Oh yeah, In April I graduated...

The Sun Shines Again

My sweet former mission companion, Aimee writes a lot of inspiring stuff in her blog.

Her testimony shines through with each post. Today is her birthday and I have decided to (as I did on the mission) follow her excellent example. She has inspired me to indulge in sharing some feelings from my heart...
During church today, I sat thinking about life lately. We have experienced some dark times the past few months. Through all of the tricky times, there is this constant beacon of hope. We trust in our God. Russ and I know that as we trust in God, all will be well. As challenging as it can be to hold on tight when the winds come, we do.

Then one day, we wake up and the sun is shining. The sky is clear and life feels good again. Somehow we are changed. We are stronger for having survived the storm. We go throughout our days with a stronger stride because we have confidence that He is here. God is on our side. We will follow Him. We will build up His kingdom. We will serve Him. We have a desire to share with other people this peace and truth we have found. We want our brothers and sisters to be happy and to live with us and God again... So we live our lives. We share the gospel when we can. We try to be sweet examples of love, humility, truth, and goodness. In Young Women today, we discussed eternal marriage. Isn't it amazing that families can be together forever? That a husband and wife will continue their relationship after death? These things ring true to me. There could be no other way. Jesus is our Savior and through the enabling power of the Atonement we can get through these dark times. With Him by our side, we will come off conquerers.



Thank you Aimee for your words and your inspiration. :) Mannheim will always be a cherished memory for me.

VEGAS Road Trip!!

This spring, my sister, Cecilia, our cousin Franchesca, Mom, and Aunt Carla all went to Vegas. We had so much fun. My favorite parts of the trip were shopping at H&M, and just hanging with my cousins. Gotta love Vegas! :)

Pepsi Max - Interview

Student Teaching

I am such a lucky girl. I am absolutely LOVING my student teaching experience. I am with two amazing teachers this semester. I started out in first grade and I move over to fifth grade later in February. I learn so much every day from my Cooperating Teacher and other teachers in the school. Uintah Elementary is a great place to student teach. The faculty and staff are so helpful and kind. I feel like they are all on my "team." The students are fabulous and adorable. Next week I am beginning my unit on Antarctica. I will be taking over the whole class. This makes me nervous, but I also feel ready for this challenge.

Meet Marley!

After a year of talking about how much I wanted a dog... While we were at yellowstone last summer, Russell finally gave in and decided I could have a puppy! My cousins, Jessica and Brian, breed Golden Doodles (and Basset Hounds.) I have wanted one for years. So this is all a dream come true for me.

Shortly after the puppies were born, we drove up to Idaho to meet our pup. It took a LONG time to pick out a name (with help from Grandma), finally we decided on Marley. The first movie Russ and I went to together was "Marley and Me." Christmas Day 2008. So I guess we are succors for the sentimental stuff.

Marley is growing bigger every day. He loves going on walks, children, eating time, squeaky toys, his knit elephant, watching Chuck on TV, and playing with Tank, the golden retriever next door.

If you're happy and you know it..

For the past few years I have worked as a group leader at Club Heights After School Program. This year is no exception. I get to work with the Kindergarten again this year. It is a lot of fun. And a lot of work. I get to hang with all the kids most the day, but spend an extra 45 minutes with just these adorable 5 year olds. This week has been especially difficult for Russ and I. We found out on Tuesday that Russ was laid off. I have been trying to have a good attitude and focus on school, work, and church stuff. Thursday I was on the stage (our afterschool classroom)with the kindergarteners. We were making Turkey hats. I was lost in thought thinking about grown up problems when a sweet little boy started singing, "If you're happy and you know it.." Pretty soon all of us were up singing and dancing and laughing. I felt silly for worrying about my grown up problems at work. I decided then and there that work is an opportunity for me to focus on these kids and THEIR needs. That can be very refreshing. I am here right now, surrounded by happy kids at Friday computers. No matter what's going on in the outside world, these kids sure know how to play. :)