Rambling Rose

Day 3

2012-01-04T20:41:00.000-08:00

http://www.bodyrock.tv/2012/01/04/day-3-of-the-30-day-challenge-international-love-workout/

Here is day three's workout! OH MY GOODNESS! Hardcore! Bleh. It reminds me of high school volleyball!

BODYROCK.tv

BodyRock.tv

2012-01-03T18:38:00.001-08:00

Have any of you heard of this yet?

So I have started the 30 day challenge with my sister, Kristy. I just did the pre-assessment.

7 exercises, 50 seconds each, 10 seconds in between:

Squat jumps: 27

Push ups (the girl ones): 13

Burpees (KILL ME): 7

High Knees: 68

Switch Lunges: 17

Tuck Jumps (KILL ME): 11

Straight Abs: 47

Each day this site posts a new video that is no longer than 10 minutes usually with a kick butt workout routine. After the 30 days, I will re-assess my abilities to do these exercises in the time allotment and see how I've improved.

(Look what just came in the mail too!!!)

FEEL FREE TO DO THIS WITH ME! I'm a little behind, but better late than never!

www.BODYROCK.tv

Wish me luck! Good luck to everyone doing it with me!

WOO!

Hottest Sisters EVER

2011-11-17T08:38:00.000-08:00

I love how Stacey's hand is giving an "I Love You" in sign language. ha ha. What what?!!!

You Make Me Happy When Skies Are Grey...

2011-11-12T23:23:00.000-08:00

Hot glue gun to keep the crayons there, flat iron to melt the crayons, blow dryer to blend, ink for the print transfer. I'm sure it can be done in a more simple way...but this is how I did it.

(I literally made this!)

Day 18 Plans/Dreams/Goals You Have...

2011-11-10T17:39:00.001-08:00

Plans: To find a place to live where I can be creative and OWN it. To be happy.

Dreams: To be happy, healthy, and wise? ha ha. CORNY!

Goals: Run a 1/2 marathon.

Day 17 Someone You Would Want to Switch Lives With For One Day and Why...

2011-11-10T17:35:00.000-08:00

I would want to switch lives with a lot of people....but if I were to really do that...I would want to switch with someone who is a singer or an actress.

I would want to get onstage and sing my guts out in front of a whole bunch of people who love my music.

Or...

I would want to be an actress so I could use my money on my down time for a day of spas and relaxation. ha ha.

Side Post...

2011-11-07T23:01:00.000-08:00

Print Making!!!

I took the positive and the negative from above and used ink, and a roller (it has a name, but I don't feel like looking at my notes. ha ha) and made these!!!!!

Above and below are my two favorites!

Just wanted to show them off. I had so much FUN making these! :)

Day 16 ANOTHER picture of you.

2011-11-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

This is me on Halloween (the Friday before) at the school.

Taking pictures with photobooth.

I was a butterfly or a fairy....take your pick. I just like doing my hair like that and doing pink makeup and I have the wings already. ha ha.

Day 15 iPod on shuffle-first 10 songs that play...

2011-11-07T15:19:00.000-08:00

I don't care about this one.

Instead I will list the top ten songs listed as most listened to on my itunes.

1) Who Says by Selena Gomez
2) King of Anything by Sara Bareilles
3) Hello (I don't have an artist listed, but it's listed on a previous post)
4) Rocketeer
5) Lost by Michael Buble
6) Make You Feel My Love by Adele
7) Track 17....it's a song from Britt that says do that dance and stick to the B.E.A.T....
8) Clockwork by Juelz Santana
9) Firework by Katy Perry
10) Clubbed to Death by Rob Dougan

DAY 14 Picture of my Family

2011-11-05T18:11:00.001-07:00

Left to Right: Kayleb, Kristy, Dan, Hailey, Ky, Alaina, Kase, Stacey, Hudson, Mom, Dad, Drew, Gary, Jayce, Ledger, Leslie, Bryce, Greg, Me.

(Don't judge if I spelled a name wrong!)

DAY 13 A Letter to Someone Who has Hurt You Recently

2011-11-04T15:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Person-Who-Hurt-Me-Recently,

Sometimes, I wonder why you don't think I'm worth it. The way you talk to me, the indifferent attitude towards me riddled with manipulation and double standards makes me feel bad.

Sometimes it's normal. Sometimes you make me feel good.

But most of the time I feel like I am searching for a kind word or touch or even eye contact; to be noticed by you in a way that is not negative.

Because of you, I have wondered if I'm worth it.

Sincerely,

Me

Day 12 How I found out about blogger and got started.

2011-11-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is actually a funny story. In 2008/09 I used to send my sister, Stacey pictures of me through email with a little blurb about what was going on in the pictures. She was big into blogging and thought, "That is so what a blog is for!"

So she created a blog for me and put the pictures and everything I wrote in the emails on the blog...including a few references to being on my period. ;) ha ha.

That was when I decided to take over the blog, figure out how to use it, and get blogging.

...and here I am today.

Day 11 Another Picture of You and Your Friends

2011-11-02T18:49:00.001-07:00

Obviously, this is a joke. I didn't read ahead and see this. I posted all of the pictures I have on this computer on the OTHER posting of my friends....so, I thought I'd include these cute piggies this time. ;)

Day 10 Songs You Listen to:

2011-11-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Day 10: Songs you listen to when you're bored, happy, sad, mad, hyped.

(Now, I would like to remind everyone that I DO NOT know song titles. I know of some singers, but for the most part, I just know the song when I hear it and I sing it too...If you know me...you know I'm addicted to music. Here are some examples of songs/music I listen to.)

Bored-ANYTHING
*La Di Da by Asher Roth
*Shake Me Down by Cage the Elephant
*If I Die Young by The Band Perry
*No Surprises by Radiohead

Happy-UPBEAT (Also, refer to the hyped and hyper portion....anything upbeat makes me happy.)
*Who Says by Selena Gomez
*Put your record on by Corinee Bailey Rae
*Hello Goodbye

Sad- Dashboard Confessionals, Adele, Jazz.
*Lost by Michael Buble
*To make you feel my love by Harry or Adele
*Jar of Hearts
*Someone Like You by Adele

Mad- Linkin Park
*Paper Planes by M.I.A.
*Jar of Hearts
*SkyScraper

Hyped/Hyper- Matrix Soundtrack
*Clubbed to Death by Rob Dougan
*Hello by VDJ X-Zone Xone
*Beggin' by Madcon
*Time to Pretend by MGMT

That's all off the top of my head. I LOVE all kinds of music. ha ha.

Day 9 Something You're Proud of in the Past Few Days

2011-11-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

I am proud that I got through Halloween as a teacher.

(Just a joke! I don't know this kid! ha ha)

I am proud that I am organized.

I am proud that my students feel successful even when I am STRESSED!

I am proud that I cooked homemade meals.

Day 8 Short Term Goal

2011-11-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

Day 8: Short term goal for this month and when you'll accomplish it.

My short term goal for this month is to WORKOUT and be more healthy.

I will accomplish this 2-3 times a week. :)

Day 7 A picture of someone/thing that has the biggest impact on you

2011-11-01T18:17:00.000-07:00

My Savior

Kristy and Greg would be part of this, but I don't have any pictures with them on this computer. :(

Music

Day 6 Favorite Super Hero and Why

2011-10-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

My favorite super hero is still undetermined. I don't care about crap like that. A few of the ones that I like are:

Wonder Woman because she's sexy,

Superman because he's buff...and can't lie,

Batman because he's hott,

Thor because he's hott and buff,

...and the Incredibles Family because they are awesome! :)

But my real heros would be members from my family. The people I look up to. Love you guys. Kiss!

Day 5 Picture of Somewhere I've Been

2011-10-27T17:03:00.001-07:00

Vegas

New York City

Ensenada, Mexico

Tri-Cities, Washington ;)

Destin, Florida

Day 4 Habit I Wish I Didn't Have

2011-10-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

A few habits that I have:

Biting on my fingers...and I don't mean my nails....I mean my fingers. Yuck. I wish I didn't do that. Or I wish I looked more like this while doing it:

I also pop my knuckles. That's super fun. Even just writing about it just now makes me want to pop my knuckles. Ugh! I just stopped typing to pop my knuckles!

Those are my two biggest habits that I wish I didn't have. :(

Day 3 Picture of you and your friends:

2011-10-25T21:27:00.000-07:00

These are the only pictures I have. Don't be sad if you're not in this...YOU are SO my friend! Kisses for my friends! :)

Day 2

2011-10-24T21:37:00.000-07:00

The meaning behind my blog name:

Well....My last name is Rose. One of my grandpa's favorite songs was called Rambling Rose (or something). When I was trying to come up with a name for my blog...that popped into my head and I thought...I will kind of be rambling.

I thought it was a nice sounding name and a little funny in my mind.

:)

Day One

2011-10-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Day 1-Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself. 1) I am 5'11'' and 3/4'' (exactly). 2) I am Norwegian. 3) I can sing. 4) I went to BYU and SUU. 5) I am a teacher. 6) I play volleyball. 7) I'm from Washington state. 8) I enjoy art. 9) I love music. 10) I have an awesome family. 11) I am LDS. 12) I am the youngest in my family. 13) I've broken my foot and had stitches once. 14) I love the seasons. 15) I feel weird if I don't have something to read.

30 Day Challenge: BRING IT

2011-10-23T18:07:00.001-07:00

30 Day Challenge
Each day of the month, write a blog post according to these guidelines below:

Day 1-Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

Day 2-The meaning behind your Blog name

Day 3-A picture of you and your friends

Day 4-A habit that you wish you didn't have

Day 5-A picture of somewhere you've been

Day 6-Favorite super hero and why

Day 7-A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

Day 8-Short term goals for this month and when you'll accomplish them

Day 9-Something you're proud of in the past few days

Day 10-Songs you listen to when you're bored, happy, sad, mad, hyped

Day 11-Another picture of you and your friends

Day 12-How you found out about blogger and why you have one

Day 13-A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Day 14-'A picture of you and your family

Day 15-Put your ipod or shuffle on-first 10 songs that play

Day 16-Another picture of yourself

Day 17-Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day 18-Plans/dreams/goals you have

Day 19-Nicknames you have and why you have them

Day 20-Someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future

Day 21-A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 22-What makes you different from everyone else

Day 23-Something you crave for a lot

Day 24-A letter to your parents

Day 25-What I would find in your bag

Day 26-What do you think about your friends

Day 27-Why you are doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28-A picture of you from last year and now-how have you changed?

Day 29-In this past month, what have you learned?

Day 30-Your favorite song

Pearl Wreath

2011-10-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Yeah, it took forever and I almost broke my back doing it, but I like how it turned out. :)

Projects COMPLETED!

2011-10-03T19:23:00.000-07:00

First take a wire wreath frame and a feather boa...

Wrap the boa around the frame. It's okay to space it out a little...the feathers will hide it. Tie the two ends together.

You can add a ribbon to hang it...

I chose the plain purple ribbon look...NO bow.

My friend Britt chose a really cute sparkly orange ribbon bow.

I think they both turned out great. SO easy, FAST, and CHEAP!

I then tried to create a ball of pearls. I plan to do several at different sizes and hang them at different levels. :)

Foam ball, hot glue gun, lots of different sized pearl beads.

My next project: I want to have this done by December to put on my door. SO pretty! Take a green wreath frame and wrap white satin ribbon onto it. Then use pearl pins and beads to fill it in. I love how there are different sizes and colors. SO elegant.

The Ugly Dance

2011-09-29T17:38:00.001-07:00

http://theuglydance.com/?v=viuwircinj

My Classroom this Year

2011-08-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

These are my new walls that I finally did this year! :)

FLORIDA

2011-08-23T14:55:00.000-07:00

Just happy to be here!

From the left: Anna, Me, Carol, April.

At the Crab Trap. Officially allergic to shellfish.

It would storm for a few hours in the afternoon and then go away again. Here is a video of it. :)

We went to a store and there was a fish tank in the middle. There were HUGE fish in it. Here are my several tries at getting a picture through the tank. :)

Yeah, I fed alligators.

This is a kind of scary place, but it was RIGHT on the water and the food was GREAT! :)

We had our last meal at a place called Finz. I forgot to take a picture of the plate...because we were all STARVING, but it looked like something Gordon Ramsay would make!

It was SO beautiful. White sand beaches, dolphins, great food, relaxation with fun people...What a great trip!

25

2011-08-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

I saw this number spray painted on the sidewalk while walking with my mom I said, "If I was still 24, I'd want my picture taken with that," and kept walking. She laughed. I looked at her...

And she said she found the 25...

We got in my car...but I turned around and did want a picture because it is pretty funny if you think about it.

Sometimes I try to look nice...

2011-07-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Final Thoughts for Education Law

2011-07-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

Customers

Our customers are parents, staff, and students. As teachers, we know that all three groups talk about us. We must decide what those conversations are about. Constantly being on is a lot of pressure, but it is easier to have the good things go home for discussion than to clean up after the bad things go home.

*Goal: Make a list of what is going to be done/learned in the year. Toot your own horn because no one else will.

*Goal: Be more consistent in calling homes or sending positive praise in the mail.

*Goal: Get parents more involved in my classroom.

Everyone wants to be a winner. In my classroom I have intentional non-learners who have been beat down in life. They may be disruptive because they gave up a long time ago. I also have the “just can’t do it” students. Whether this student really cannot do it or if they just believe so my job it to make it so they CAN do it. Albert Einstein once said, “Everyone is a genius; but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it’s stupid.” (Taken from a profile status on Facebook)

*Goal: Make more accommodations.

*Goal: Do more small group instruction instead of just one on one.

*Goal: Get more students involved in the helping process so I can reach both types of kids in my class.

I can win with my parents by getting them into my classroom. I can have them give speeches or present something to my students. I can also win with saying thank you and showing gratitude. I can treat everyone with respect, every day, all the time.

Winning with Staff and Students

Be an initiator. Praise people to get what you want. Make decisions based on what your best people will think, not just the grumblers or nah-sayers. Make the right people feel comfortable or uncomfortable. Make decisions based on how this will look in the future. What matters most today might not matter at all tomorrow or it will matter more. For example, a teacher in California did not let his students go play in the snow. It was the first time it had snowed in fifty years, but finishing a math assignment was more important.

Everything depends on the way you made them feel.

Failure is NOT an Option

On the video Miracle shown in class, the coach was scrutinized and mocked for his goals. One man looked at the coach and said, “That’s a pretty lofty goal.” The coach looked back at him, thought for a moment, and replied, “Well, that’s why I want to pursue it.” I find this very inspirational.

During my second year of teaching my students could tell you something I said a lot of the time. I simply said, “High Expectations”. If a student was ready to give up or if students did not want to try anymore or work hard I would say, “High Expectations”. In class a new quote was, “Let your high expectations drive your decisions.” I like this one a lot. I will most likely put this on my wall near my desk.

*Goal: Share the story of Miracle and the quote from the coach as well as the new saying for High Expectations with my student at the beginning of the year. Refer to it often.

Build Relationships

Everyone has a story. Find them out. I loved these videos about people and their individual lives and situations all around the world. Sometimes I look at a student and honestly wonder what their situation is. Usually, I can find out. It does take time.

The biggest things I can do not just as a teacher, but as a human being, is give service. There was a blind man on the video, but he was taken care of. I don’t remember what country he is from, but it is a culture different from ours. The entire family has one bank account that they all work to put money in. They all live together. The blind man has a job grinding wheat. I noticed that the family has trust, communication, love, they are invested, and they have gratitude for one another.

There was also a man who became a body builder. He was one of the first in his country. He said, “Don’t put some fence around your mind.” So, what would you do if you knew you would not fail? Some things I have thought of are: Go to Africa and teach at a deaf school. Get my ASL interpreter’s license (level 3). Sing. Write a book. Learn several languages like Spanish, French, German, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese.

How do I make my dreams reality? By having the courage to do hard things. Prioritizing my time well. Making small goals. “If you have no back, you have no front,” said the body builder referring to his past and how far he has come.

We have the world at stake. How are we helping these kids? We change lives for the better or for worse. Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Final Thoughts

It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short and again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat. –Teddy Roosevelt (1910)

Many in Utah view education and teaching as a church calling, but it is NOT! It is a JOB! Teaching is being treated as a business. So be a businessman.

Be smart. YOU are in charge of the situation and how it turns out.

PS I think that these things apply to a lot more than just teaching.

Bear Lake 4th of July

2011-07-15T13:39:00.001-07:00

Can you see it? Need a close up?

FUDGE!

Ice Blocking and Family Fun...Not forced.

2011-07-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

One time...in High School...I went ice blocking....and crashed...on this same hill.

Considering that I only went halfway down the hill and had either my legs or my arms in the grass for most of the time....I only got one major injury:

I went down with Kayleb. We made it about 2 feet before my butt fell off and scraped along the grass and twigs. If this picture offends you, pretend it's an arm? It looks similar. OW!

Leslie and Ledger

Kayleb

Dad

Train

Mom :)

Me and Leslie with Creeper Kayleb and Bored Gary in the background. ha ha.

Tough Guy

Goodbye Ice Blocks

After an afternoon of milkshakes and swimming...we gathered at Mom and Dad's for a BBQ and game night.

This is me, trying to decide if I can win this game. Nope. Ha ha. Can you see my sunburn? And Dad's and Leslie's? Yeah...toasty.

Stacey's Birthday

2011-07-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

First we got pedicures that weren't as good as the other place or as good as the place I go to here in Utah, but it was nice.

Then we went to the Olive Garden and sat in the "Grown Up" section. ha ha.

We went to the movie Midnight at Paris which was okay, but a little long....

After playing with the hand dryers in the bathroom, I took Stacey to the store to get some necessities...and then home to her kiddies.

What a FUN BIRTHDAY!
WOO!
Love you Stacey!

ART SHOT SOMEWHERE IN THE MALL:

Fishing at the Family Reunion

2011-07-14T17:54:00.001-07:00

Here I am in my fishing vest. Snazzy, right?

Worm

Ok, so you know how you catch branches, and limbs in the water and out? Well, we did that...

But.....

Have any of you ever caught a ROCK?!

Yeah! A ROCK! Here's the proof. At least it didn't take the worm. We thought about throwing it back because it was so small...but decided to keep it because it was such a rare catch. :)

Fishy Number 1

Real Size:

Fishy Number 2:

Real Size:

Cool Ford Model T something or other a guy drove by. I sure gave a lot of people a view trying to get into this thing without doors...Oh well. Good times. :)

Education Law Paper #1

2011-06-28T21:39:00.000-07:00

Ok. So here is my confession. I have been disappointed by several of the classes in my Master's program. I am currently in my last class to receive my degree: Education Law.

In the beginning week of class...I was worried that it would be just as disappointing as the rest. But then something strange happened. I was assigned a paper. Not just a paper, but a choice paper. There are five topics and I have to write papers on three, of my choice.

I looked through the options and chose the one I thought would take the least amount of time.

By the end of the paper though, I noticed that I was excited about it. I was interested in the content. I was spending time on my research because I wanted to learn more.

The paper was about religion in schools, due process, and the process for dismissal in my profession.

I am SO happy that there is finally a class that DIRECTLY correlates with my profession. It is FINALLY reminding me about some of the things that I used to have a passion for learning about. AT LAST!

It feels a little bitter sweet. My last class. I wish that they all were like this one. It's just SO RELEVANT! I love it!

Here are some snip-bits of my 1st paper:

Religion

The discussion of the rights of employees in expressing their own beliefs is fairly straightforward. To put

it plainly, it is agreed that employees should not preach for or endorse religion in the classroom setting.

However, it is understood that this is harder said than done.

Religion should be studied from an academic perspective. There are several examples of where you

should draw the line between what can and cannot happen in the classroom concerning religion education.

For example, academic vs. devotional, awareness vs. acceptance, study vs. practice, expose vs. impose,

educate vs. denigrate, inform vs. conform are several illustrations of what is acceptable and not acceptable

religious education.

Due Process

Due process, or notice and the opportunity to defend yourself, is contingent on the circumstances of each specific incident. The 14^th Amendment states the government shall not “deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law.” Basically, this means that everyone has an opportunity for fairness.

Employees in public education are most in need of protection for things like accumulated leave, the right to continue employment during a contract time frame and the right to file a grievance. These things are gained through contract or state/federal law. Once the educators have them, they may not be taken awake without due process of law.

Dismissal Process: Concluding paragraphs (it's long)

If an employee is to be terminated within contract time, a letter will be given to the teacher. The letter may be mailed or given personally to the teacher 30 days prior to the date of termination. The letter will give details for reasons of termination. The teacher can request a hearing within 15 days of the letter. If a hearing is not requested, the teacher will be fired without a hearing. The teacher may be suspended from work pending a hearing with or without pay, depending on the decision of a district representative.

I do not believe that there should be more steps included in this process. The teachers are given notice, help to fix problems, and the right to a hearing to defend themselves. This is plenty. It is already incredibly hard to fire insufficient teachers.

Girl's Lunch!

2011-06-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

(Stole this from Jeanna) ha ha ha

IT'S HERE!!!!

2011-06-20T15:24:00.001-07:00

Ms. Rose's Class Birthday Party!

2011-06-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

I HATE doing a million birthdays a year for all of my kids. I don't like the kids asking, "When do we get to sing happy birthday to so and so...." over and over and over again. On my first year of teaching I decided on a solution...

One HUGE party at the end of the year! :)
All of my kids know that they can bring in a treat to pass out to the class during the last time period of school or right before lunch on their birthday, but there are no individual parties and the Happy Birthday song is only sang once (in my classroom...a lot of them sing it in the cafeteria...ha ha).

My kids brought most of the fun food and activities for the party including this AWESOME cake! We had cake, ice cream sundaes...plus tons of topping, chips and 7-layer dip, muffins, cookies, cheetos, and very sugary drinks! I also taught them how to play some fun interactive games like murder in the dark (the hand holding one...Ooooo!) We had tons of fun and are excited that we are one year older...and wiser too! ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

PS I'm dressed like that because we had a faculty vs the 6th grade volleyball game...and I brought my game face (we won by the way...).

And Now They're Gone

2011-05-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

So I went to check on the birds before I left my place and they're gone. They were obviously too young to fly...so they are dead. Something ate them. :(

They're HERE!!!

2011-05-09T06:48:00.000-07:00

Don't worry. They aren't that exposed. There is a whole section of the bush covering them. I just pull it back to look at them. It's nice actually because then Mommy doesn't smell me so close to the babies...just on the top of one branch. SO CUTE!

Oh photoshop. You amaze me.

SUU MASTER'S GRADUATION!

2011-05-07T21:29:00.001-07:00

Morning of:

Brand New Purse! :)

There's this statue in the student's center and she wanted a high five for graduation!!! WOO!

Some of the girls from the Cohort.

Codi, Jeanna and I:

Walking to our seats to the graduation song.

I have walked. I have been hooded. I am all smiles.

Sexy hoods.

Codi and her baby. (Libby)

And the artistic one:

I just thought this was funny since I was wasting time when I found it!

2011-05-04T17:45:00.002-07:00

This is one of those magic eye things were there's a 3-D image that will pop out if you can figure it out. :)

Copper

2011-05-04T16:23:00.001-07:00

The Copper Mine. Woo.

It was BIG.

Eyes and Hair

2011-05-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

So, my eyelashes have always been short. I've looked longingly at girls and boys alike as they wander by and seem to be able to fly away simply by batting their eyelashes....well, NO MORE! Now I have eyelashes too! :)

I also went back to my natural hair color. Yay!

True to habit: Here is my one artistic photo. ha ha.

Stacey's Blanket

2011-05-04T16:12:00.001-07:00

My sister Stacey made this gorgeous baby blanket for a friend of ours and I wanted to showcase it on my blog. Isn't it pretty?! I hope that I can learn how to do this. Thanks Stace! Kiss!

(And that's Zoe...the puppy. :)

This Post is for Heather!

2011-05-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

Look what I found in a bush right by the stairs up to my apartment. The Mommy bird has scared me on at least 4 different occasions. This time I jumped back when she zoomed out of the bush and then I thought, "HEY! That's the same dang bird!" And THEN I thought, "Ooooo! There must be a nest." And what do you know? There it is. :)

I hope that all of the tenants walking near the nest won't spook the Mom.

"Possible Pig! I've killed a lot of people!"

2011-04-27T17:21:00.000-07:00

I went home for spring break. I hung out with the family and went over to my sister's pig farm. ha ha ha. Just kidding. Two of her boys are showing the two black pigs in this year's fair. She is just letting some friends use her land for their pigs also. :) So I got into the pen (after her dumb done tried to kill me. Dumb DOG!) and pet the pigs as they ran away (they aren't tamed yet).

If you know me well, you know I LOVE animals. You also know that I grew up showing sheep and rabbits and my brother and sister showed pigs. I grew up with ANIMALS. Dogs, cats, rabbits, pigs, sheep, guinea pigs (which I don't like), and fish.

If you know me REALLY well, you know that I sat with a pig and helped her give birth to SEVERAL piglets. Pigs are really cute animals. They actually like to be clean...if you didn't know that. It's just hard to stay clean when you are locked in a pen filled with your own poo. :( Baby pigs are SOOOO cute! Yay for spring and all of the new life!

(PS the title is a movie quote from either The Princess Bride or Robin Hood Men in Tights...I know it's that blond guy who said it...I just can't remember which movie. ha ha ha.)

The ABC's of Me

2011-04-20T15:53:00.000-07:00

Age: 25

Bed Size: Queen

Chore you hate: I hate cleaning the toilet and the shower.

Dogs: Love most dogs.

Essential start of your day: Using the bathroom and brushing my teeth?

Favorite Color: Violet or Lavendar, but to actually wear...black, blue, gray, and purple

Gold or silver: Silver

Height: 5'11 3/4"

Instruments I play (or have played): Piano, Violin, and my voice.

Job Title: 6th grade elementary school teacher. :)

Kids: Definitely.

Live: Utah

Mom's Name: Lynn

Nickname: Megs, Meggers, Meggie-poo (but I only really tolerate one person calling me that), and a few others that I don't feel like sharing...you understand. ha ha.

Overnight hospital stays: Tonsils when I was little and one other time.

Pet Peeve: Rude people, liars, and tapping sounds

Quote from a movie: Lisa, "Don't do anything halfway unless you are willing to be half happy." "Did you ever wish you could delete everything you said as soon as you'd finished saying it?"

George, "We are all one small adjustment away from making our lives work." "Optimism is sanity for me right now."

"You are tougher than you think."
(How do you know)

and James Bond, "I'm sorry I'm not sorry."

Right or left handed: Right.

Siblings: An older brother and 3 older sisters.

Time you wake up: 6:30...but that's not when I GET up. ha ha.

Underwear: Yes?

Vegetables you dislike: I usually like vegetables. I don't like raw mushrooms...is that a vegetable as well as a fungi? Oops...I kind of teach about them...I should know. ha ha. Anyway, don't like them.

What makes you run late: Getting out of bed...or getting out of bed AND STILL wanting a shower.

X-rays you've had done: Teeth and foot.

Yummy food you make: Christmas cookies, and strawberry/raspberry pie.

Zoo animal: The Tigers

2011-04-07T16:22:00.001-07:00

"In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and
the rest of us would have to settle for something less, because passing
civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the
highest honor and the highest responsibility anyone could have".
--Lee Iacocca

I NEED A NAP!!!

2011-03-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

And I want it to feel like how this looks!

Who Needs a Desk?

2011-03-22T08:20:00.001-07:00

I saw a video with a classroom where there weren't any assigned desks. The students could choose to sit on exercise balls or stand at podiums. They could use a desk if they wanted or even lay on the floor. This was thought to give the students more freedom to think and learn how they learn best. When I saw it I thought: WHAT A JOKE!

My kids were dead this morning. I wanted them energized...because I feel dead. So I had them stand up and do some jumping jacks, hop on one foot, twirl their arms and reach in to touch their nose...etc.

I have the students working on test prep for the big CRT tests coming up. This can be dull. So I switched things up there too. I gave each student a newspaper and had each student (per table) pick a different article. They then came up with comprehension questions for their article. Then the students will rotate their papers. The next student finds that article, reads it, and answers the questions using complete sentences.

So here's the big twist...I told the kids that they can sit however they want, but they have to be using their space (desk, chair, or floor area). The kids instantly perked up. I have kids lounging back with their feet on their desks. I have kids sitting on the floor using the chair as a desk. I have students sitting on their desk using their chair as a step stool. I have students laying under their desks. I have students sitting on their chairs with their legs balled up or crossed underneath them. It looks fun. But here is the really exciting thing about it: EVERYONE is ON TASK. EVERYONE is WORKING. EVERYONE is AWAKE.

Interesting.

I don't think I could do this all of the time. Anything done all the time loses it's purpose over time. But I can see this as a refreshing way to spice things up for my students.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

2011-03-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

In need of some positive reinforcement? How about A BIG HUGE PARTY FULL OF EVERYTHING GREEN?!

Add in a fun group photobooth session...

And I think we've got some lifted spirits!

Thanks again for all of the donations! It was SO fun! The kids LOVED IT!

Strength

2011-02-28T14:14:00.001-08:00

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong - sometimes it's letting go.

I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naive or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.

Don't wish me happiness - I don't expect to be happy- it's gotten beyond that, somehow. Wish me courage and strength and a sense of humor - I will need them all.

Our strength grows out of our weaknesses.

Let every man judge according to his own standards....not by what others tell him.

Poetry Cafe

2011-02-18T10:16:00.000-08:00

We recently had a poetry contest with the entire 6th grade involved. 23 of the poems were chosen as winners from all of the entries combined. These winning entries were then presented at our first annual Poetry Cafe event!

Here is my personal favorite. Don't you think she should be a writer? She wants to be a history professor.

Live

Life is a journey many poets did say

And yes they are right in many a way

But it seems like from where I look

Life is like a very large book

It starts with a beginning soft and sweet

I’ll paint you a picture look and see

A Mother looks at a child with all hopes and dreams

While a Father is only a smile it seems.

Then the chapters of childhood go on without end.

With baseball and movies and broken arms to mend.

Of course the teenager days full of cries

Cell phones and dates and parents’ depressed sighs.

Wedding fun goes on real fast

But after that is all in the past

You’ll have bills and housework that just won’t stop

And look at that, dinner’s a flop

Honey we need a vacation, let’s hire a cook

If only it fit into my pocket book.

Yes not all chapters are happy. We all have our days

Where there is nothing good about life we can say

But there’s other day that will make you smile

Like a sunset you sit and watch for a while

But senior hood comes close to a book’s end

You help your children and adults you recommend

Because you lived you life’s story

You’ve read all the chapters through

And you can truly say

Life’s been a good story for you!

-Karlie

Wind

2011-02-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

So, I woke up this morning with a headache. The kind of headache that makes you squint your eyes. Pretty sure I do not like these types of headaches. I also woke up to the sounds of my apartment blowing over. The wind was ripping across the corners of my place.

I have decided that the wind is the cause for my headache. Therefore, I do not like the wind.

The End

Mmmmm, flowers....

2011-02-15T14:32:00.000-08:00

Some fun sort answers to a science test I gave today:

2011-02-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Katie wants to see if apples that are kept cold will rot or stay edible. She places an apple in the refrigerator and records the date. What should she use as a control?

-Use a notebook and pencil.

-it will be A notebook. Penciel.

Ben notices the milk he poured on his breakfast cereal is lumpy and tastes sour. What inference should Ben make?

-The cereal he Poured wus selled by. And that’s how it tastes sour.

A group of students wonders if pond water smells bad because it has microorganisms in it. Describe a way they could find out.

-thay could yous microorskopek live form

-First, they take a cup and scoop a cup full of pond water in a cup. Then they will have to smell it. If it smells like pond water, it smells like pond water and stinks.

Louis Pasteur discovered how to prevent microorganisms from growing in food. What did he do to the food?

-he went to see how it looked like

-He went and proventizized it.

-He accidentally left something out and forgot about it.

Describe a way microorganisms are helpful to people, and a way they are harmful.

-They can make us die like the waterbear. It can kill us.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-11T12:29:00.000-08:00

Papers rustle as I hustle to to grade papers
Before a fun activity at school on Friday.
The door opens and the school secretary walks into the room
With a large box.
She sets it on my table and smiles at me.
Puzzled,
I rip it open
And find
A dozen roses
And a love note.

I don't think you know how much that made my day.
Thank you Mom and Dad.
I love you!

Results

2011-02-09T09:28:00.000-08:00

It worked. Not well, but it did work. I think that the water I used was too hot and that killed some of my cultures. :(

Oh well. I feel good for trying. :)

Yogurt

2011-02-08T15:44:00.001-08:00

I'm going to try to make homemade yogurt tonight. Wish me luck. :) I'll let you know how it turned out tomorrow.

Life

2011-01-31T09:12:00.001-08:00

CUTE!

2011-01-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

One of my girls came to school in this outfit today. CUTE?!!! YES!!!! I can't show her face legally...but I can show you the outfit. :)

2011-01-15T08:38:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYEDA3JcQqw&ob=av2em

UM YES!!!

2011-01-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

Cupcake Fondue
You will need:

3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup liquid (orange juice, fruit juice, milk, or water)
2 tablespoons light corn syrup
Miniature-size cupcakes in the flavor of your choice, cooled and unfrosted
Assorted sprinkles, chopped nuts, and other toppings

1. Make a batch of your favorite mini cupcakes – homemade or from a mix. Make them nice and small so you don’t feel guilty about enjoying 2 or 3 of them. If you use paper liners for baking, remove them after the cupcakes have cooled. Pound cake or any other firm cake works well for skewering, but any cake will do. I used a simple yellow box-mix cake. Allow to cool completely before dipping.

2. Make the fondue: Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and corn syrup. Adjust the consistency with a drop of liquid or a dash more powdered sugar until you get have a smooth, thick glaze. I used orange juice for the liquid portion to give it a citrus flavor and cheese-like yellow fondue color. You could also use grape juice for a pastel purple, or milk/water and add your own coloring.

3. Pour frosting into the fondue pot. There’s really no need to heat the mixture, but you can keep a small tea light or very low flame underneath just for looks! Display sprinkles and toppings in small ramekins or portion cups and arrange around the fondue pot. Skewer cupcakes in the side and dip the top half into the fondue, then flip the cupcake over and the frosting will drip nicely down the sides. Sprinkle liberally with your favorite toppings.

Young children can even dip the tops of the cupcakes in with their fingers since the fondue is not hot. You may need to give the fondue a quick stir every now and then to keep it smooth if you aren’t actively dipping. This is a sweet, silly, messy project and my son Max (8) and I had a wonderful time making our fondue cupcakes. This would be a great addition to a party desert table, or for a special treat on a rainy day. Enjoy!

Pantoum Poems

2011-01-11T15:16:00.000-08:00

I taught my students how to write Pantoum poems. It's very fun and it's perfect for the kids that are a little older and need to be pushed a little further with poetry.

Here are some examples from my kids! Keep in mind just how amazing they are because these are coming from 11-12 year old kids!!!!

Pastry's

Hot out of the oven.
They are silently waiting.
I absolutely love 'em!
They're waiting for the plating!

They are silently waiting.
The pies filled with sweets.
They're waiting for the plating!
The shop is filled with delicious treats!

The pies filled with sweets.
Oh, they bring me much joy.
The shop is filled with delicious treats!
Some for every girl and boy.

Oh they bring me much joy.
I absolutely love 'em!
Some for every girl and boy.
Hot out of the oven.

R.H. 2011 Ms. Rose's Class :)

America

Oh America the brave!
Its banner up high.
America was saved.
Let the light shine bright!

Its banner up high.
Spotlight on the banner.
Let the light shine bright.
America really matters.

Spotlight on the banner.
The stars shine so bright.
America really matters!
A land with a lot of light.

The stars shine so bright.
America was saved.
A land with a lot of light!
Oh, America the brave!

M.S. 2011 Ms. Rose's Class :)

WWII

Sitting in the trenches
Bullets whizzing by your head.
Ducking behind destroyed park benches.
Not being able to go to bed.

Bullets whizzing by your head.
The British and Russians are on your team.
Not being able to go to bed.
Always hatching a clever scheme.

The British and Russians are on your team.
Winning the war with an Atomic Bomb.
Always hatching a clever scheme.
Now we can go back to our Moms.

Winning the war with an Atomic Bomb.
Ducking behind destroyed park benches.
Now we can go back to our Moms
Sitting in the trenches.

C.R. 2011 Ms. Rose's Class :)
(Do you catch the cool hidden meaning in the last stanza?)

And here is one of mine. I had a race with my kids to try to help them focus on getting the assignment done. ha ha.

Art

Fill my heart with passion.
Show me the sound of color.
Give my mind satisfaction;
My soul a sense of wonder.

Show me the sound of color,
Paint it in my life,
My soul a sense of wonder,
To ease my daily strife.

Paint it in my life
With colors a vivid hue,
To ease my daily strife;
The dullness washed anew.

With colors a vivid hue.
Give my soul satisfaction,
The dullness washed anew.
Fill my heart with passion.

Ms. Rose 2011 (in the classroom)

Spankings

2010-12-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

I was on the phone with Leslie while she was driving and her boys were getting rowdy. Finally, she had had enough! She said, "Do I need to pull this car over?!" Eventually she did just that and I listened as she said, "Here we are on the side of the road. Do I need to get out and start giving spankings?!" To which her youngest replied, "Yeah Mommy! Give 'em spankin's!" We both about died laughing. Good times!

Last Day Before Break

2010-12-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

The whole school earned a PJ day today because all-together they brought in 847 pairs of PJs for the Road Back to Home shelter. These are some of my students relaxing during the Polar Express. Ha ha.

Glitter!

2010-12-21T08:32:00.001-08:00

Here's a random post. I just bought this glitter stuff for your nails and it has a really long brush on it. It's my new favorite thing. This is what I did with it this time. Before this I had purple sparkly nail polish with silver on the tips. Mmmm. Glitter! (Yeah, I have nails now.)

Christmas Cards in Class

2010-12-20T14:30:00.001-08:00

Extra or left-over wrapping paper? Wondering what to do with it?

How about homemade Christmas cards?!
YAY!

Take a piece of white printer paper and fold it hamburger style and then just glue on pieces of paper to create a nice Christmas scene. Then add glue and glitter and a nice note on the inside (ps write the note BEFORE doing glitter!) and you've got a really cute card that your kids can stick a coupon in (as a gift) and give to you or their siblings.

Here are some that my students did today. (I can't show faces without parent permission so it is just their cards. ha ha)

Also, our school is trying to collect 800 pairs of PJs ranging from K-6th grade sizes. We are donating them to "The Road Home". It's a place where homeless families can go when they are trying to get back on their feet. Mothers are allowed to go into the "Candycane Corner" and select new PJs for each of their children and 800 of those choices will be coming from our school! If our students get to 800 pairs as a school, we will have a PJ party, hot chocolate, and watch the Polar Express on the last day of school. (Which is WEDNESDAY if you can believe it! BOO to still being in school.)

I promised my students that if we could get 30 total for our class (at least one for each student in our class) then I would add in an extra treat for the party. I made sure to bring a few pairs to show my support and added it to my class's total numbers. We are at 26! The school as a whole is in the mid 700's as of today. Yay kids! Keep it up!

Hud

2010-12-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

After spending a day trying to win this little guy's affection back (first with force...got kicked...and then with candy...that worked better) he came up to me and said, "Hey, do you want to make some pictures with me?"

He turned around and looked at Leslie and said, "HEY, you were not supposed to be in the picture!" ha ha.

Good times. At least he was warming up to me again.
: ) Thanks for the candy idea Stace.

Ancient Greece

2010-12-09T07:50:00.001-08:00

In my class we are doing a simulation of ancient Greece. It has been pretty stinking funny so far. I have placed my students into Polies (city states). There are seven. You probably remember Sparta and Athens, but there is also Corinth, Magara, Argos, Sicyon, and Samos.

They are responsible for the whole group getting assignments in, being at school, addressing the teacher with respect, doing daily problem solving, keeping their area clean....etc. The points that they win will be taken into the Olympic games on the last day before Christmas break and the winning team of the Olympics (by points awarded during the events added on to the points awarded during class) will receive a pizza party in their honor.

We decided as a class that students may bring offerings to the king to win back negative points. I suggested nice drawings or service.....but this is what I got:

My kids know me a lot better than I thought! Ha ha. Ugh. They were definitely awarded points.

The Note

2010-12-03T15:14:00.001-08:00

After a really hard week with difficult parents and kids, not to mention being hormonal, I finally caught a little bit of a break. There was a situation about getting planners signed by parents each night. A mother of one of my students heard that I was being a little harassed by some of the parents and wrote me the following note:

" I'm signing both the planner and the reading minutes because I think you're doing a great job and teaching my son about responsibility and getting things signed is teaching him to finally take care of his crap! AND that if he forgets, he can't enjoy the fun life! You're doing a great job and I think parents need to grow up! It's your classroom and you're the teacher and they're not! Keep up the good job! Love Jen. PS I think you have the hardest job in the world and how you give up your time every day to teach my son and a bunch of children how to be responsible is crazy amazing. Please don't ever change!"

I know that is not much, but for any of you who have kids going to school who are reading this...that made my day 100% better. I photocopied it and put it in my "Good Feelings" folder in my filing cabinet (yes I have a folder full of those things...many teachers do).

So keep in mind that sometimes people are having a tough time and one little thing that you say or one note that you decide to write can really make a difference.

The Bend in the Road

2010-12-03T10:11:00.000-08:00

The Bend in the Road

Submitted by: jdr

Author: Helen Steiner Rice

Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And he knows that it's only a bend-

The road will go on and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest,
The path that lies hidden beyond us
Is often the path that is best.

So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow-
You've just come to a bend in the road.

Thanks for sending this to me Mom. Love you.

Thoughts

2010-12-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

John Keats

Guy Finley

Thanksgiving

2010-12-01T19:31:00.000-08:00

I set the table. : )

Kayleb made his first pies. Mmmmmm.

We sat and ate and talked and laughed.

I beat both my parents at Shanghei!!!!!

The next morning, Mom and Kathy and I went for pedi's and mani's.

Stacey and I got ready for a date, went to dinner with the family and then Stacey, Dan, and I went out to a movie.

Saturday, we all headed up to Leslie's to play in the snow.

I borrowed a lot of snow gear and looked like a big, blue snowman.

Stacey protects her camera with a sky mask.

The kids ride the hood/sled and get snow in the face.

For some reason, I really thought that I could sit backward and take some pictures of the kids. I ended up holding on for dear life...and eventually asked him to stop so I could just turn around and hold on.

Stacey's action shots:

I stayed at Leslie and Gary's that night and was driven to the airport the next morning.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for all of the fun and all of the love!
Kiss!

AFTERMATH of BLIZZARD

2010-11-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

This is the aftermath:

Blizzard my eye!!! WEAK! NO school closures for me.

All the hype for NOTHING!

At least the snow looks pretty.

Hair

2010-11-23T12:47:00.000-08:00

PS I got my hair colored again. :)
He went more blond on me this time. I like the color of it.
Sorry, no front pics today...I don't have makeup on today and I did my bangs yesterday, but I'll post something from Thanksgiving if you're really needing to see it. ha ha.

YIKES!

2010-11-23T12:04:00.000-08:00

I received this e-mail a few moments ago:

Given the dire weather forecasts predicting massive storms throughout Utah, campus is closed immediately.

Refer for to SUU home page for more information.

Public Safety

Southern Utah University

ST 172

Cedar City, UT 84720

(435) 586-7793

http://suu.edu/ad/publicsafety/

Some schools in the area have already canceled school for tomorrow. The forecast says that the storm should hit this afternoon and then again this evening. The temperature is continuously dropping as the day goes on. We have been advised to stay completely off the roads after 5 pm tonight. Oh yeah, and did you know that the air can swirl around in the valley because the mountains are pushing it back in and it can pick up moisture from the lake and dump even more snow? I didn't know that! This is said to be a historical storm, something that hasn't been seen in the last hundred years.

A friend on my team at the school thinks that it is being talked up too much, but I tried to reassure her that it is most likely going to be a bad storm after hearing how it has hit in Washington state.

So it sounds like I will be having a nice evening inside my apartment where I will pack for a flight that may be canceled and try to sleep through 40 mile an hour winds and cold air seeping through my windows.

Hot chocolate anyone? Redbox?

(This is what it looks like outside my school right now. It looks pretty harmless, right?)

I don't have internet at home, but I'll try to take pictures or video of the storm this evening to demonstrate what it looks like when I have internet access again.

My friend from school helped me get my car into the shop to get the snow tires on. I dropped it off at noon and will be heading back at 3:30. They estimated that will be around the same time they'll be finished.

I just want to be able to get to the air port. That's all I really care about. I want to be able to get there and not feel like my car will be buried...and have my flight not get canceled.

Wish me luck.

Jars of Light

2010-11-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

I saw this idea on another blog and just wanted to show it to everyone. Just think, during the holidays you will have a lot of get-togethers. Why not have each couple or family bring several, clean, glass jars. These could range from DI jars or they could be brought from home (pickle jars, jam jars). Then, neatly place a candle in each and PING! you have a beautiful table runner. I love candles. Enjoy!

Winter Wonderland/Snowy and Freezing

2010-11-22T13:28:00.000-08:00

After a long day at Barnes and Noble, writing a paper, I drove home in hail. As I approached my apartment, it started to really storm. The wind picked up, the hail turned to snow and I ran from my car to the covered stairs.

Later that night I glanced out my window to find this:

Has anyone else heard about the HUGE storm that is supposed to hit Tuesday night? 90% chance of snow, 13 degrees, 40 mile and hour winds...school just might be canceled on Wednesday. I'm fine with that...as long as my flight isn't canceled along with it.

It looks like Washington is getting about the same treatment. :)

Today, I did recess duty for a friend only to find the entire playground and field was covered in ice. Although it isn't allowed, I joined in as we shuffled onto the ice sheets and laughed as kids ran and slide, skated around, and fell (sometimes on purpose). I then hurried them back inside before our noses fell off and then went from class to class reminding students that we are not allowed to play on the ice during recess because the 1st graders might break something and cry. The students laughed and were happy that we had a chance to do something fun outside during the winter season for a change.

(The frozen field)

2010-11-17T07:11:00.000-08:00

It's a Girl Thing

What Teachers Make

2010-11-05T17:25:00.000-07:00

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"

He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."

To stress his point he said to another guest, "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...) Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.

I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor.

I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without and iPod, game cube or redbox.

You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder.

I make them criticize.

I make them apologize and mean it.

I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions.

I teach them to write and then I make them write.

I make them read, read, read.

I make them show all their work in math.

I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity.

I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.

Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.) Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant.

You want to know what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What do you make?"

I enjoy the message in this story. I've been noticing some parents who want to blame a lot of problems on me because I'm the "teacher". I am "pushing" too hard. I "expect" too much. The students don't feel like they can come give me "excuses" as to why their work is not finished.

Where is the push from the parent? Are expectations at home not as high as they are at school? Do excuses get everyone in life out of everything that is a responsibility?

If I hurt a child's feelings by my tactics, I would feel sorry. I would apologize. If a parent came in to talk to ME first, I would conference to come up with a solution. If the child came to me asking for help, I would find a way to help.

If there is one thing that I've learned from this year so far it's that you have the freedom to make choices, you do not have the freedom to escape the consequences.

I also heard a funny saying that a teacher posts on her door during parent teacher conference week: "If you promise to not believe half of what your child says happens in class, I promise not to believe half of what your child says happens at home."

Can anyone tell that I have parent teacher conferences this week? Can anyone tell that I'm getting a little burnt out? Thanksgiving couldn't come faster!

Wish me luck this week. Wish my students good luck this week. Wish my parents good luck this week.

LOST

2010-10-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's over
I watched the whole thing fall
And I never saw the writing that was on the wall
If I'd only knew
The days were slipping past
That the good things never last
That you were crying

Summer turned to winter
And the snow it turned to rain
And the rain turned into tears upon your face
I hardly recognize the girl you are today
And God I hope it's not too late
It's not too late

'Cause you are not alone
I'm always there with you
And we'll get lost together
Until the light comes pouring through
It's when you feel like you're done
And the darkness has won
Babe, you're not lost
When your world's crashing down
And you can't bear the cross
I said, babe, you're not lost

Life can show no mercy
It can tear your soul apart
It can make you feel like you've gone crazy but you're not
Things have seemed to change
There's one thing that's still the same
In my heart you have remained
And we can fly fly fly away

'Cause you are not alone
And I am there with you
And we'll get lost together
Until the light comes pouring through
It's when you feel like you're done
And the darkness has won
Babe, you're not lost
And the world's crashing down
And you can not bear the cross
I said, baby, you're not lost

Remember the Game Have You Ever?

2010-10-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, well, put up ten fingers. If it applies to you, put a finger down. The last person with the most fingers left....wins.

Have you ever gotten yourself into a situation where you looked around you and were amazed at how you could have possibly screwed up so horribly?

Have you ever tried to do the right thing and give service and be loving only to, not only get nothing in return but, realize that it didn't matter that you even tried, that it would have actually turned out better for you if you HADN'T tried?!

Have you ever been called on the phone with the worst news ever because the person on the other end didn't have the guts to say it to your face?

Have you ever been hurt when you realized that nothing that you say or do can change anything?

Have you ever protected someone's reputation when they didn't deserve it?

Have you ever wished you could rewind so you could make just one choice in the opposite direction?

Have you ever woken up and, when reality set back in, started sobbing?

Have you ever needed to talk to someone but no one was answering?

Have you ever had to pull to the side of the road because you were crying so hard you couldn't concentrate?

Have you ever had a hard time finding a good reason to get out of bed?

Have you ever wished for a happily ever after a million times and then stopped believing in them after the millionth wish?

Have you ever written a ridiculously depressing post on your blog because you need to get it out somehow?

I have.

As I've written this stupid post, I think about the few people who will actually read it most certainly have felt these feelings. I don't want to talk about mine, but if you want to tell me your story, give me a call or write me an email. I honestly don't know what my future holds at this point.

PS Please don't ask me to take this post down. It's how I feel. If you don't like it....don't read it.

Sobering Thought

2010-09-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have come to a frightening conclusion. I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or de-humanized.

-Hiam Ginott

Create

2010-09-21T14:26:00.001-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k

FIRE

2010-09-20T07:36:00.000-07:00

HERRIMAN, Utah — A wind-stoked fire blazed across hundreds of acres Monday as crews rushed to keep it from reaching any more homes than the two authorities said had burned a day earlier.

The 300-acre fire moved in on the small community of Herriman on Sunday after flaring up at Camp Williams, a sprawling National Guard site about 30 miles outside Salt Lake City, said Captain Brad Taylor.

Some 1,400 homes were evacuated, and fire officials said at least 100 more were threatened.

A shelter for evacuees without lodging was set up at a local high school.

"We're going to keep our eyes obviously on the homes, and call additional crews out," Taylor said late Sunday.

Utah National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Hank McIntire told the Salt Lake Tribune that dry brush had caught fire during an artillery training session at Camp Williams, and soldiers did not have the manpower or equipment to stop it from rapidly spreading.

'Perfect storm'
"It was kind of a perfect storm scenario where once the fire started on the firing range at the National Guard base, the wind really kicked up," Salt Lake County Sheriff's Lt. Don Hutson, who saw homes catch fire, said.

"Literally, the fire was coming down into the backyards of many of these residents," he added.

Winds racing through the area at 40 to 50 miles per hour pushed the fire over a mountain ridge and into the Salt Lake Valley, he said.

"It was lifesaving efforts trying to get people out of the area because of a very, very fast-moving fire — literally moving faster than anybody could run," he said.

Several hours after the fire sparked, crews with the Unified Fire Authority crews were enlisted to help battle the blaze as it spread into Salt Lake County.

The first round of mandatory evacuations, which included 262 homes, were ordered at 7 p.m., Taylor said. Later, another 1,000 homes were ordered evacuated, he said.

All Salt Lake County residents were asked not to use their cell phones to keep lines open for emergency communication, and volunteers worked to evacuate animals from the area, which has a high horse population.

"We can see the flames at the top of the hill," Faith Ching, owner of Ching Animal Farm and Rescue, told the Deseret News just before the fire reached some of the houses. "I don't want to take a chance. It's really scary."

Taylor confirmed with The Associated Press late Sunday that two Herriman-area homes had caught fire, but added that smoke kept officials from fully assessing the damage in the area.

"It's moving rapidly," he said. "We're going to keep our crews on this."

I saw the smoke from the hill yesterday afternoon. I remember thinking about the huge fire in Washington along the Snake River, but then went to sleep not thinking much of it.

In the morning I got up, got dressed, and left my place quickly, as usual. Driving down the road, I tuned into 97.1 for their morning show. To my surprise, Herriman city was on a red alert. The high school was being used as an evacuation site. (The middle school was being used, but the fire got to close for comfort and those people had to be moved.)

"All Herriman schools are closed," one of the radio voices warned.

I look to my left as National Guard bull dozers drive past me, turning up 136th.

Grabbing my phone, I checked my messages. I had received, and missed a call from my team leader saying our school is closed for the day because of the fire.

Looking at the hill, I could see smoke and burnt remains. I know for sure several people lost their homes.

It's amazing to me how many people jumped into action to stop this fire. With the wind from last night, it must have been a hard battle.

I hope that the National Guard, the local fire department, the helicopters dropping water, and all of the volunteers are successful in stopping this fire. It looks like they are on their way to beating it.

Let's Talk for a Sec

2010-09-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

So, a lot of crazy things have happened lately. I think that we all feel this way sometimes. I wanted to sit down for a second and think about all of the GOOD things going on in my life. You ready for my list off the top of my head?
Aaron
Avery
Mom and Dad
Stacey
Leslie
Kristy
Greg
Brittany
Sweet kids
Music
THE RADIO
The Repo Men Soundtrack
The smell of fall in the morning
A beautiful new school to teach in
A new ward that is supportive
A new look at how precious life is
Tums
Milk
Cereal
Good books to read
Comedy Brew
Funny moments with kids
Math
SLEEP
Waking up rested
Strangers Who Smile at Me
Blistex Silk & Shine Chapstick
The amazing things doctors can do now!
Science
Games
Being busy
Laughing
Holding Hands
Friends who really care

I love you guys!

You're the Pick of the Crop!

2010-09-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

You know when you're a teacher when you get a cookie, see the title "You're the Pick of the Crop", and automatically think, "Hey! Crop was a spelling word this week!"

Ha. At least I got a cookie out of it.

My Classroom

2010-08-31T17:27:00.001-07:00

The Bulletin Board
(My First)

Entrance

My Bookshelf
(All my books)

Desks

Random Wall Stuff I Put Up

My Desk
(...and reading table)

HAPPY 34th BIRTHDAY!

2010-07-22T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here are some silly pics of Aaron and I.

KISS

I love you!

SO THIS IS LOVE

2010-07-14T12:21:00.000-07:00

So this is love, Mmmmmm
So this is love
So this is what makes life divine
I'm all aglow, Mmmmmm
And now I know
The key to all heaven is mine

My heart has wings, Mmmmmm
And I can fly
I'll touch ev'ry star in the sky
So this is the miracle that I've been dreaming of
Mmmmmm
Mmmmmm
So this is love

Positive

2010-06-24T21:28:00.000-07:00

Positive energy please. Pray for Aaron.

Positive Words – The Complete List

Absolutely	Abundant	Accept
Acclaimed	Accomplishment	Achievement
Action	Active	Activist
Acumen	Adjust	Admire
Adopt	Adorable	Adored
Adventure	Affirmative	Affluent
Agree	Airy	Alive
Alliance	Alter	Amaze
Amity	Animated	Answer
Appreciation	Approve	Aptitude
Artistic	Assertive	Astonish
Astounding	Astute	Attractive
Authentic	Basic	Beaming
Beautiful	Believe	Benefactor
Benefit	Bighearted	Blessed
Bliss	Bloom	Bountiful
Bounty	Brave	Bright
Brilliant	Bubbly	Bunch
Burgeon	Calm	Celebrate
Certain	Change	Character
Charitable	Charming	Cheer
Cherish	Clarity	Classy
Clean	Clever	Closeness
Commend	Companionship	Complete
Comradeship	Confident	Connect
Connected	Constant	Content
Conviction	Copious	Core
Coupled	Courageous	Creative
Cuddle	Cultivate	Cure
Curious	Cute	Dazzling
Delight	Direct	Discover
Distinguished	Divine	Donate
Each Day	Eager	Earnest
Easy	Ecstasy	Effervescent
Efficient	Effortless	Electrifying
Elegance	Embrace	Encompassing
Encourage	Endorse	Energized
Energy	Enjoy	Enormously
Enthuse	Enthusiastic	Entirely
Essence	Established	Esteem
Esteemed	Everyday	Excited
Exciting	Exhilarating	Expand
Explore	Express	Exquisite
Exultant	Faith	Familiar
Family	Famous	Feat
Fit	Flourish	For the Highest Good
Fortunate	Fortune	Freedom
Fresh	Friendship	Full
Funny	Gather	Generous
Genius	Genuine	Give
Glad	Glow	Gorgeous
Grace	Graceful	Gratitude
Green	Grin	Group
Grow	Handsome	Happy
Harmony	Healed	Healing
Healthful	Healthy	Heart
Hearty	Heavenly	Helpful
Here	Here	Hold
Holy	Honest	Honored
Hug	I affirm	I allow
I am willing	I am.	I Can
I choose	I create	I follow
I know	I know, without a doubt	I make
I realize	I take action	I trust
Idea	Ideal	Imaginative
In Every Way	In this moment	Increase
Incredible	Independent	Ingenious
Innate	Innovate	Inspire
Instantaneous	Instinct	Intellectual
Intelligence	Intuitive	Inventive
Joined	Jovial	Joy
Jubilation	Keen	Key
Kind	Kiss	Knowledge
Laugh	Leader	Learn
Legendary	Let Go	Light
Lively	Love	Loveliness
Lucidity	Lucrative	Luminous
Maintain	Marvelous	Master
Meaningful	Meditate	Mend
Metamorphosis	Mind-Blowing	Miracle
Mission	Modify	Motivate
Moving	Natural	Nature
Nourish	Nourished	Novel
Now	Nurture	Nutritious
One	Open	Openhanded
Optimistic	Paradise	Party
Peace	Perfect	Phenomenon
Pleasure	Plenteous	Plentiful
Plenty	Plethora	Poise
Polish	Popular	Positive
Powerful	Prepared	Pretty
Principle	Productive	Project
Prominent	Prosperous	Protect
Proud	Purpose	Quest
Quick	Quiet	Ready
Recognized	Refinement	Refresh
Rejoice	Rejuvenate	Relax
Reliance	Rely	Remarkable
Renew	Renowned	Replenished
Resolution	Resound	Resources
Respect	Restore	Revered
Revolutionize	Rewarding	Rich
Right Now	Robust	Rousing
Safe	Secure	See
Sensation	Serenity	Shift
Shine	Shown	Silence
Simple	Sincerity	Smart
Smile	Smooth	Solution
Soul	Sparkling	Spirit
Spirited	Spiritual	Splendid
Spontaneous	Stillness	Stir
Stirring	Strong	Style
Success	Sunny	Support
Sure	Surprise	Sustain
Synchronized	Team	Thankful
Therapeutic	Thorough	Thrilled
Thrive	Tied	Today
Today	Together	Tranquil
Transform	Triumph	Trust
Truth	Unity	Unusual
Unwavering	Upbeat	Valued
Vary	Venerated	Venture
Vibrant	Victory	Vigorous
Vision	Visualize	Vital
Vivacious	Voyage	Wealthy
Welcome	Well	Whole
Wholesome	Willing	With Everyone
Wonder	Wonderful	Wondrous
Yes

Black and White

2010-06-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you don't find these pictures surprising. I was bored.

What you would maybe find surprising: I am actually wearing bright blue shadow, dark blue lip stick...and I have enough bronzer on to look like an African American person. Maybe I'll show you sometime. Ha ha. :D

Does Anyone Else See Anything WRONG here?!

2010-06-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

JEEZ!

UGH

2010-06-10T13:07:00.001-07:00

To be quite honest. I'M SO BORED! I have just finished my homework for a class that has not started yet. ha ha. And now I'm sitting here wishing I had a subbing job to fill my time. UGH! I love summer, but I am definitely the type that needs to be DOING something.

Goals:
Go Running
Go Lay-Out (ha ha)
Read an EXCELLENT book
Do my laundry (bleh)

At least I have a meeting with my new team tomorrow. If not, I think I might die of boredom. ha ha ha ha. Stacey, Leslie! Come over! Let's play!!!

NEW JOB!

2010-06-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, heads-up everyone, I have officially accepted a new job position.

My new position is at Silvercrest Elementary as a 6th grade teacher. It is a BEAUTIFUL school and I think I will be a really good fit with the team in the 6th grade. :)

WOO!

Last Day of School

2010-06-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

Each year, my school does a dance-off. Each grade prepares a dance and then shows it off at the dance festival. At the end of the festival, the kids go home (basically).

6th Grade Dance

Hoe Down Throw Down

Here I am with some of my students:

When all of the kids went home, I got to work. Here are all of my "teacher possessions". They fit right into a little corner. I am definitely a hunter. I busted this out in 30-45 minutes. OH YEAH!

SUMMER TIME! BRING IT ON! WOO!