Happy Birthday to my sister Brittany! She's 17 today.
Brittany is a very talented singer - Second Soprano, right? :) - and a talented soccer player as well! The lucky girl got to fly down to Phoenix and spend it with her friends for her birthday. Unfortunately I didn't get to go up and see her that weekend. I hope everything was a blast!
Also, my darling sister, I love sending and receiving random texts from you. We should talk more often.
Sorry, no recent pictures of Brittany! :( Maybe she should send me one! :P
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Rest of October
Oct 15 406B Research Paper and PowerPoint
So I had to write a paper about Reading and Writing in Mathematics. Fortunately, I took an entire class last semester that focused on Literacy in the Subject Areas. Before I post my thoughts on the subject, I'm curious what you all think - what place does reading and writing, or "literacy" have in the mathematics classroom? It is silly to read a book that isn't the math textbook in a classroom (and yes, I'm purposefully leaving 'what kind of book' vague)? Should students be writing paragraphs in math? Why or why not? :) Late I might just post my very poorly written paper... I'm not happy with it, but that's what I get for writing it in the 24 hours before it was due (at least I didn't wait that long to look up the research).
Oct 17 Lisa's Wedding
We went up to Phoenix after my soccer game on Friday so that we could make it to Lisa Rolland's wedding. :) Lisa was my next door neighbor in high school, and she also went to UA, where we would occasionally bump into each other. In fact, I met her fiance, Brewster, before they were officially dating because Lisa had me help her with a film project, and Brewster was also involved in the project. Congratulations to Brewster and Lisa!
The wedding was gorgeous - but I'm not surprised. Lisa did all the decoration planning herself, and she has very elegant taste. I very much enjoyed seeing old friends, too! :)
After the wedding, we were planning on visiting other friends, but Lyn had the Swine Flu all week, and so we appreciate her refusal to see us that day. Kat was going to visit with us, but most of her restaurant staff had the flu, so she was called in for work. We had a nice little chat on the phone on her break, though!
That night Daryn and I watched the movie he recorded the night before. We love taking advantage of the DVR at the Wright house, because then we get to see movies we don't normally see - V for Vendetta was edited for TV, so I finally got to see it. Quite the movie! :)
Oct 18 Ward Changes
On Sunday we were back in Tucson, and there was a special meeting that night to announce the new ward boundaries. I won't lie; I cried when I realized we were changing wards, and again when I shook hands with my former Bishop. I was particularly sad that we would no longer be in Grant and Carrie's ward - we really enjoy their company. Fortunately, we still get to see them plenty! I was also sad that Rebekah and Kevin are in the other ward, because we'd only just started a friendship with them, and Daryn and I are so busy during the week it's hard to schedule extra activities. I've told Rebekah I plan to call her as soon as I get things taken care of for school - though I might call her this week and see if she's interested in sitting for me for a day or two so I can get some work done.
Oct 19-23 2 Tests and a Midterm
The next week I had a Math Synthesis Test, a Math History Test and a Midterm for my Students with Disabilities class. I'm not a fan of that last class because my teacher is crazy. She's mostly been teaching graduate level courses, and she's never taught this particular course before. She's VERY unorganized, and our only grades in the class are the Midterm and Final, an oral presentation and our portfolio. She had us write an outline for the proposal for our portfolio, and then the proposal (which she didn't teach us how to do... and I've never written a proposal). There's a lot more to it than that, but it's hard to explain because she's crazy. :P
Oh, and that night was Enrichment for my new ward. I went to try and meet people that would be in my new ward, but most of the women there were going to a new ward, and came to say goodbye! I did meet the Bishop and his wife though - very nice couple. :)
Oct 24-25 Barbeque, Party, New Ward
Merrick and Priscilla's visit
OCt 24 was the stake barbeque. I think it was very well timed for being right after the ward changes - everyone got to see everyone else, old ward and new ward members all in one sweep. They had a bouncy castle, and a few 10 year olds would not get out at all. A few mothers of toddlers mentioned how nice it would be if the little kids could play in it, so Andrea (one of the moms that's kind of taken me under her wing :) ) and I went to the Stake President and asked him to clear all the older kids out and let the babies play. It was really fun to see about 10-15 children age 3 and under jumping (or trying to jump) in the castle!
After the barbeque we had a little game night over at Grant and Carrie's house. Steve, Chris and Emily were also there. It was great, b/c Emily doesn't normally get to make it to our get-togethers b/c of work.
Sunday was fun. I was pleased to see so many people that I already knew, but happy to know there were plenty of new people to meet, too. I'm not so great about meeting new people, but I think this will be good. I've been feeling like I've hit a bit of a plateau recently. I know that's really my own fault, but I'm glad that I'll have new challenges and experiences in this ward to help me grow more. :)
These last few pictures are because I LOVE that Rebekah loves playing with her books. She also enjoys moving things from one container to another, so what better activity than putting herself and her beloved books into a basket? :)
So I had to write a paper about Reading and Writing in Mathematics. Fortunately, I took an entire class last semester that focused on Literacy in the Subject Areas. Before I post my thoughts on the subject, I'm curious what you all think - what place does reading and writing, or "literacy" have in the mathematics classroom? It is silly to read a book that isn't the math textbook in a classroom (and yes, I'm purposefully leaving 'what kind of book' vague)? Should students be writing paragraphs in math? Why or why not? :) Late I might just post my very poorly written paper... I'm not happy with it, but that's what I get for writing it in the 24 hours before it was due (at least I didn't wait that long to look up the research).
Oct 17 Lisa's Wedding
We went up to Phoenix after my soccer game on Friday so that we could make it to Lisa Rolland's wedding. :) Lisa was my next door neighbor in high school, and she also went to UA, where we would occasionally bump into each other. In fact, I met her fiance, Brewster, before they were officially dating because Lisa had me help her with a film project, and Brewster was also involved in the project. Congratulations to Brewster and Lisa!
The wedding was gorgeous - but I'm not surprised. Lisa did all the decoration planning herself, and she has very elegant taste. I very much enjoyed seeing old friends, too! :)
After the wedding, we were planning on visiting other friends, but Lyn had the Swine Flu all week, and so we appreciate her refusal to see us that day. Kat was going to visit with us, but most of her restaurant staff had the flu, so she was called in for work. We had a nice little chat on the phone on her break, though!
That night Daryn and I watched the movie he recorded the night before. We love taking advantage of the DVR at the Wright house, because then we get to see movies we don't normally see - V for Vendetta was edited for TV, so I finally got to see it. Quite the movie! :)
Oct 18 Ward Changes
On Sunday we were back in Tucson, and there was a special meeting that night to announce the new ward boundaries. I won't lie; I cried when I realized we were changing wards, and again when I shook hands with my former Bishop. I was particularly sad that we would no longer be in Grant and Carrie's ward - we really enjoy their company. Fortunately, we still get to see them plenty! I was also sad that Rebekah and Kevin are in the other ward, because we'd only just started a friendship with them, and Daryn and I are so busy during the week it's hard to schedule extra activities. I've told Rebekah I plan to call her as soon as I get things taken care of for school - though I might call her this week and see if she's interested in sitting for me for a day or two so I can get some work done.
Oct 19-23 2 Tests and a Midterm
The next week I had a Math Synthesis Test, a Math History Test and a Midterm for my Students with Disabilities class. I'm not a fan of that last class because my teacher is crazy. She's mostly been teaching graduate level courses, and she's never taught this particular course before. She's VERY unorganized, and our only grades in the class are the Midterm and Final, an oral presentation and our portfolio. She had us write an outline for the proposal for our portfolio, and then the proposal (which she didn't teach us how to do... and I've never written a proposal). There's a lot more to it than that, but it's hard to explain because she's crazy. :P
Oh, and that night was Enrichment for my new ward. I went to try and meet people that would be in my new ward, but most of the women there were going to a new ward, and came to say goodbye! I did meet the Bishop and his wife though - very nice couple. :)
Oct 24-25 Barbeque, Party, New Ward
Merrick and Priscilla's visit
OCt 24 was the stake barbeque. I think it was very well timed for being right after the ward changes - everyone got to see everyone else, old ward and new ward members all in one sweep. They had a bouncy castle, and a few 10 year olds would not get out at all. A few mothers of toddlers mentioned how nice it would be if the little kids could play in it, so Andrea (one of the moms that's kind of taken me under her wing :) ) and I went to the Stake President and asked him to clear all the older kids out and let the babies play. It was really fun to see about 10-15 children age 3 and under jumping (or trying to jump) in the castle!
After the barbeque we had a little game night over at Grant and Carrie's house. Steve, Chris and Emily were also there. It was great, b/c Emily doesn't normally get to make it to our get-togethers b/c of work.
Sunday was fun. I was pleased to see so many people that I already knew, but happy to know there were plenty of new people to meet, too. I'm not so great about meeting new people, but I think this will be good. I've been feeling like I've hit a bit of a plateau recently. I know that's really my own fault, but I'm glad that I'll have new challenges and experiences in this ward to help me grow more. :)
These last few pictures are because I LOVE that Rebekah loves playing with her books. She also enjoys moving things from one container to another, so what better activity than putting herself and her beloved books into a basket? :)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
My Birthday!
So, after the Newcombs left, Jeanette came down for a visit. She was out of town when we went up to Phoenix for Ben's wedding, so she hadn't gotten her usual monthly visit with Rebekah.
While she was here (Mon and Tues), I took the opportunity to go to the library for about 5 hours and find all the books I needed for my research papers I'm writing this semester. Daryn took me shopping for my birthday present - a new mop! lol. It was a very nice and expensive steamer mop, the Shark. I love it! We bought dinner at Chick-fil'a, one of my favorite fast food restaurants (I got to pick between a more expensive gift and a cheap dinner, or a less expensive gift and dinner at a real restaurant) and then we had Jeanette and Rebekah join us for dessert at Claim Jumper! :) We LOVE to get their Ice Cream Sandwhich made with Heath Bar cookies, and topped with FUDGE and CARAMEL! YUM!
As always, Jeanette was a huge help, and we had lots of fun. She also gave me some money so that I could buy some new clothes - I need business casual for Student Teach next semester, and I'm seriously lacking in that type of clothing.
On Wednesday - my actual birthday - we went to Denny's for breakfast. Earlier that week Daryn had helped out a sister from church fix her computer set-up, and she rewarded him with gift cards to Denny's and Olive Garden. :) The rest of the day went well, too, though I was sad to have to go to school. My friend made things better by baking me some cookies! Isn't that so sweet? Thanks Erin B!
While she was here (Mon and Tues), I took the opportunity to go to the library for about 5 hours and find all the books I needed for my research papers I'm writing this semester. Daryn took me shopping for my birthday present - a new mop! lol. It was a very nice and expensive steamer mop, the Shark. I love it! We bought dinner at Chick-fil'a, one of my favorite fast food restaurants (I got to pick between a more expensive gift and a cheap dinner, or a less expensive gift and dinner at a real restaurant) and then we had Jeanette and Rebekah join us for dessert at Claim Jumper! :) We LOVE to get their Ice Cream Sandwhich made with Heath Bar cookies, and topped with FUDGE and CARAMEL! YUM!
As always, Jeanette was a huge help, and we had lots of fun. She also gave me some money so that I could buy some new clothes - I need business casual for Student Teach next semester, and I'm seriously lacking in that type of clothing.
On Wednesday - my actual birthday - we went to Denny's for breakfast. Earlier that week Daryn had helped out a sister from church fix her computer set-up, and she rewarded him with gift cards to Denny's and Olive Garden. :) The rest of the day went well, too, though I was sad to have to go to school. My friend made things better by baking me some cookies! Isn't that so sweet? Thanks Erin B!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
General Conference Weekend
General Conference was particularly AWESOME this year! That's because my Grandma and Grandpa Newcomb stopped to see us while they were on their way home from their 2 year mission! Pretty much the last time we saw them was when we got sealed in the Temple (which, I'm pretty sure they put off turning in their papers so they could be there for us - we are so loved).
So, they got to meet their great-granddaughter and spend the weekend with us. :) Grandpa took us out to dinner to celebrate my winning the Rodel Foundation Promising Student Teacher Award. (oh, BTW, did I tell you that I get a $1000 scholarship for next semester? That's really good b/c my academic scholarship has been used up, since I'm in my 5 year of college.) And then Saturday evening we went to Kati's, and the guys went to Priesthood session together, and afterwords we had pizza. Yum!
Sunday we went over to Kati's for lunch and the afternoon session, and had brownies to celebrate my birthday. :)
AND, I'm a total loser because I didn't get a single picture with my camera! BUT - I know Kati did! :) I love you sister. The next time I come over (not soccer, we have to leave right after the game this Friday) I'm going to need to raid your pictures again: For the birthday pictures I didn't have space for last time, and pictures with the Newcombs. Thanks!
EDIT: Kati rocks and e-mailed me these:
Anyway, we had a LOVELY time with my grandparents, and I'm so glad they stayed to visit with us for a while. Daryn particularly enjoyed talking with Grandpa - they have so much in common! :)
So, they got to meet their great-granddaughter and spend the weekend with us. :) Grandpa took us out to dinner to celebrate my winning the Rodel Foundation Promising Student Teacher Award. (oh, BTW, did I tell you that I get a $1000 scholarship for next semester? That's really good b/c my academic scholarship has been used up, since I'm in my 5 year of college.) And then Saturday evening we went to Kati's, and the guys went to Priesthood session together, and afterwords we had pizza. Yum!
Sunday we went over to Kati's for lunch and the afternoon session, and had brownies to celebrate my birthday. :)
AND, I'm a total loser because I didn't get a single picture with my camera! BUT - I know Kati did! :) I love you sister. The next time I come over (not soccer, we have to leave right after the game this Friday) I'm going to need to raid your pictures again: For the birthday pictures I didn't have space for last time, and pictures with the Newcombs. Thanks!
EDIT: Kati rocks and e-mailed me these:
Anyway, we had a LOVELY time with my grandparents, and I'm so glad they stayed to visit with us for a while. Daryn particularly enjoyed talking with Grandpa - they have so much in common! :)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
New Practicum Assignment
Today I went to Flowing Wells High School and met Mrs. Demetria Murray, as well as Ms. Jensen - the head of the Math Department - and the Principal of the school. They gave me an interview to get to know me better since the Rodel Foundation has assigned me to work with Mrs. Murray for my Student Teaching. And, thanks to my Master Teacher, I get to know Mrs. Murray this semester during my practicum and don't have to deal with the awkwardness of the other teacher that embarrassed me so badly at the start. :)
The interview was GREAT. They all made it very clear that they had high expectations, but I didn't expect anything less. You all know that I hold myself to some pretty high standards - only because we all know I'm capable of achieving those standards! :) (If I would stop procrastinating!)
Oh, and fun fact for those of you who know who John Shadegg is, Mrs. Murray is his niece! :)
The interview was GREAT. They all made it very clear that they had high expectations, but I didn't expect anything less. You all know that I hold myself to some pretty high standards - only because we all know I'm capable of achieving those standards! :) (If I would stop procrastinating!)
Oh, and fun fact for those of you who know who John Shadegg is, Mrs. Murray is his niece! :)
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