The Abel Blogger

Four Oh!

2011-10-27T17:12:00.001-06:00

Thanks to my thoughtful co-workers today. Their kind gestures and well wishes were very much appreciated.

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My Classroom Changes Direction

2011-10-19T18:41:00.001-06:00

I needed a change in my classroom so I rearranged. I hope you like it, I do!

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Artist

2011-09-27T21:36:00.000-06:00

My bro is quite an artist. Check out his website at www.abelartwork.com

You won't regret it!

-- Post From My iPhone

Happy birthday, Mom!!

2011-09-09T18:09:00.000-06:00

I paid tribute to my mother on her birthday yesterday by posting it as an announcement for my students. Several of them noticed and send their birthday salutations her way.

-- Post From My iPhone

Ear Wax

2011-09-06T20:56:00.001-06:00

The following is a message I wrote to the sisters in my ward.

Dearest Sisters,

I recently had an interesting experience I would like to share with you. It all started after I went swimming with my nieces a few weeks ago. My right ear clogged up and I couldn't hear very well. It was quite irritating, although it was not at all painful. I was, as usual, stubborn and refused to go to a professional. I purchased swimmer's ear drops and an ear wax removal system, neither of which turned out to be effective. Finally, after 5 days of near deafness in that ear, I humbled myself and went to the doctor. They flushed my ear out and I was again able to hear normally. I was so very grateful! I started to think about how sensitive the ear is. It is so sensitive that it only takes a few tiny bits of wax to clog it right up to the point that hearing is a struggle. Then I thought about how sensitive our spiritual ears are. The smallest bits of inappropriate material, words, actions, thoughts, etc., can clog us right up to the point that we are unable to hear the spiritual promptings Heavenly Father would send us through the Holy Ghost. If we humble ourselves, we can partake of that spiritual ear flushing that will restore our ability to hear and listen with our spiritual ears.

We are indeed daughters of a loving Heavenly Father and because of our divine nature and the love He has for us, we have a way to get back home. And you know what? We're worth it!

I love you.

Kirsten Abel

Joy

2011-08-19T22:48:00.000-06:00

These young people (and there are a few not pictured) bring me a lot of joy and I'm blessed to have them in my life.

-- Post From My iPhone

Romanians Rule!

2011-08-12T15:12:00.001-06:00

Here is another video of my Romanian folk dancing friends.

Springville Folkfest

2011-08-04T13:35:00.003-06:00

I recently had the opportunity to host a couple of Romanian folk dancers who came from Cluj in the Transylvannian region of Romania to dance in the World Folkfest which is held in Springville, Utah every summer. It was an amazing experience because I got to learn more about a culture and a people that I love very deeply. They were the best group there, performing a different dance in different costumes each night of the performance and they are very well trained. The musicians...well, I don't think I could praise them enough because they were every bit as spectacular as the dancers. Here is a short video clip so you can see how amazing they all are as well as a few pictures.

Family Time

2011-07-19T14:53:00.001-06:00

My sister Karin and I had a great time with our family in California. They are always such gracious and accommodating hosts. I know the first two pictures are dark. Oh well.

-- Post From My iPhone

Ess Eff

2011-07-18T12:47:00.001-06:00

If you have ever roamed the streets of San Francisco and not taken a $15 ferry tour of the bay, you should. Close ups of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are phenomenal.

-- Post From My iPhone

San Diego Zoo

2011-07-17T16:50:00.001-06:00

About a week ago I visited the San Diego Zoo for the first time. The bus tour was fantastic and the weather was nice. It is an amazing thing to see God's handiwork. We most certainly do have a loving Father in Heaven.

-- Post From My iPhone

SeaWorld

2011-07-17T16:37:00.001-06:00

I went to Sea world for the first time today. It was an amazing time. Amazing!

-- Post From My iPhone

Photo Booth Fun

2011-06-16T17:35:00.001-06:00

While visiting family in Idaho, my nieces and nephews and I decided to have some iPhoto fun. We had a blast!!

-- Post From My iPhone

True Love

2011-06-16T17:09:00.001-06:00

I recently had a makeover and it's a classy job.

-- Post From My iPhone

Unity

2011-05-30T08:13:00.001-06:00

Following are remarks I made in Sacrament meeting May 29, 2011.

1. What is unity?

Marion G. Romney
One of the central themes of the gospel of Jesus Christ is unity. The scriptures teach that equality and oneness should prevail among the members of the Church.

Definition
Oneness, a condition of harmony, continuity in purpose or action

Synonyms for Unity
Balance (stability produced by even distribution of weight, equality between the totals of two sides of an account, physical equilibrium), Coherence (logical connection or consistency, integration of diverse relationships or values), Orchestration (harmonious organization), Proportion (harmonious relation of parts to the whole, equal share), Symmetry (beauty of form arising from balanced proportions), Symphony (harmony of music or color), Harmony (a pleasing arrangement of parts, such as in colors or music)
from Merriam-Webster Dictionary

2. What is not unity?

Antonyms of Unity
Asymmetry (lack of form or balance), Discordance (disagreeing, quarrelsome), Disproportion (lack of symmetry, or proper relation), Disunity (dissension, conflict, division), Imbalance (the state of being out of equilibrium or proportion), Incoherence (a lack of consistency), Violence (the exertion of physical force to injure or abuse, destruction, clashing)

It's not individual, isolation, aloneness, selfish, degrading, demeaning, unrepentant, or unforgiving.

President Eyring suggests, "Pride is the great enemy of unity."

Elder John K. Carmack
In a worldwide church, becoming one does not mean becoming the same.

The gospel is marvelously sufficient to create the desired unity, but people are imperfect.

It took a graphic revelation for Peter to say, aha! "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him." (Acts 10:34-35.)
Unity in diversity will not happen if we let nature take it's course. Isolation and discrimination are still capable of surfacing in every location of the church. We each need to assign ourselves as a "committee of one" to create the attitudes of inclusion, acceptance, and unity wherever we find ourselves.

3. How do we, as a ward family, increase unity?

Howard W. Hunter
Within this church there is a constant need for unity, for if we are not one, we are not his. (D&C 38:27) We are truly dependent on each other, "and the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you." (1 Cor 12:21.) Nor can the North Americans say to the Asians, nor the Europeans to the islanders of the sea, "I have no need of thee." No, in this church we have need of every member, and we pray, as did Paul when he wrote to the church in Corinth, "that there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one toward another.

Keeping in a similar vein, we cannot go around thinking of ourselves or of others that we, or they, have no value in the Western Springs 2nd Ward because we are single, have no children of our own, are married or not married, divorced, not divorced, pregnant, or not pregnant, have small children, large children, medium-sized children, brown hair, green eyes, a bump on our nose, have less or more money, a nice looking or ugly yard, a car that gets us from point A to point B in style or gets us where we are going just barely, live in an small home, large home, or medium-sized home, have big testimonies, small testimonies, or medium-sized testimonies. Here is what matters: we are the literal children of a living God and all He cares about is us getting back home to live with Him. It really is as simple as that!

Following are only a few suggestions for how to go about increasing unity.

A. We serve each other.
Mary N. Cook
"We build unity and share our unique colors through benevolence: individual acts of kindness."

Mark 3:24-25
24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

B. We mourn with each other and bear one another's burdens.

1 Corinthian 12:25-26
"And whether one member suffer, all members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."

C. We learn to be at peace with ourselves.

Howard W. Hunter
"Of course, the key to a unified church is a unified soul-one that is at peace with itself and not given to inner conflicts and tensions."

D. We follow the Savior and strive to become one in purpose with Him.

Part of the Savior's great intercessory prayer is as follows:

John 17:11 Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one,

John 17: 21-23
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

E. We share the gospel with each other.
In Ephesians:
Ecclesiastical leadership was established for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of ministry, and for the edifying of the body of Christ...

Ephesians 4:13
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

And this so that we would no longer be as fickle as children, tossed about by every wind of doctrine...14

F. We humble ourselves and get rid of contention.
Mosiah 18: 21
And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.

Ephesians 2: 18-19
18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Psalm 133:1
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Only together can we become a great harmonious symphony of Saints. We are indeed brothers and sisters, unified by a common cause; to return home to our Father.

Hymn number 296 Our Father, By Whose Name counsels:
May [His] strong Spirit bind our hearts in unity.
And help us each to find the love from self set free.
In all our hearts such love increase, That every home, by this release,
May be the dwelling place of peace.

In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

In addition to the above remarks I made mention that I sometimes feel like a square peg in a round hole, especially as a single individual in a Church that teaches the importance of family. But that the Master Carver, Jesus Christ will carve off the rough edges until I fit, just as He will do for all of us.

Sent from my iPad

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Riverton, Utah

Dear Students...

2011-05-09T08:09:00.001-06:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Now, that's more like it...

2011-05-05T18:03:00.001-06:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Really?

2011-04-30T09:17:00.001-06:00

-- Post From My iPhone

It's April!!

2011-04-03T10:20:00.001-06:00

Or is it...?

-- Post From My iPhone

Mission Reunion 2011

2011-04-03T10:16:00.001-06:00

I served a mission with the best people in the world. We always have a good time together.

-- Post From My iPhone

Something's fishy

2011-04-03T10:13:00.001-06:00

I thought this cloud formation looked rather like a fish.

-- Post From My iPhone

Great things

2011-03-16T07:43:00.001-06:00

...come in small packages. I saw this note on my board this morning. I chuckled...my first thought was that yes, my mom "rox". I don't know who wrote it, but I needed it.

-- Post From My iPhone

Balloon Launch 2011

2011-02-09T21:21:00.001-07:00

In order for students to understand the scientific principles required for a balloon to fly, the young people at the school where I teach design and create weather balloons made of tissue paper. It's really quite something to watch their creative juices flow. The students love it. I have really enjoyed witnessing the annual event. It's pretty awesome.

Some balloon creations travel quite far while others are lucky to clear the parking lot and there are loads of trees that get to meet the balloons up close and personal.

-- Post From My iPhone

All Hail Global Warming

2011-02-02T12:33:00.003-07:00

With temperature lows at 3 and 4 degrees Fahrenheit, and with windchill factors making it seem even colder, I'm really grateful for the idea of global warming.

This morning when I was driving to work and watching the temperature gauge in my car rapidly drop degree by degree I couldn't help but think about how glad I was for global warming. After all, if humanity weren't facing such a global problem, we might all be Popsicles. It would be really difficult to move around. Imagine driving as a Popsicle...impossible!

Thank the heavens above that we are in the middle of a global warming crisis, we might all freeze to death!

V

2011-01-11T16:25:00.001-07:00

In December I welcomed a few visitors for dinner. I was so happy to have a former mission companion and her family come by. They always think of me when they are in town. They reside in another state. His particular former companion was my first in country companion and she taught me everything about how to be a missionary. Our companionship ended when her mission concluded and she headed home. I cried for three days (so sorry Sora Parent) and it took a few more days after that for me to really settle into life without her.

Since those days, we have kept in touch really well. I've become great friends with her children. It's always a great time when we get together.

-- Post From My iPhone

Rice Pudding

2010-12-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

We only get it once a year. That's what makes it so delicious. It's a long standing Abel Christmas tradition. Mom makes it for Christmas Day dessert. An almond is hidden inside the pudding (two almonds now, accommodating for the large numbers) and the person(s) who get the almond receive a prize. There is simply nothing better than my mom's rice pudding topped with warm raspberry sauce!

-- Post From My iPhone

Christmas is coming...

2010-12-17T18:03:00.001-07:00

...the goose is getting fat, please put a penny in the old man's hat...

Well, I don't have a goose myself, but I imagine there are fat geese out there. I'm also not planning to put a penny in anyone's hat. Given today's economy, a penny wouldn't do anyone any good anyway.

My sister and I finally got out tree up along with a few (a very few) other festive directions. Christmas is next week. I can hardly believe it. Every year seems to go by faster than the preceding year.

I am grateful for all we celebrate at this time of the year. It is a wonderful thing that we can celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world with the people we live.

-- Post From My iPhone

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T16:24:00.001-07:00

Here are a few people I am thankful for. I wish everyone could have here.

-- Post From My iPhone

Brrr!!!

2010-11-24T07:28:00.001-07:00

It's awfully cold. We have January temperatures in November, before Thanksgiving no less.

This was the temperature reading in my car this morning.

-- Post From My iPhone

Blizzard!

2010-11-23T21:43:00.001-07:00

I hate this weather.

-- Post From My iPhone

fb

2010-11-22T09:27:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

I deactivated my Facebook account today.

Sincerely,

Kirsten

Curses!!

2010-11-21T12:14:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing I'm the punctual sort. This morning as I was leaving for a meeting, I was met with a foot of that cursed white stuff in my driveway. The snow plows that come through the neighborhood are fond of plowing it in such a way that it blocks the driveway. So, I was blocked in not only by the poor plowing job but also by the foot of snow there. Thanks to the help of my good neighbor, my side of the driveway was cleared off and I made it on time to my meeting.

When I came home from my meeting, both sides of the driveway were cleared but the snow shovelers had put the snow from my sister's side of the driveway on the street at the end so that it would be nearly impossible for her to get into the garage. I spent a few minutes clearing it so she can get in.

I'm just thankful my shoulder works well enough that I can shovel snow because I can't remember the last time we had this much snow before Thanksgiving.

-- Post From My iPhone

Halloween

2010-10-30T18:44:00.001-06:00

The weather turned rainy and it's sort of on and off. We've never had many trick-or-treaters and I wonder if tonight will be any different. I'll just be sitting on the couch watching TV in my costume...I really enjoy Halloween.

-- Post From My iPhone

News flash!

2010-10-29T17:51:00.001-06:00

This was the grizzly scene early Wednesday morning, October 27, 2010. Billions and billions of snow flakes cascaded to earth. The valiant grass nobly met the countless crushing blows of the flakes, surviving the awesome weight of the tiny but potentially life threatening white material. Temperatures plummeted. Those with stout hearts and undaunted courage donned sweaters and coats, braved hazardous road conditions, and marched triumphantly into their work places, braced for a new day.

There are heroes and then there are heroes. Tender grass blades beaten and trampled by their snowy nemesis hailed the sun's arrival that cold day as those warming rays waged war on their foe. It was the sun that emerged victorious after the fierce battle.

This humble author pays homage to the sun for sending forth its life-saving tentacles. May warmth and light ever be near!

-- Post From My iPhone

Oktoberfest

2010-10-12T09:15:00.000-06:00

Our German teacher here celebrates Oktoberfest as any good and proper German teacher should. She takes good care of me and today she invited me to pick up some food from her. Yummy!!

Vielen Dank, Frau Martin!!

-- Post From My iPhone

I am left-handed?

2010-10-05T07:18:00.000-06:00

Since my right shoulder officially went on strike, I have had to write on the white board in my classroom with my left hand. It's been quite the experience. At least I am managing to write legibly with my left.

Right shoulder, I miss you. Please come back to work.

Above is a sample of my left-handed writing.

-- Post From My iPhone

Ribbon Week Display

2010-10-05T07:15:00.000-06:00

My awesome PTSA Reps put up the display for Ribbon Week. It looks pretty awesome.

-- Post From My iPhone

Fire!

2010-09-20T08:37:00.002-06:00

This was the scene from the rear entrance of the complex where I live last night.

This was how things were looking this morning on my way to work.

So, yes, there was a fire. I believe it was triggered by some sort of training exercise at Camp Williams. Hundreds of people were evacuated from their homes. Things were a little smoky smelling at my house but there was no need to evacuate.

A little lesson in preparedness for us here? I think so.

-- Post From My iPhone

Spiritual Therapy

2010-09-03T12:35:00.001-06:00

The following are the contents of a message I wrote for my ward Relief Society newsletter this month.

Some time ago (I’m not sure when or how), I injured my shoulder. Not just any shoulder, mind you, but my right shoulder. The shoulder that’s attached to the arm that’s attached to the hand that does all the important stuff a hand does. For a couple of years I dealt with the pain that would creep up every now and then. I tried to avoid sleeping on it or over exerting it. I even altered my killer volleyball serve. It didn’t work. Over this last summer the pain went from annoying to bad. When I began having a difficult time washing my hair with both hands and putting on a shirt over my head, I started to really wonder about whether or not I should see someone about it. I even started thinking about how I would write on the board once school started again. Still, it wasn’t until a couple dear friends nagged me to death that I decided to get it taken care of. The doctor recommended physical therapy and I can tell you I was not super excited about it. I knew it was going to hurt; that it may not work.

I started physical therapy. The therapist assessed the damage, worked my arm a bit and gave me exercises to do at home. When I first started to do these exercises it was very difficult. I couldn’t do some of the exercises. Weights were eventually added to some of the exercises in order to build strength up in my shoulder. Over time, my arm and shoulder have regained some mobility. There is less pain. Now I can wash my hair without too much trouble, write on the board (if it’s not too high up), and even pull a shirt on over my head.

Here’s what I have learned through this experience: We are sometimes injured spiritually without even knowing it and while there may be a little “pain” in the beginning we make adjustments so we can continue to function spiritually. Sometimes we live this for years. However, over time we sometimes become spiritually immobile. When that happens, we need help. We need a “spiritual therapist” to work our spirits a little and give us daily exercises that strengthen our spiritual muscles. It can be painful at the beginning, but eventually, we will again know how to use our spiritual gifts and talents.

Our spirits need constant nourishment and exercise. I pray we will turn to the Savior. He is the ultimate Spiritual Therapist.

Hermione

2010-08-26T06:19:00.000-06:00

Several months ago, I sort of rescued my brother's hamster. He was a cute little thing, but mean. He had to be since he was living in a basement with cats. He died the other day. I was sad. I hope he was able to spend his last months in quiet. Stress free.

My friend and her cute kids asked if they could get me a new hamster. They picked an absolutely beautiful grey hamster with dark eyes and I had to name her. That was the hard part. Finally, after much thought....

Meet Hermione.

Thank you, my dear friends!

-- Post From My iPhone

Thanksgiving in August

2010-08-13T19:56:00.000-06:00

My sweet sister invited me to dinner for this evening. Her husband, who prefers ham, is on a scouting camp out with his son and my sister wanted to cook up the turkey she had right along with all the fixings. Delicious!!

I guess it doesn't have to be November in order for one to enjoy a little smidgen of Thanksgiving.

Thanks, Sis!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Return trip

2010-08-10T12:58:00.000-06:00

My father thought it would be fun to do a wee bit of sight seeing on the way home from CA. He was right. It was fun. We saw several historical sites and also drove around Lake Tahoe.

Monument near Sutter's Mill

Timber works-Sutter's Mill

American River

On the road view of Lake Tahoe's southern end.

First settlement in Nevada.

Nevada's Capitol building in Carson City.

-- Post From My iPhone

Grandpa Berg

2010-08-10T12:46:00.000-06:00

In CA I got to see my only living grandparent. I took several videos and as soon as I can, I will post them. Here's a picture and it will have to do until I can post the videos.

-- Post From My iPhone

Happy Birthday baby brother!!

2010-08-01T08:17:00.001-06:00

It seems to me that it took no time at all for my baby brother to go from this

to

It is difficult to believe, I know.

Today, as a special birthday treat, he is giving his baby a name and a blessing at Church today.

Love you buddy.

More Major Cute

2010-07-30T22:19:00.000-06:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Major Cute

2010-07-30T15:09:00.000-06:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Banana splits are...

2010-07-15T15:10:00.000-06:00

YUMMY!!!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Rootbeer floats are....

2010-06-24T15:48:00.001-06:00

BRILLIANT!!!!!!!

Who would have thought rootbeer and vanilla ice cream could be so amazing? Whoever it was, THANK YOU!!!!!!!

-- Post From My iPhone

The Petrified Forest

2010-06-18T21:28:00.002-06:00

After hanging out at Westfield Mall in Fairfield, CA, we headed into Napa Valley. There we visited the Petrified Forest. I was amazing. There were ancient trees in the forest that were really something to behold.

The family.

California state flower.

-- Post From My iPhone

Columbia

2010-06-12T18:33:00.001-06:00

We spent the day at an old California gold rush town named Columbia. We happened to catch the Sarsparilla Festival. We met up with my cousin and her family. It was a great time. The kids really enjoyed it and so did we adults.

Looking down the street in Columbia.

My cousin and her family.

"Panning" for gold.

Cuteness x 1 million.

-- Post From My iPhone

Good for you!

2010-05-31T13:11:00.001-06:00

My almost 3 year old nephew watched me make a phone call to my dad. Here is the conversation we had after the call:

B: Did you call your dad?
K: I sure did.
B: Well, good for you!

-- Post From My iPhone

Thanks, again!!

2010-05-26T12:01:00.001-06:00

A student added an addendum to the sentiment I found on the board earlier this week. It even rhymes!!

-- Post From My iPhone

May 24

2010-05-24T07:28:00.001-06:00

It's snowing currently. But those of you who have ever read my blog know how I feel about that. Another post about Utah's wacky weather would be redundant. I am writing this post to thank the student who left the following message on my white board:

-- Post From My iPhone

To the mothers in my life:

2010-05-09T08:07:00.000-06:00

I am honored to know many wonderful mothers. My best friends are mothers. Many of my sisters are mothers. Several of my cousins are mothers. All my aunts are mothers. Then there is my mother. She is the best of them all.

Mothers are kind, love unconditionally, help, support, cook, study, work, clean, buy things for you, teach, learn, set the example, defend, discipline, serve, lead, follow, mend, hug, kiss, laugh, cry...they do it all and then some.

I thank all the mothers in my life for what they do every day. Like Sarah Maclachlan sang, motherhood is an "ordinary miracle". Mothers just seem to inherently know and do. I have hope that I, too, will one day be a mother. I aspire to be the kind of mother that the mothers in my life are every single day.

Happy Mothers' Day!!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Much better

2010-05-09T08:06:00.001-06:00

It would seem that spring has sprung. I know Utah makes no promises, but the view from my window has been much better these days. It has been lovely.

-- Post From My iPhone

Window View

2010-04-30T06:36:00.001-06:00

This is what it looked like outside my window when I woke up this morning. I'm glad I slept through it. It's disturbing and it's enough.

-- Post From My iPhone

Hate Mail

2010-04-28T15:03:00.001-06:00

As I was writing today's vocabulary test yesterday, I came across the following written in the 7th grade vocabulary book:

Aside from the obvious, I was disturbed by the errors in spelling. I mean, I'm a Language Arts teacher. Vocabulary and writing conventions are a part of what I teach. If students are going to express such displeasure, the least they could do is spell correctly.

All the evidence you need attesting to the fact that I'm a middle school teacher is the fact that the conventional writing errors bother me more than the actual message itself. I did not become a teacher to be beloved by my students. Yes, that can be a happy and favorable byproduct of my job, but the occassional hate messages...

I can live with them.

-- Post From My iPhone

Easter

2010-04-04T17:00:00.001-06:00

Thus year Easter was spent with family. My brothers who live out of state came to Utah and so the whole family was together, minus a sister-in-law (we missed you April!) and it was lovely. We had good food, celebrated April bdays, and watched the General Conference of the LDS Church.

Hristos a înviat! Christ is risen!

Happy Easter!

-- Post From My iPhone

Snow IS a 4-lettered word

2010-04-01T11:29:00.001-06:00

After a day and a half of non-stop snow showers, it looks more like winter than spring. I hate this weather!

-- Post From My iPhone

Bulletin Boards

2010-03-15T19:22:00.001-06:00

Saturday I went to the UMLA (Utah Middle Level Association) conference. There are pros and cons involved in attending a conference. Cons include the loss of time, especially on a Saturday, getting up early, and the possibility that the event is lame. Pros include the gaining of new knowledge, feeling fired up, and new resources and materials.

UMLA's annual conference is actually pretty good. This year was no exception. I learned loads of practical things and came away with lots of new ideas. One of the ideas i got was from a book I purchased at the conference which was authored by one of the keynotes. He suggested making a classroom both the teacher's room and the students' room. As I reflected on this I realized that my classroom definitely belongs to me. So today I changes that. The changes included a bit of rearranging as well as new bulletin boards. One board is about me, that way studets can get to know me. Another is for student use. Another for student work. The last board features the rules and regulations.

I took pictures of two of the boards so there is photographic evidence of the change. I was amazed at what changing the bulletin boards in a room can do.

-- Post From My iPhone

Diversity Week

2010-03-09T08:22:00.001-07:00

This week is Diversity Week. My PTSA Reps wanted to spotlight the unique talents and characteristics at SJMS.

This is the week's breakdown:
Black Out Day-blacking out prejudice
Hollywood Day-because we are all stars
Color Day
Twin Day
Team Sports Day-because we are all on the same team.

-- Post From My iPhone

The Plea

2010-03-09T08:17:00.001-07:00

I have a substitute today. As always, I worry about my students. I left them a little note. Hopefully they actually read it.

-- Post From My iPhone

A Day Off!

2010-02-16T09:26:00.001-07:00

On my day off, I spent an hour doing aerobics. It nearly killed me.

Then I helped a friend paint. We also changed a light fixture.

It was a great day!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Nieces & Friends

2010-01-28T14:41:00.004-07:00

I found this picture of two of my nieces the other day and can't resist posting it on my blog. It's just cute.

Booknapped!

2010-01-27T10:26:00.004-07:00

I enjoy reading. It's probably my favorite hobby. As a teacher, I also like being able to provide books for my students. For 7 years, I've enjoyed being able to do that. This year, providing books for my students has become something I no longer enjoy. Why? My books have been booknapped. Several of my books have disappeared off my shelves this year. I have spent a lot of money to replace them, created a book list so I can record who's borrowing them, and purchased extra copies of certain books as well so more than one student can enjoy them. Little by little, as the booknapping somehow continues, I have tightened security and finally, yesterday when another book went missing, I snapped. That's it. I'm done. Students will no longer be allowed to have a book from me. Alternative choices will be made available.

Today as my students come into my room, this is what they will find...a little note from the books on the shelf. Books who miss their friends. They've taken a stand and so have I.

(I realize the note is next to impossible to read. Here is what it says: HELP! Our friends have been booknapped. Please don't take us too. We won't let you borrow us until our friends come home. WE MISS THEM!!)

Spirit Week@SJMS-White-Out Day

2010-01-15T10:15:00.002-07:00

Huh? White-out day? What could that possibly mean? Well, if you were wondering, so were we here at SJMS...but we figured it out lickety split. If you roam our halls today, you'll see an awful lot of people wearing white.

Spirit Week@SJMS-80s Day

2010-01-14T10:48:00.003-07:00

Nothing more need be said...here's a little sample of what I wore...

Spirit Week@SJMS-Disney Day

2010-01-13T07:45:00.004-07:00

What Spirit Week would be complete without a Disney Day? I am glad I was able to find a shirt that is quintessentially Disney...
M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E!!!

Spirit Week@SJMS-Hero Day

2010-01-12T13:37:00.003-07:00

Today is Hero Day...I've seen some great outfits...super heroes from Captain America to Superman. Capes adorn the backs of teachers and students alike. Perhaps some of the greatest representations of heroes come from those who dressed in camouflaged attire. My own father is a veteran and his military service to this country has always been something I appreciated very much.

I told my PTSA students that my heroes are my mom and dad. I mentioned that it might sound cliche but it's true. They love and support me unconditionally and encourage me and express their pride in what I do. I look up to them and love them more than I could ever express and though I've only scratched the surface in listing a couple of the things I love about my parents, I could list many more reasons they are my heroes.

Spirit Week@SJMS-Hawaiian Day

2010-01-11T08:42:00.003-07:00

We're kicking off Spirit Week here at SJMS with Hawaiian Day. Part of our festivities this week include a mini-olympics and some great lessons for our teacher advisory time. I was unprepared for today until Saturday when a trip to Walmart ended in success. I found a Hawaiian shirt for $3. Awesome!

Holiday Letter

2009-12-21T10:14:00.006-07:00

Dear Family and Friends,
It's been a full year and as I pause to reflect on this year, I feel overwhelmed by the many rich blessings I have been given.

In August, I entered my 8th year at South Jordan Middle School. It is a challenging job. I love it and am grateful to have steady employment.

I have 14 nieces and nephews with 2 more on the way this summer. They are growing so fast! The eldest of the bunch is 13 and the youngest is one. I love when we can be together.

I've also been blessed to be Gospel Doctrine teacher in my ward. Even what a ward boundary change came, it wasn't long before my prayers were answered and I was pulled back in as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. I can wait to teach the "Old Testament" and I'm betting there aren't many people out there w ho can say that.

I have the most amazing friends and family members. I thank each of them for their love, support, and appreciation. I wouldn't be much without them. Truly they are the best of Heavenly Father's children.

All my love to you and a most merry Christmas!!

A Christmas Carol

2009-12-21T07:48:00.003-07:00

I just read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens for the first time. It didn't take me much time to complete. The book isn't very long. I have seen several film versions of A Christmas Carol, my favorite being the version starring George C. Scott. As I read the book, I wished I had read it long ago. If you like the movie versions, you'll love the book. If you love the book, the movie version you like will depend upon your own tastes.

I recommend the book. You won't regret taking a little time to read it.

Clouds Rock!

2009-11-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I was driving to work. While at a stop light, I saw an interesting sight in the sky. I'd like to think of it as a divine hug and kiss.

-- Post From My iPhone

Babysitting

2009-11-07T23:38:00.001-07:00

It's one of the great things about being an aunt and I love that I get to spend time with these great kids.

-- Post From My iPhone

A Year. A Week. And a day...

2009-11-04T19:42:00.001-07:00

That is the age difference between me and the sibling next in line to me. She had a birthday today. Here is a top 10 list dedicated to her.

10. She cuts me a break on the rent.
9. Knows how to decorate.
8. Is a talented artist (even if she doesn't think so).
7. Has a great sense of humor.
6. Likes the same shows I do (except Survivor...my guilty pleasure).
5. Stays in shape.
4. Inspires me to eat well.
3. Rigged family Christmas drawing one year so she could get me a guitar.
2. Has been with me since I was 1 year old.
1. She's my sister and friend. What more is there?

-- Post From My iPhone

Dress-Up Day

2009-10-29T14:58:00.003-06:00

If anyone is familiar with the TV show "LOST" this costume I put together will be familiar. One can purchase a Dharma Initiative jumpsuit on the ABC website for a little more than $100. I went to Walmart where I found a much less expensive blue jumpsuit and then purchased a Dharma patch. Viola!

I hope you've enjoyed the trip through Ribbon Week.

Drugs and violence SOCK!!!

2009-10-28T06:44:00.002-06:00

Well...they do.
Crazy sock day...here we come! And what could be crazier than socks for St. Patty's day near Halloween?

38

2009-10-28T06:41:00.001-06:00

My mom and dad could very well say, "38 years we've had her! Just get rid of her!" Thankfully, they never would.

I wanted to thank everyone for their happy birthday wishes. They came in a variety of ways...a flower and a card, text and fb messages, phone calls, rousing and robust renditions of the traditional song, and a very nice dinner complete with chocolate cake (thank you, Karen!!).

Even Mother Nature left me a gift, though if any one out there knows my feelings on the subject of snow you'll know it wasn't the greatest gift ever...

-- Post From My iPhone

Don't sweat...

2009-10-27T09:04:00.005-06:00

Don't do drugs!

Today we are moving through our Ribbon Week (fighting against drugs and violence). The students wanted a sweats day...so they got one.

There is a poster contest and games at lunch. This should be a fun day!

Ribbon Week

2009-10-26T09:57:00.002-06:00

This week SJMS is participating in a campain against drugs and violence. I'm the PTSA Rep advisor and am in charge of the week together with the students I oversee. They are great kids and have worked really hard getting things ready.

They did a great job with the display case.

Today is Tie Day-Don't get "tied up with drugs or violence".

While Ribbon Week also focuses attention on other things...we only focus on the anti-drug and violence aspect of things.

It ought to be fun!!!

-- Post From My iPhone

When the teacher is away...

2009-10-07T09:08:00.001-06:00

...some students will play. I went to the Reading Academy yesterday. Any absence on a teacher's part requires a substitute and (may I say right now, all hail to substitutes!) such was the case yesterday while I was away.

Ever since a substitute thanked the heavens for what I do and stated that I was never to call again, I have spent a great deal of any time away from school on a school day worrying about my students' behavior. Yesterday was no exception.

I train my students well. They know, for the most part, my expectations don't change when I am not there. I have set high (but reasonable) standards and I expect my students to comply with those standards.

In order to encourage them and let them know I would be thinking about them, I wrote the following note on the board:

I am happy to report I had mostly excellent reports (sigh of relief) and fr those students who dared be less than they can be...we will be having a wee chat about that today.

Yes, treats were handed out as a reward for good behavior and the negative consequences were severe (all privileges pulled) for those who were less than they should be.

-- Post From My iPhone

Blog Ideas, Anyone?

2009-09-28T10:35:00.001-06:00

I'm posting this entry about the new chair I got for myself Friday at IKEA (all hail!). Now I am enjoying comfort at my desk at school.

How many teachers does it take to assemble an IKEA chair?

Three.

One to look atthe instructions (which are pictures, I might add), one to hold parts securely in place, and one to wield the Allen wrench.

If anyone thinks this post is lame...send me some ideas. I could use some good blog post ideas.

-- Post From My iPhone

Peach Days 2009

2009-09-15T09:05:00.001-06:00

Peach Days have been around in Brigham City, Utah since 1904. I paid my first visit to the festivities in 2004 for the 100 year anniversary.

This last Saturday I joined good friends of mine in paying another visit to Peach Days.

Mmmm...peach cobbler.

-- Post From My iPhone

Kids

2009-09-01T18:08:00.001-06:00

Here are all my nieces and nephews together for the first time. They had a blast together and I had a blast watching them together.

-- Post From My iPhone

Peanut

2009-08-27T22:16:00.001-06:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Ready or not...

2009-08-26T10:04:00.001-06:00

Here we go...the first day of school is well under way. It's hard to believe I am back in the world of disclosures and copiers, printers, computers, desks, rules, procedures, students...

It promises to be a good year. I hope the promise is kept.

Back in Business

2009-08-11T15:20:00.000-06:00

Before the official start of summer I posted pictures of my classroom on the last day of school. Today, before the official start of fall and the school year, I finished putting my classroom back together again. Soon it will be a real live functioning classroom.

-- Post From My iPhone

Initiation

2009-08-10T15:44:00.001-06:00

I don't need to write anything. The pictures will suffice.

-- Post From My iPhone

Tumbleweed

2009-08-08T18:29:00.001-06:00

This is part of the scene in my neighborhood after a really nasty windstorm. These pictures are of the neighbors across from us.

-- Post From My iPhone

Sacramento

2009-07-19T17:01:00.001-06:00

Last Thursday the lot of us went to Sacramento. We saw "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" which was awesome!!! Afterward we met my mom's sister, Kecia, her husband, my cousin Kecia and her three kids for lunch. It was wonderful spending time with them and catching up. Then we went into Old Sacramento. We had a lovely time in spite of the 106 degree temperature.

-- Post From My iPhone

A Day in Ess Eff

2009-07-18T08:21:00.001-06:00

We went to SanFrancisco yesterday and had a ball. In Vacaville it was 106 and in the Bay Area a balmy 76. We saw all of everything from Twin Peaks. Beautiful!!

We drove down Lombard Street. That is always a lot of fun! We also roamed around Fisherman's Warf and Pier 39.

We ended our day's adventures at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was freezing cold. Luckily Karin and I, having done our part to stimulate California's ailing economy, had jackets. The fort has been around since the Civil War, perhaps before. It seems to me that the fort was something like a concentrated canyon because the winds were so fierce.

Amber did a great job driving us around in an SUV and I can't thank her enough for taking us around. It was a great time.

Post From My iPhone

California

2009-07-15T16:54:00.001-06:00

I'm spending this week in California with my baby brother and his family. My baby niece is the cutest thing alive as shown here.

-- Post From My iPhone

Idaho

2009-07-15T16:49:00.001-06:00

I spent some time in Idaho last week with my brother and his family. We had a great time!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Can it be?

2009-06-30T20:41:00.001-06:00

Can it be? June is hours away from the end. It's hard to believe. So far summer is moving quickly by. I hope the rest of the summer continues to be as good as the first part. It would be nice if time slowed just a wee bit. Wishful thinking, I know.

-- Post From My iPhone

Capitol Hill and Beyond

2009-06-26T18:25:00.001-06:00

It's been a good day. My last day was spent in D.C. We visited the Library of Congress, saw the Supreme Court building, and wandered through the Folk Life Festival. We paid close attention to the Wales exhibit. It was cool! I have wanted to go to the festival for a few years now and never been in town at the right time. Thanks to Julia, Bruce, and Colter for a fantastic and most excellent (that's for you, Colter) last day in town. Vă iubesc!

Inside the Library of Congress.

This is the Guttenberg Bible

-- Post From My iPhone

Montpelier

2009-06-24T17:47:00.001-06:00

Julia and I also visited the home of James Madison. Pretty amazing. The exterior rennovations were recently completed and now the interior rennovations are underway. Piecing together the details of the interior from letters will take much longer. Here are a few exterior shots.

-- Post From My iPhone

Monticello

2009-06-24T17:40:00.001-06:00

Today Julia and I visited the home of Thomas Jefferson. Awesome!! More pictures are coming, but I wanted you all to have a taste.

-- Post From My iPhone

The Dress pt. Deux

2009-06-21T21:59:00.001-06:00

For those of you dying to see the dress mentioned in an earlier post...here it is...

-- Post From My iPhone

Jefferson Memorial

2009-06-21T19:55:00.003-06:00

I've seen it many times from across the Potomac River on the Washington Monument side. I haven't paid a personal visit to the Jefferson Memorial until today. It was pretty amazing. Of course, many of the things Thomas Jefferson did were amazing. The memorial is a fitting tribute.

-- Post From My iPhone

Iwo Jima: Marine Core Memorial

2009-06-21T19:55:00.001-06:00

The recreation of a photograph taken at Iwo Jima during World War II in statue form is a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom. I'm grateful for the price that has been paid that allows me to enjoy living in a free land with all the rights and privileges that come bought and paid for in human lives.

-- Post From My iPhone