Orange Lilies

I decided that I wanted to be a teacher about four years ago. With the change of major and transfer of universities, it took much longer to graduate than I anticipated. So when I found out that it was going to be challenging to find a job teaching I was frustrated with myself. Why not just graduate all those years ago in whatever? I could have saved a ton of money and I would surely have found a job. I applied for about 20 jobs. I interviewed six times. I heard there were almost 100 applicants for most jobs. Despite the competition I was SURE I would get each of the jobs I interviewed for. It was one disappointing letter/e-mail after another. Finally two weeks ago, I went to an interview during girl's camp. I went down the mountain everyday to check my phone.. and on the last day of camp I found out.. NO. Not hired. A really nice e-mail, like the rest, saying that I was at the top, but just not who they chose. I felt terrible for disappointed Russ too. He was supposed to go to school this fall. I felt like a failure. This job opportunity I didn't get felt like the last chance.

I went back up to girl's camp, trying to hide my frustration. Focusing on our AWESOME girlies. We had such a great time, I almost forgot I was supposed to be feeling bad. At the fireside that night, my sweet friend Andrea Tesch came with her best friend Hannah. Hannah has cerebral palsy and spoke to us about her daily life and her testimony of the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Her words rang true to me and as I listened to her, I felt foolish for even having dwelt a little bit on the pain of rejection. What beautiful perspective! When i came home from camp, my husband had orange lilies for me on the kitchen table (as well as an ice cold diet coke.) He told me that he could never be disappointed in my efforts. He knew I only did what I thought I should. Six days later I was getting ready to go visiting teaching and I got a phone call from a principal in Ogden City. She had received my application and was interested in interviewing me. . . THAT DAY. As soon as we finished our visits, I rushed home, changed clothes, and rushed to the interview.

The principal was friendly and the interview went well. I interviewed for a 4th grade teaching position at T.O. Smith Elementary. (five minutes from my house) That afternoon, before Russ even got home from work, I was called with the news... I GOT THE JOB!!! I am a new third grade teacher at T.O. Smith Elementary School. (unless they change it to fifth.) There are at least three other girls from my classes who will be teaching at this school this year. (SO FUN!)

It has been a long summer, filled with interviews and stress.

Now time to prepare for an exciting year at a great school!
Did I mention that my lilies are still in bloom? :)

She said YES!! A new sister!!

About a month ago the seven of us (Anna, Cecilia, Spencer, Lorne, Emma, Russ, and I) decided to go up to Idaho to spend time with our grandparents. We love going to the farm. The boys helped Grandpa with the animals and the fence. We got to pick strawberries, work in the garden and we girls even went shopping in Pocatello.

Lorne decided to take Emma up to a place we used to play as kids, "The Crick" and propose. All of us headed up there before dinner. We had to cross the creek on a bridge the boys made for us and then Lorne took Emma on a hike while the rest of us stayed below and waited for them to return. When they FINALLY came back they were ENGAGED! Lorne found out later that our parents and our grandparents got engaged in Pocatello. Also.. added bonus.. My sweetie asked my Dad for permission to marry me out on the farm in good old Pocatello.

"Baby You're A Firework"

My cute husband LOVES Katy Perry's music. :) One of our favorite tunes this summer has been her "firework" song. Speaking of fireworks.. we had a fantastic Independence Day! It began with an "Awful Waffle" at Bea and Rich's and ended with fireworks in Kaysville with my siblings. (Except for two... Jessica lives in North Carolina and Anna was in Hawaii)

Pre School!

I spent the first chunk of the summer co-teaching.. PRE SCHOOL! This is my adorable nephew, Gage. He was in our class. I enjoyed spending my days with these sweet children. I learned a lot about classroom management and I believe these cuties are ready for KINDERGARTEN!! :D Good luck! I will miss you! Look out Club Heights! Here they come!

California Trip

Russell's Papa passed away earlier this summer. We were heartbroken because we will miss him so much and because we know Nana will miss him too. The most beautiful part of the service to me, was after family prayer, before the funeral. Nana kissed Papa goodbye on the cheek. It was so simple. She was dressed in white and looked like an angel. I know that they will see each other again. Papa lived a good life; full of service to the church, family, and hard work. He left us a beautiful legacy. Until we meet again Papa!

While we were in town for the funeral, Russell's family visited some of their old houses. It was so much fun to go there with Russ and see the places lived and went to school.