planning. While very much back to basics (remember posting objectives in kid-friendly language, Rebecca?), it has everyone worried about the quality of their lesson. Plans are due to the principal by Monday morning at 8:00 a.m. My first grade team mates are wonderful and I can't say enough about them.

Love to you all...I probably won't see you again until fall break ;)

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

(This is a little "Make Something Monday" thrown in at the same time. I made this sign to welcome my students to my classroom.)

Mighty Mudd Mania

2009-07-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

This was a blast!! The only draw back to the day was the extreme heat--Phoenix is under a heat advisory today. Water was plentiful, both to drink and to play in. Everyone had a great time!

We rode "Polly the Trolley" to get to the park. They were VERY clean and then the fun began!

McKenna enjoyed the mudpit. Trenton was so fast on the obsticle course, that I could only get one picture of him!

Kaity had some issues with mud-filled-clothing and mud in indiscreet places.
The very last obsticle was a mud pool they had to swim through! There was no avoiding muddy hair!!!

Scottsdale firefighters were on hand to hose down the muddy. Oh the tough life of a firefighter...

It was a great day! I'm thinking about renting children to take next year...better yet, I think I'll volunteer and spend the day playing in the mud!

Happy Birthday, Chase (just a little late)!!

2009-07-14T17:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, Little Guy! I am proud of the man that you are working to become. It's hard work and sometimes you feel like you take one step forward and two steps back. But the steps forward get bigger and bigger, and the steps back fewer and fewer. Oliver Goldsmith wrote, "Life is a journey that must be traveled no matter how bad the roads and the accomodations." Take my word for it, not matter how bad the roads or accomodations, if you do it right, the destination is eternally blissful. Just don't stop walking. I love you. Six weeks old.
Six months old.
About eighteen months old with an almost three year old Hailey.

Doug and Michelle's wedding. It struck me that Chase and Papa are very close, even today.

Merry Christmas 2009

Teen Camp, the early years for Chase.

Chase and Kaity after her school Christmas concert.

Chase always loved Tony. As a toddler at church, when Chase say Tony he would hollar, "Toooooooony!"

Fall, 2008.

Birthday, 2009. Twenty candles to blow out...he missed two.

Happy Birthday, Kaitlyn!

2009-06-24T10:28:00.001-07:00

Today is Kailtyn's seventeenth birthday. She's spending her birthday in Budapest, Hungary. Happy Birthday Kaitlyn! We miss you today and love you even more.

Thinking About Camp

2009-06-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

I just spent the evening working on a newsletter for TEEN CAMP 2009. I read through old camp journals and old camp newsletters and was immersed in camp memories. Funny, I can't easily call up exact memories of specific campers, but I am awash in a feeling of complete contentedness and joy. There was frustration, fatigue, sometimes even fear, but what stays, what permeates everything else is the joy.

I saw names I haven't thought about in years! Where did Melanie and Tina Adams, Tina Basham, Bill Crawford, Tracy Karas, Alyssa Gould, Skye Oudesm, Shelly and Talia Yates, and Alisha and Kayla Zabriskie go? And I laughed at pictures of Greg Ellwell, Rebecca Owen, Joey Darlington, Eric Hawkins, Sammi Gould, and Kendra Trudgen. Reading these lists of names, my heart is a little sad. Where are they? What are they doing now? What did camp do for them? Did it make a difference in their lives? I have to believe that it did, and not because I was there, but because every year the staff commits itself to serving God by serving the youth. Almost sad, but not really when I think about who came to camp last year: Rhodes Tarbell and Marissa Hayes, the children of former campers. This year, Jonathan Geier (son of Corrie Geier and Kayla Zabriski) is old enough to attend camp. I believe in some small way, camp touches the life of everyone that attends.

My kids have grown up with camp, supporting it knowingly or unknowingly all of their lives. This year Hailey becomes a counselor. I believe that camp touched her life because she desires to serve there, too. Chase will be a CIT again for the second year. Before he could attend camp, he helped load and unload camp boxes, set up the camp, and run errands for the staff. I believe that camp touched his life because he desires to serve there, too. Kaitlyn is still a camper. Throughout the year she plans skits and songs and pranks (that she doesn't perform ;)). Sometimes she says, "When I am a CIT, I will...." I believe camp has touched her life because she desires to serve there, too.

Camp has touched my life. I learned to be flexible there; I learned patience there; I received immediate answers to prayers there; I saw God move on young people and old people alike; I saw kids play with Apostles; I heard campers open up in ways that I never thought they would, and sometimes it broke my heart to hear it. I learned about Women of the Bible, the importance of tradition, and that fun has a place with serious. I won't be there this year. Some people might think that's a good thing, and I guess I understand why they might think that. But I get so much joy from serving at camp. That one week of the year is HARD, but I crave that services.

Sometimes we talk about the one week of camp. We say, "We only have ONE week to touch these kids lives." But on the other hand, "We have ONE (WHOLE) WEEK to touch these kids lives." I pray we never squander that week.

A Perfect Mid-western Evening

2009-06-08T09:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday night at Jeff and Michelle's house. Picture this: all the neighborhood kids are next door playing a basketball game. Girls and boys of every age, working together, cheering and clapping--like music. One little boy from three doors down jumping on a pogo stick in front of us, trying his hardest to bounce more than seven times, trying harder still not to fall and hit his head on the cement sidewalk. Another neighbor sits and plays with his Scottie dog, tossing a ball four or five houses away and waiting for the inevitable return of the ball every single time. On Jeff and Michelle's front porch, we are perched in wicker chairs, or on the edge of the step, or at the corner of the porch, just watching and listening and talking and smiling.

What will define my life...

2009-06-01T01:27:00.000-07:00

In a quiet moment, as I passed from one activity to the next, the thought crossed my mind, "By what will my life be defined?" The question has been dogging me for nearly a week. Right now I am caught up in the idea of "teacher." Like many who enter this profession, I want to think that I will have effected some life. That some day a former student might say, "I will always remember Mrs. Yates because...." But, in truth, my occupation is not what I want to be defined by. That alone came as a huge revelation. If this were even five years earlier, I would declare a deep and abiding desire to be remembered as a teacher: a public school teacher, a Bible School Teacher, a Sunday School teacher, a camp teacher, a home teacher.

But as I sort through the thoughts and sift out the gems, I have felt an increasing desire to be defined by, to be remembered as, to be an example of righteousness. Thoughts are rolling through my head, but one thought is emerging and gaining strength: it's not just enough to be a teacher who is righteous, to be a nurse that is religious, to be a cop that is morally upright. I want to be righteous person who was a teacher, a wife, and a mother.

What will define your life?

My new classroom

2009-05-28T22:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, as of Tuesday, I have my very own classroom at Excelencia ElementarySchool. Jim and I got to see it and take pictures so I could start making plans. After seeing it, I'm afraid they are going to tell me it is all a mistake, the storage closet next the PE Equipment storage room is actually my classroom!

My very own desk...that I am going to get rid of and just use the horseshoe table and a set of rubbermade drawers.

FIVE classroom computers!

Lots of storage space, but I have a feeling that there is never enough storage space!

Two whiteboards and one complete word wall!

I'm in room 204! (Until they find that equipment closet to put me in!)

For My Mom

2009-05-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Friends, you have been wonderfully supportive through the graduation season. You have looked at my pictures, you have sent wonderful messages, and you have encouraged me. I'm posting some new graduation pictures for my mom, so please don't feel obligated to comment or even look at them if you don't want to. OR we can comment on how the gown looks like a maternity dress and the mortar board cap looks like a square Frisbee with tassel, your choice. Btw, pix by photographer extraordinaire, Jenn Yates!

Graduation!!!!

2009-05-15T10:22:00.000-07:00

First, thank you all for your support and encouragement over the past two years. I am really thankful that God opened the door for me to return to school. Blessing upon blessing came over the course of the past four semesters. I am REALLY glad I attended graduation. Of course I had anticipated it for years, but the graduation ceremony was the opportunity to live in the moment of achievement. The speakers were great! The company was great! The weekend was especially great. My heart has been drawn out in gratitude to God over the past week. I know he sustained me and my family...the Master of the Universe knows me, takes care of me, and loves me. That is truly awesome!!

Most of our cohort after receiving our diplomas.

Suzi and I were so excited!

Yet another wordless Wednesday

2009-05-06T09:21:00.001-07:00

Don't worry, I'm not giving up on words. I just like this concept!

It takes a family to get a BSN!

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-04-29T16:38:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-22T14:00:00.000-07:00

The girls love to take pictures of themselves. I know where they get their good looks!

From their Uncle Jeff, obviously!

I'm Missing Out!

2009-04-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting on the couch, having a breathing treatment and missing out on yet another day of student teaching! I HATE being sick!!! I will say that I have been very blessed, and if I was going to miss any time, now was the time. But, I really miss my little students. Hold on a minute while I cough up a lung..............Ok, done! I have had time to fill out job applications, though, and I'm praying that they go with God's blessing! I know you are all praying, just as you were praying when we started out student teaching. Thank you for that! I know I say it often, but when Suzi, Niki and I get jobs we will know without a doubt that it was by God's grace!

Job prospects

2009-04-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

Well, friends, I came face to face with the lack of teaching jobs in Arizona today. Tasha, Suzi, and I went to the Great Arizona Teach-in, a job fair where prospective employers and employment candidates meet. Last year when I went, there weren't many people, those that were there were getting interviews, and there weren't too many lines. This year the place was PACKED!! There were a few interviews being conducted, and basically we were told to apply online and they would get back to us. I had a couple of good contacts. The administrator from Creighton School District recognized the Yates' name (thank you, Wanda!!). She told me I was family and to definately apply, they would keep me in mind. At the Osborne district, I gave them my resume and they said they would flag it and give me a call. At another location, the Superintendent of the Palo Verde School District reviewed my resume and had some complimentary things to say and some other good advice. Would I do it again? You bet! Other than the two positive things that happened, it was GREAT fun to spend time with Tasha and Suzi.

Although I got a little nervous about jobs, I still feel comforted that the Lord has a plan. I would rather have His will accomplished in my life than my own. Keep praying for Niki, Suzi, and me. There will be no doubt that, when we get jobs, it was by God's intervention.

One last thing: please pray for Marilyn, a first grade teacher at my school. She battled thyroid cancer two years ago and it appears that it has returned. She is only 23 years old. Thank you, I know the prayers of the righteous are of MUCH avail.

2009-04-06T17:56:00.001-07:00

Didn't do it. Watching my money. Darn.

2009-03-31T18:39:00.001-07:00

I am going to buy a purse.

I've been tagged...

2009-03-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Yep, I was one of those fortunate ones in our tiny blogging community to get tagged not once, but twice! Since all my bloggy friends were tagged and tag-backs are never cool, I'll just give you the five random facts about me.

1. I hate frogs. I hate them a lot. The bigger the frog, the more I hate it. When I was taking piano lessons in elementary school, my piano teacher had a ceramic frog somewhat hidden in the bushes but very near the walk to her home. I was not good about practicing the piano and that fact, combined with an inexplicable fear of frogs, caused me fear and dread every time I walked up Mrs. Prell's walk way. To this day, the sight of a ceramic frog sends me into shock. **NOTE**: If you love me and want me to be able to continue as just about anything relating to children, please don't let this secret out!!

2. When I was a teenager, I wanted to have four children, and preferably all boys. After I gave birth to Hailey, I only wanted to have one child because I couldn't believe that any other baby would be as perfect as she. Now, I think three children is the best number of all--with one step son and one grandson thrown in!

3. I really want to go to Spain. There is a national forest with ancient petroglyphs there; I'd like to see the Guggenheim in Balboa; and I would love to see the Moorish influence on the architecture in southern Spain.

4. I love to get dressed up. I wish I could have gone to prom when I was in high school simply to wear a prom dress. However, my 33 year old fiance wasn't really interested in going with me. I loved being a bride's maid because I got to wear a fru-fru dress (it was a good color and a good style).

5. When I think about heaven, sometimes I get sad. I wonder how it could be so wonderful if I didn't have Jim as my husband. Then I remind myself that heaven must be a wonderful place because of God's spirit that is there, and if Jim isn't part of that equation, then heaven must more wonderful than I can even begin to imagine.

Observation update

2009-02-26T18:28:00.000-08:00

This morning I dressed up, wore VERY uncomfortable shoes (but had the foresight to take another, more comfortable pair!!), and went to school ready to welcome some principals and the founder of our classroom management program into my classroom. The kids were ready, too. And then no one showed up. I'm not disappointed, I'm not upset, I'm not even sad I wore the uncomfortable shoes. It was a good day, the kids were happy, and if I trust God to take care of me I have to believe this was part of His plan.

Thanks for all your prayers! I know they were heard even though I don't understand the answer. Hugs to you all!

a BIG opportunity!

2009-02-24T17:38:00.000-08:00

Job prospects for my district don't look too good. With mega-budget cuts and increased classroom sizes, I will be looking for a job in a smaller district....maybe. Read on:

So my school is a Make Your Day school. MYD is a classroom management/citizenship program predicated on the concept of personal responsibility and communicating with someone with whom you might have a problem (sound familiar?). Thursday the gentleman who developed the program and a group of principals will be touring our school observing how the program is implemented. One classroom per grade level will be designated for the group to observe and I've agreed to be the classroom for my grade level. Sounds a little scary, right? However, this could be the equivalent of an "on the job" interview. Picture this: a group of principals from my district observe me teaching lessons AND managing a classroom of twenty students. Later when my resume crosses their desk (because I dropped it off at their school), and I walk in for the interview, they will already know first hand how I teach! I confess, I didn't come up with this scenario by myself. My cooperating teacher laid it out for me and convinced me, reassuring me that I have the skills to do it.

If you think of it on Thursday, pray for me that I will make a good impression, that the right principal is there, that God's will is done.

Dr. Yates report to OR...STAT!

2009-02-17T17:24:00.000-08:00

Teaching is so much fun! Today we introduced making contractions by performing surgery on two words...It worked great! I got the kids' attention by wearing the scrub and stethescope for 30 minutes before we started. A student assisted as a nurse and the vowel-ectomies began. Thanks to Mr. Yates for the medical gear and to Mrs. Grim for the EXCELLENT idea!

Checking on the patient.

Performing an O-ectomy.

The patient will never be the same...there will always be a scar!

My Flocks

2009-01-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

Four dogs do not make a flock, but they are a pack, which is a group of animals, but just not sheep. I tell you this because I claimed a promise in the Book of Mormon, I prayed over my flock. Isabel had been VERY sick for three or four days. She had stopped eating, started vomiting, and wasn't eliminating. Jim set up the doggy veterinarian clinic in the living room, using the treadmill as an IV stand. For three days he gave her IVs; on the third day he said if things didn't get better, we would have to make some "tough decisions." I didn't want to be forced into making any decisions, let alone the tough ones. This morning when I checked on her, she lay completely still except to move her head to receive a pat. I knelt in the living room and poured out my heart to the Lord and begged him to intervene for Isabel. After I prayed, I went to my computer to read e-mail before leaving for school. A few minutes later, Isabel came into my bedroom, wagging her tail. She trotted to the front door, we went outside, and she went to the bathroom for the first time in three days. She's had eggs and broth to eat and kept both down. Not only did God answer my prayer on behalf of my pet, He answered it immediately! And if He'll take care of a dog, how much more will He take care of me?

Two Weeks Down...

2009-01-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

Week 2 of student teaching is over. Starting next week, I begin taking over subjects; a slow build up until I'm teaching everything. I'm starting with Phonics (it is scripted and very easy to slide in to). And in two weeks I'll be evaluated by my university advisor.

This week was exciting and tough all rolled into one (but isn't that the way life is?). I took on more responsibility, doing some teaching, moving students through the hallways to and from class, lunch, and specials. I learned that some students don't think that they do anything wrong, while others are so used to taking responsibility for their actions, that one more time is no big deal. I learned that, though I'm good with kids, there is skill to managing twenty individuals and creating a community with twenty different personalities. I learned that you can't change the order of calendar time or you throw off the whole class. And I learned that six and seven-year-olds forgive you when you do change calendar time...and usually hug you no matter what you do. I learned that skin color isn't that big of deal when you're in first grade, and that Barack Obama plans to take away all video games when he becomes president. I learned that parent helpers are a good thing and that a principal makes or breaks a school.

Here's a couple pictures of the classroom I'm in and the students I'm working with. We were finishing a small unit on civil rights leaders: Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, and Caesar Chavez.

Thanks for all your prayers; I feel their impact. I love first grade.

What a GREAT week!

2009-01-09T18:03:00.000-08:00

What a great week! I don't think I have ever been so tired (except for camp) or learned so much! During the first two weeks, I am supposed to keep a journal. I came home every day with good intentions to write, but was so tired, all I could do was make dinner and go to bed. Finally by Thursday I had a little extra energy and Friday was a bit better than that. I've been assured by the first grade teachers that they feel the same way the first week of school until they get back into the swing.

Mrs. Grim is amazing! She has taught first kindergarten and first grade for twelve years. She is full of interesting facts that she's picked up along the way. She works with the Occupational, physical, and speech therapist to implement new findings in the classroom. Ok, I just typed this really long example and then erased it. Suffice it to say that the information is fascinating! I can't believe how similar our lives are, down to living in the same area and our kids attending the same elementary school!

The team of first grade teachers are great, too! They eat lunch together every day. One in particular is really great. Mrs. Ortega is a first year teacher that ALWAYS has a smile on her face and something kind to say. She's not only learning the ropes as a teacher, but she's working on her Master's Degree, too!

I really love having Suzi close by. We don't talk often or alot, but it is comforting knowing she's right there. Our friend Tasha is also at the same school and I enjoy seeing her with the second grade students she's with.

Most of all, I have fallen for the kids! Twenty shiny-faced, loving first graders. They're just sweet. Ok, they're not sweet all the time, but they're easy to entreat and encourage and they want to do their best. I keep hoping that desire won't wain in them...or me.

Monkey Bread: The Final Chapter.

2009-01-03T17:25:00.001-08:00

Sorry to leave you biting your nails, waiting for the next EXCITING installment of the MONKEY BREAD BAKE-OFF.

The Monkey Bread competition draws to a close as the bread comes out of the oven.

Oh! Kaitlyn's monkey break comes out a little under done. Could the apples have thrown off her game?

Side-by-side for the official judges to taste.

Suprise Monkey Bread Judge Tony McIndoo arrives!

Uncle Jeff is declared the Monkey Bread King. Kaitlyn plots how she will win next year!

Monkey Bread: Kaitlyn Bakes

2008-12-26T11:53:00.000-08:00

Kaitlyn begins her monkey bread, carefully dividing the biscut dough into bite size pieces to be rolled in cinnamon sugar. Jeff looks on anxiously, could Kaitlyn be his undoing?

Friendly on-lookers cheer for the bakers.

Kaitlyn prepares the dough...

Jeff fitfully awaits the outcome...

Who will win? Which monkey bread baker will be declared king of the monkey...bread? Stay tuned for the next installment of "Monkey Bread Bake-off!"

Monkey Break Bake-Off In Pictures

2008-12-20T18:13:00.000-08:00

Jeff prepares his dough, the secret ingredient, as Kaitlyn looks on and mocks (mocking is allowed during a monkey bread bake-off!).

Just before rolling the dough cinnamon-roll style, Uncle Jeff liberally sprinkles cinnamon on the dough. Kaity still mocks!

The monkey bread takes shape...

...and into the oven!!

Uncle Jeff threatens, "I'm going to kick your bunt!"

What will Kaity do? How will her apple monkey break stack up to Uncle Jeff's? Does Uncle Jeff's high school experience making cinnamon rolls at Cinnamon Sam's give his monkey break an unfair advantage? Tune in for the next installment of Monkey Break Bake-off!

My First Day of First Grade

2008-12-16T22:44:00.001-08:00

I just woke up from nap time...

Today was my first day of first grade! I met the class I will be with this spring for student teaching and spent the day helping in the classroom. Sue Grim is a twelve year veteran who is an amazing teacher! She oozes patience and on several occasions actively reflected on occurrences and how she could could effect a different outcome (education theory in action!). She's calm, she's happy, and she's focused, all qualities I will do well to emulate.

The students? WOW! What a good week to see them in action. Holiday break is only three days away, it was raining so the students were on rainy day schedule, and the place was a zoo! The little kiddies couldn't focus, besides there was a new adult in the classroom trying to learn their names and their classroom procedure. Tomorrow will probably be a better day.

By the end of the day I was tired and hungry. I came home, folded some laundry and took a nap. It's 11:50 p.m. and I just woke up an hour ago. I think I'm going to have to get more sleep!

I love first grade!

Pictures as promised

2008-12-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

The "Worship Team," Guitar Students, Intermediate and Advanced Choirs

This church was pretty cool. It was a large metal contruction building with stucco on the outside and completely finished on the inside. The had two other buildings, a fellowship hall and a student center (probably classrooms). This congregation was forsightful enough to buy a really big piece of land so they could grow.

Kaity and Mr. Trenbeath the director (Kaity is wearing flats.)

The Advanced Choir

FINALS ARE OVER!

2008-12-12T11:17:00.000-08:00

Except for a few small projects that have to be uploaded to the internet, FINALS ARE OVER!!! I feels like 50 pounds has been lifted from my shoulders, I'm a foot taller, and I don't know what to do with all my extra times...until I look around at the condition of my house, then I get a pretty good idea what needs to be done! Thanks to everyone for their prayers, kind words, and support. In reality, it feels like the time FLEW. Of course, it's not over. There is still sixteen weeks of student teaching, but that's going to be a GREAT experience.

I'll upload a few pictures from Kaitlyn's school concert Tuesday night when we get home from Prescott. When I figure how to embed the video, I'll but up the vidoeo of her solo...I'd put up the video of her signing to "Peace, Peace," but you can hear me singing and that is NEVER pretty!

Hugs to you all!

2008-12-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

STUDENT TEACHING!

2008-11-01T16:02:00.001-07:00

I've been anxious to hear about my student teaching assignment, musing out loud when it would come, and annoying my cohort friends. Friday was a BUSY day and looked to be on the stressful side when I got a phone call from Chase. "Cheryl at Paradise Valley Unified School District HR department called. You're supposed to call her." I called immediately. I HAVE A STUDENT TEACHING PLACEMENT!!! Here are the blessings:

The school is two blocks down the street from my house!
The teacher is an 11 year veteran that I have worked with before!
The principal, the husband of a favorite professor, is retiring this year. If there is an open position, he'll do my interviewing!
The principal meets with all the student teachers once every two weeks for a lunch meeting, to debrief and educate them!

I will be in a first grade class, which is not my first choice. However, the teacher is AMAZING and I know I will learn a boat-load from her. I am a little scared of first grade because it is such an important year--what if I screw up and a kid doesn't learn to read and then is a ditch digger for the rest of his life? He'll look back on his education and say, "Drat that Mrs. Yates! She ruined my life!" However, first grade is optimal read-aloud time--fun voices, dramatic reenactment, literacy projects!!!!! I'm pretty good with 1st grade math. HUGE ADVANTAGE: 1st grade science might be the only science I really know and/or understand!

I am so excited that my family has had to scrape me off the ceiling six times. When I hung up with Cheryl, I cried my eyes out. Relief SWEPT through me and the impact of the blessing hit me like a ton of bricks. I cannot wait for the new chapter of my adventure to begin!

Happy Birthday!

2008-10-24T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my birthday and it was a good day! Everyone had school, Chase had to work, but it was peaceful and good having my kids close by...most of the time! I got lots of phone calls from family and friends, many great cards. More than anything, I appreciate being remembered this year. Silly, huh? I love the digital camera my kids bought for me, I'm THRILLED that I get 10 piano lessons with Kaity's amazing piano teacher, but I was just happy to be remembered.

School news: friends in my cohort are starting to get letters with placement for student teaching. We are supposed to start hearing in the next week. I can't wait!!!!!!

2008-10-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

I pray for wisdom...I pray for wisdom FREQUENTLY. Seems Social Studies is the source of my need for wisdom right now. On Tuesday night our instructor passed out a rubric (a guide for scoring or grading) for a debate. He suggested that we could used this rubric to score a classroom debate, and, HEY, let's use it to score the Presidential Debate which he just happened to run across a web site where we could get live feed in the classroom. A groan went up across the room...I guess everyone feels the same way I do: we're tired of beating our heads against the wall in a conversation that isn't going to change. Regardless, we watched the first 30 minutes of the debate. Afterward, we tried to use the rubric to score both Senator McCain and Senator Obama but it was obvious that few members of the class were able to view the debate without bias. It would work in a classroom where the students haven't yet formed the biases color adult vision.

Sometimes I feel like I can make a strong point in this class, like wisdom just might be seeping into what I'm saying, and other times I just feel like I'm better off not saying anything. Maybe that is wisdom, knowing when to speak and when to remain silent..."How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!" (Proverbs 16:16) Good thing that wisdom is more valuable than gold, since I won't be making much gold as a teacher!

Side note: If you watched the Presidential Debate last Tuesday, you probably saw Todd Smith, lead singer of the Christian group Selah. He sat on the front row to the immediate left of Senator McCain. He submitted a question for the debate and was chosen to attend. He met Senator Obama afterward, who asked him what he did. When Todd Smith told him, Senator Obama said he would look up his music when he got home. Todd Smith offered to send him some of his recordings. I'm sure he was seeing it as a evangelical opportunity. The Lord can work through music!

Biting my tongue...

2008-09-11T14:11:00.000-07:00

Political conversations are never easy. Most people try to avoid them. In fact, it is considered polite (in an unwritten kind of way) to avoid political conversations with strangers so as to avoid conflict. What happens when you're forced into the conversation? Well, sometimes I try to gracefully bow out, other times I state my belief with the caveat "But that's just how I feel." Other times I blow people out of the water so that they have to add the caveat of their own. However, among my school friends, we mostly try to avoid political conversations. We know who's a Democrat and who's the Republican. We know who's been around the block a few times, and who allows their lack of experience to rule their mouth.

Welcome to Social Studies, the elementary study of all things historic and GOVERNMENTAL. Political conversations are unavoidable, since they are requisite fodder for classroom discussion. Add to that the fact that the field of education is predominantly Democratic...well, what's a poor Republican to do? Pray for wisdom, campaign for McCain, and hope November gets here REALLY soon!

It begins

2008-09-08T10:43:00.000-07:00

The semester is in full swing; two weeks down, fourteen to go!

Changes include a couple new instructors, Suzi Figuoroa, a spunky, dynamic BME instructor and Jim White, a committed, passionate educator teaching Assessment and Social Studies methods. Focus is on 5th & 6th grade and most of us are set for practicum in those grades. Student teaching letters are beginning to circulate, although no one expects firm answers until some time in late October/early November.

I'm seeing some stress among my cohort friends, inability to concentrate, lack of interest in the intense amount of reading, more bordem than concern about assigments--the end is in sight and we're all ready for it!

An interesting comment from an instructor...we were doing a group analysis of a chapter. Our group finished up and I was lamenting that I was afraid that I was going to forget EVERYTHING that we'd learned and some poor kid would suffer for my lack of knowledge. The instructor reassured me that we would forget it all, that it wasn't that important, and everthing would be fine. That diploma will be the most expensive piece of paper I've ever owned!

Student Teaching...ONLY 4 months away!

2008-08-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

I got off the telephone this a.m. with one of my favorite college instructors of all times. If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area and plan to pursue a degree in elementary education by taking the prerequisites at community college, contact me and I'll hook you up with the BEST educator of teachers from whom I've had the privilege of learning. I've been worrying about my student teaching placement. Here's the scoop:

I applied for the Rodel Promising Student Teacher program which matches exemplary student teachers with Rodel Master Teachers. It is a prestigious program which awards participants $10,000 upon completing three years of teaching in a Title I school. That would pay for my student loans. So when it came time to apply for student teaching options, I didn't give much thought to my second choice because I was pretty sure I would be accepted to Rodel.

My mom, who knows me better than anyone, was the one who planted seeds of doubt. She really didn't think I would be happy teaching in a Title I school. The more I though about it, the more I realized she is probably right. I wanted the Rodel for the prestige and the $10,000, but I worried about being able to communicate with my students an their parents.

In the meantime, my student teaching application lists as a second choice "Paradise Valley Unified School District, grade 3-6." However, this wonderful community college teacher of teachers previously taught in PVUSD and offered to shop my resume to her colleagues. I took her up on it, and now have multiple options for student teaching. I am so thankful!!

One last thing: when I realized I had put NO prayer into the process of finding a student teaching placement, I was ashamed. I started praying, and this is how things unfolded. God's knows me better than my mom; His plan is perfect. When I follow his plan, I live in amazement of the things he does for me. I am truly blessed.

Lessons learned?

Take it to God first; seek His plan. It works out much, much better
Networking: as important in education as it is in business!

School starts today! Oh, the adventure of learning...

2008-08-15T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is the fourth time I have tried to post. I let tendancies get in my way: perfectionist tendancies, selfesteem tendancies, lazy tendancies. But I have exciting news and whether or not anyone else reads it, I'm putting it out there for the whole wide world to know:

I passed the content portion of the AEPA! There, I said it.

Despite my fears that the Performance Evaluation question was my undoing (I hadn't had that methods class yet), I passed. Better still, all my cohort budies that took the test with me also passed. Two friends took the whole thing, two other friends took parts like I did. Now my big decision is when to take the last part, and I'm leaning toward the September date. The November date is just too deep into the semester and VERY close to finals.

I've also been developing a study aid to market to my college friends. They are vocabulary flashcards. Content areas are differentiated by color; I've placed them on rings to make them easier to flip through. I'm not totally impressed with all the definitions they provide, so if I continue the project I'm gonig to have to do a little digging for better definitions.

It's hard to believe that the semester is only two weeks away, graduation is only nine months away, and a teaching job is just a little less than a year away! I must admit that finding a job is a little worrisome for two reasons:

Our program director told us that this past spring, members of the graduating cohort hard time finding position in the big districts in Phoenix.
My cousin in Missouri said that 3000 applicants applied for 300 jobs in the Independence School District near Kansas City, MO.

I guess we'll see what the future holds...

In The Beginning...

2008-07-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

Hello all you teachers, future teachers, thinking-about-being-a teacher, moms, believers, and wanders that googled the best Chinese take out in your neighborhood and landed (by some quirt of fate) on my blog! Since this portion of the blog is about becoming a teacher, that's where I'll start.

I have completed my first two semesters of Northern Arizona University's block program. Now you're wondering, "Isn't NAU in Flagstaff and don't you live in Phoenix?" You're quick; you're very, very quick! I'm in a cohort program at my local community college just a few blocks away. I've finished Literacy Methods, Science Methods (sorry, Dr. White, but I didn't learn a thing!!!), Classroom Management (learned TONS, can't wait to try it out!) , Elementary/Middle School Psych (thank you Teeny Tiny Toni!), Elementary/Middle School Curriculum, Schools and Society, and a computer class of which I just can't recall the name. We've had delightful instructors and our program director truly cares about us and wants to see us succeed. On her caring alone, I would recommend this program. Dr. Nancy Duke is a loving person, but even more important, she expresses that love for her students. I've had practicum experiences in 1st and 3rd grades and this fall I'm headed to sixth grade. Should be GREAT fun!

Enough facts, let's talk about the deep stuff...
About three or four years ago, I came to the realization that if my wonderful husband of then seventeen or eighteen years were to die, I would not be able to support my children. Sure, I think I could find a job, but life would get very, very hard. Always before I thought I would move back to the mid-west if something happened to the big guy, but at that point the realization struck that my kids were too old to move; Arizona was their home. About that time, my two oldest kids were starting college (home school...we'll talk about that later). I realized that it was time that I could go back to college.

I started taking the actual education prerequisites that the would be required for admission into any program--such fun! And then I started looking at programs. ASU offered a one year bridge program that would have me finished by December, 2008. Tempting! I talked with husband, made plans, talked with friends, made more plans, talk to my mom, and made more plans. I didn't talk to God, however. A one year intensive program would have had me in a classroom 50 hours a week not to mention homework. You can do anything for a short time, right? God knows me better than I know myself. The very day I honestly began to pray about His will for my educational career, my dear friend came over with information about the NAU's distance program with a degree in Elementary Education. I knew He had opened a door.

Now, I've got one more semester of classroom time, fifteen last practicum hours, and at least the Professional Knowledge portion of the AEPA to take (I took the Content Knowledge portion this summer...we'll talk about that some more, too!) and then STUDENT TEACHING! It gives me goose bumps to think about it--the good kind AND the bad kind...

All my life I know that God has lead me. I know he is leading my through my education. I cannot wait to see what the semester holds!

I love quotes, and this one in particular: "A teacher is one who makes himself progressively unnecessary." (Thomas Carruthers)