The Rest of September

Okay, so I'll just hammer out the rest of the month for you, so I can get on to catching up on October! I'll probably go through and add pictures to everything later since they still aren't working. :P

Double Header 9-18 - I played my soccer game, and was asked to help out another team that was playing right after us. I called Daryn to make sure it was okay, and it was. SO I played TWO FULL games of soccer back to back. It was awesome and I loved it. :)

Peaches & Wedding Celebration 9-19

The next morning Daryn and I were going to go to Kati's house so that we could help jar peaches. Kati and I each bought one 35 lbs box of fruit - one pears, one peaches - and then split the jars made 50-50. The pears were ready to can earlier that week, so Kati did them herself (we couldn't fit it in our schedules to come help) and then we were going to help with the peaches.

Well, Daryn was invited to play racquetball that morning, so I was at home with Rebekah when I got a call from Priscilla, saying that Ben's wedding was that night in Phoenix! Merrick and Priscilla had told us about the wedding a few months earlier, and had said that they would give Ben our Tucson info so that we could hear more and maybe get an invite. They gave us the impression that it was just a little get-together, invite by word of mouth or e-mail. But then Priscilla said the wedding was at the Phoenix Art Museum... and that didn't really mesh with what we were thinking.

SO, when Daryn got home, we packed everything to go to Kati's AND go to Phoenix. Daryn called Ben and asked if Ben wanted to hang out that night. :) Ben, of course, had to say "Sorry, man, I'm getting married tonight!" But he checked to see if they had open plates at the dinner, and then invited us to join them for the wedding. That's not *exactly* crashing... right? ;)

So, we went to Kati's and helped with the peaches for a while, and Kati was kind enough to finish up without us so that we could have time to get to Phoenix and not be late for the wedding.

We had a great time at the wedding. The ceremony was beautiful, and holding it in the art gallery was very interesting. We looked at the art while the Bridal Party took pictures all around the museum, and then had a delicious dinner and some very fun dancing. Rebekah LOVED dancing to all the music! :) I was very happy that Daryn had a chance to see so many of his old friends all at once.



I really wanted to get a picture of Daryn and the guys, but I got one on my phone. I think that the wedding photographer got one, but it wasn't posted with these that I stole from the bride, Audrey!

Missionary Experience 9-20

We stayed the night at my brother's house (thanks Kenny!) and went to church with him the next day. That afternoon we went to Kim's house. She's Kevin's mom - Kevin is one of Daryn's good friends from High School (though he didn't actually go to high school with us). Anyway, we were supposed to see Merrick and Priscilla there, as well as Kevin. Kevin was there for a little bit, but then had to go to work. We stayed and talked with Kim, and had dinner with her. She filled us in on how different boys from Daryn's 'group' were doing, and we filled her in on life in Tucson.

She asked us a question about church, and I don't remember what started the conversation, but we spent somewhere between 4 and 6 hours answering her questions and telling her about church stuff. She didn't know that Mormons were Christian and used the Bible, so we were able to clear that up for her, and she was amazed at how misunderstood the Church is. I was happy to help explain to her what we really believe, and so was Daryn. :)

Crazy week of no sleep 9-21 to 9-25

Haha. Yeah, the next week of school was CRAZY. I had 2 tests and a project due, so I stayed up late working on things and studying. Wednesday night I stayed up particularly late, and then had to get up early on Thursday to meet my Cooperating Teacher for my Practicum.

Preparation for Practicum Drama 9-24

So... yeah. I met the teacher, and she was nice, but somewhat distracted. I figured she just had a lot to do. I asked a lot of questions, she gave me really short answers, and then I was gone. I had worn a t-shirt and jeans, b/c I wasn't staying long and it was before school started - for Practicum I dress up much more.

Later, though, she sent me an e-mail basically saying that I had better dress nicer for Practicum b/c boys are hard enough to control as it is. She pretty much implied that I was dressing inappropriately intentionally. I was mortified and offended. Also, we spent several e-mails talking about which class I could come observe. I wanted to see her 3rd hour, because it fit my schedule best and meant that I wouldn't have to leave Daryn with both Cairn and Rebekah on Mondays and Fridays for a very long time (the school is 30 min away). But she made it sound like she wanted me to go to a different class for MY benefit, and I checked with my Master Teacher, who said I was fine, but when I said as much to my Coop Teacher she said - without saying - that she just didn't want me to drag her down with her accel kids. :P If she had said so from the beginning, I would have understood. I did not like that she tried to hide behind other reasons. So, not a pleasant experience.

That weekend was nice. We went to an Elder's Quorum party, and then my soccer game, and Saturday was stress free! :) Sunday we had Fajita's with the Strattons at their house.

Very Cool Sunday School/no sleep Sunday 9-27

Sunday was my turn to teach the Sunday School lesson. (Did I mention I was released from being Primary Chorister? Then Daryn and I were called to teach the 12-13 year olds.) I'm sorry to say that I'm not clear on all the details, but the kids were VERY inquisitive. I generally try to keep them on topic, but if they have a question that's still fairly gospel centered, I try to answer it. This particular Sunday they had a lot of questions about the pre-mortal existence, as well as Heaven. (Do lizards go to Heaven?)

I'm sad that I don't really remember things well enough to tell you all about what smart kids I'm working with, or how things ended up, but for being "off topic" for so long, it was a GREAT discussion. Those kids are awesome.

So! My Master Teacher/Professor encouraged us to sign up for the Rodel Foundation Teacher Initiative program. I kept meaning to fill out the application and write the essays, but with so many tests and projects to do for school I didn't get around to it. Then they extended the deadline to Monday, Sept 28. They decided on that Monday, because the gentleman from Rodel was coming on Wednesday to interview those applicants that the Math Ed Professors felt were qualified for the position. So, I stayed up Sunday night and wrote the essays and reviewed them and re-wrote them until I was too tired to care much anymore (notice, I never decided I was satisfied). Then I dropped the packet off to the math dept to pass it on to Dr Anhalt, who was to review the forms.

On Tuesday I got a call and they scheduled me for an interview. I also had a good conversation with my Master Teacher Dr. Weinbrug, about how I had a terrible first impression with my Cooperating Teacher, and while things were fine now, I wasn't entirely happy with my situation.

Wednesday came, and I dressed my nicest for the interview. It took around 40 minutes. The gentleman from Rodel and 3 Professors in Math Ed asked me questions like "Why Math Ed?" and "What would you do if you heard someone say..." etc. Then they sent me out of the room for about 10 minutes, and called me back in and said "Congratulations! You're a Rodel Scholar!"

Wow! I was totally surprised for things to happen that quickly. I told Daryn later that I suspected I was the only one to complete the application, but he and others reminded me that they would have chosen No One over me, if I were not qualified. :)

What this means is that I'm placed with a specific Exemplary Teacher, recognized by the Rodel Foundation for their OUtstanding work as a teacher, for my student teaching. AND, Dr. Weinburg decided/suggested that I should do my Practicum with this teacher, so I could get a head start on getting to know her and her students. :) I love how she slipped that in to get me away from the teacher I wasn't happy with.

3 year job security 9-30

Which brings me to what the gentleman from Rodel explained. He says that their student teachers frequently have a letter of intent to hire from the school they wish to teach at by sometime in the middle of student teaching. Schools all over Arizona call Rodel Foundation and request a list of the student teachers they're working with, and the schools line up to hire us. :) (Rodel works with all areas of education, not just math, and not just secondary.) And, since Rodel awards their teachers that work in high poverty schools for the first 3 years of their career with a $10,000 Savings Bond, I can see how they'd be working with me for those years to place me in a school. :)

This was very encouraging because I'm all about having a plan, and lately we've been kind of up in the air about life. Daryn would like to get into Grad School, but we're not sure where or if that will happen immediately. If he does, I would need to work to put him through Grad School, and if he doesn't, then we have to decide if I'll work anyway, or if I'll stay home with Rebekah. Most people are suggesting I work for a year or two just so I can have the experience and if I ever need to go back to work I can say that I've taught in a classroom, and not just done all the theoretical work.

Ah, life decisions! We'll see where life takes us! :)

September 5 - Semptember 17

On Friday, Sept 4, Daryn, Rebekah and I went to the institute to have $1 lunch like we normally do, and we met someone new! It's hard to explain, but basically this girl is AMAZING. She met us because she saw Rebekah and was enthralled. She LOVES babies, and spent a good amount of time playing with Rebekah. We found out that she was an investigator, and that her baptism was the very next day! So, on a whim, we decided to show up. :)

A Special Baptism 9-5

I am SO glad that we went to her baptism. She saw us walk in the door and she just glowed. After the baptism we accompanied her and the missionaries to the grocery store were we got hot dogs and ice cream and then back to the apartment complex that she and most of the missionaries live at for a little barbeque. Yum! It was a really cool way for us to befriend a new member of the church and remind ourselves of when Daryn was baptized 3 years ago.

Since then she and I have had some great conversations. She hasn't told her family that she's been baptized, because they would disown her, and they are paying for college! (And though I know it's kind of pointless, I feel it's appropriate that I keep her identity anonymous.) I don't know how I would manage something like that! Apparently they know she attends church, but just not that she's officially a "member." In any case, she's a sweetheart - she comes from a VASTLY different background than I do, and I love learning about her 'world' and her thoughts on life.

9-7

We didn't have school b/c of Labor day, so we got together with friends. :) Carrie and I took Rebekah and Cairn to the park, and then to the mall, while Daryn, Grant and Steve played video games. Then we played a group game that afternoon. It was an awesome day!

Temple Anniversary 9-8

Two years down, and eternity to go! I am SO glad to know that my family is eternal. As happy as I was to marry Daryn, I was thrilled to go to the Temple of the Lord and be sealed for time and all eternity. It has been such a blessing to know that we'll be together forever. This is a picture from just after we got sealed in the Temple. Thanks, Kati for finding it for me! :) It means so much to have a picture to document this very special day!


So, I decided to have a big surprise ready for Daryn this anniversary. Carrie and Grant helped me pull it off. They pretended that Grant needed a ride home from school that day, and Carrie came and picked me up and took me to pick-up Daryn's favorite meal from Oregano's. I got us Chicken Caesar Salad, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Italian Flag Lasagna, and a Pizzookie. Then we went back to the house and cleaned up a little bit, and set out our good table, with a tablecloth, folded napkins and my fine china! :) Carrie left and took the diaper bag with her, and when she got home she told Daryn that he needed to stop by the store to buy some sparkling apple cider, and that he was to leave Bekah with them.

When Daryn got home, I covered all the windows, and we had a very romantic candle-light dinner. <3

Temple Trip 9-12

Daryn and I are trying to do better about going to the Temple. It's been a lot easier to have the motivation to do so, since I've started tracking Daryn's genealogy. We really l0ve knowing that we're making special connections across time, and strengthening the bonds that tie our WHOLE family together - from the past and into the future. :)

So, we went to Phoenix after my soccer game Friday night, and I'm pretty sure that Renee babysat for us - either her or Jeanette, but I think Jeanette was out of town that weekend. We went in the morning, while Rebekah was still asleep, and got to the Baptistry just after their suggested time for doing Family Names had ended, but they were happy to put us in line - so long as we understood that it might take quite a while.

I love the peace and happiness I feel when I'm at the Temple. This day was particularly enjoyable, because the Baptistery was so packed, there was a line of about 15 of us waiting on the bench by the font, so I got to see a LOT of baptisms, and I just knew that there were many more people in that room than I could physically count. After baptisms, we stayed longer and did a lot of initiatory work - Now we have a whole slew of names that are ready to receive their endowments and then be sealed together. Maybe I should talk my family into helping us out with that the next time we're in Phoenix! :)

That night Daryn and I went to see our friends Tiffany and Todd, and their son Gage. Todd and I went to school and church together when we were little, and I met Tiff in Jr. High - in fact, she kind of introduced me to Daryn! We had a nice dinner together, and enjoyed catching up. Gage is just 5 days younger than Bekah, so it was really fun to watch them play together. We didn't stay TOO long after dinner, though, because we had to drive home that night.



On Sunday we had dinner with TWO fun couples - Clay and Candice, and Tania and Lashley. I knew Clay from the church singing group Millenium that I was in a few years ago. Candice's brother is Arjay, who goes to school with Daryn, and whose daughter is a few months younger than Bekah. Tania is Clay's sister, and her daughter is a few months older than Bekah. We played Starfarers of Catan after dinner - it was a great night! :)

That Tuesday 9-15, the Young Women offered 2 hours of free babysitting at the church building, so Daryn and I dropped of Bekah, grabbed some Blizzards from Dairy Queen, and went home and watched some TV. lol. It was a great date.

These pictures are from some random days in September when the girls decided that climbing into small spaces would be lots of fun. Rebekah has gotten stuck on the chair and the shelf more than once, but it was a very short phase. :) Thank goodness - now she doesn't take ALL the toys off the shelf everyday (just most of them).
This picture is of Rebekah's best friend in the whole wide world! Cairn. :)

So we try to get the camera out when Rebekah decides to dance for us, but normally she sees the camera and looses all interest in dancing. Well not this time.



And after dancing Mommy asks Rebekah for some signs, she isn't all that interested so she does them much sloppier than normal but she obliges mommy and does them for us.

August 24 - September 4

First on the list of things to catch up on! :)

Start of Semester 8-24

Actually, there's not much to say about the start f the semester itself, so I'll just talk about school in general. I'm taking 4 classes: History of Mathematics, Math Synthesis, Methods Part II and a class about adjusting my teaching methods for students with disabilities. Daryn has 4 classes too - only one of them is in person. He watches Rebekah while I'm in class and at observations (which I'll tell you about later).

Monday nights, though, we're both in class, so our friends Grant and Carrie take Rebekah for the evening. We pay them by watching their daughter, Cairn, Monday mornings and Friday mornings while the two of them are in class. So it works out great! We're very grateful for their friendship and all of their help.

None of my classes start until later in the afternoon, and that's really weird for me. I much prefer to get up in the morning and get straight to class so that I can spend my afternoon actively doing other things. It's hard to get up in the morning and just get to work without going somewhere first! But I certainly have enjoyed quite a few lazy mornings where Daryn makes me a big delicious breakfast. :)

I think Math history is really interesting. I'm nervous about the research paper that's 50% of my grade, but I think I'll be okay. I've gotten decent grades on 2 of the 4 tests so far.

Math Synthesis is a waste of time, but that's b/c of the teacher. He's a great guy, but kind of crazy. This is my 4th class with him, and I would have taken it from someone different if that were a choice, but this is the only section. I just don't like his style of teaching. Of the 3 classes I've had with him so far, I failed one, got a C in another, and Aced the third. I thought I was getting the hang of him, but this class is not as easy going as the last one is, so we'll see what happens. I think I'm between a C or B right now. :(

My Methods class is cool. I liked the teacher that taught the first half better, but I like this teacher too. WE gone over a lot of different stuff and are preparing for Student Teaching. Part of this semester is Observations/Practicum. Basically we get eased into student teaching. For Practicum we first observe in the class, then slowly participate in a variety of class activities: individual tutoring, bell work, homework, administrative duties, and finally 3 hours of teaching! Then we put that all into a portfolio for a grade. O_o I have a lot of typing to do in the next 2 weeks!

Jeanette and Renee's visit 9-2

So, Daryn and I have been cutting back on how much we go to Phoenix. It's easier to do now that my parents aren't living there. Usually I go up a lot for family events... but not anymore! :( Anyway, Jeanette and Renee (Daryn's mom and sister) were missing Rebekah something fierce, so they came down to visit for the day. :) It was really great - Daryn and I got to go see a movie (Transformers 2) and when we got back, our kitchen was cleaned! I know Rebekah loved playing with her Nana and Aunt Renee, and we were all sad to see them go.


I was particularly pleased with the timing of their visit because on September 1 it had been 3 years since Daryn has been baptized (Sept 3 was his confirmation date). So that's what we celebrated on our little date to the movies. :)

Also, I got some more pictures from Kati from Rebekah's Tucson Birthday Party, and I wanted to share this one: I love my family! :)