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! :)
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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! :)
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! :)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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. :)
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. :)
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