Go Bobcats!...Part 2

I hate that you have to upload your pictures in backwards so it will show up in the right order. I also hate that if you accidentally delete a picture in the middle of your post there is no possible way to get it back it's original spot. (or at least I don't know how to do it!) So here are a few pictures that didn't make it on the previous post.

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Go Bobcats!

Hello blogging world....it's been a long time!

As most of you know things have been pretty crazy for me over the past couple of years, 4.5 to be exact. I moved to Arizona because I needed a change. I just didn't realize how much 'change' I was getting myself into. After living here for about a year I decided to go back to school. Who knew that two l o n g years later I would end up being an elementary school teacher. It was a HUGE surprise to me too, but here I am! That is one of the reasons I have been neglecting you over the past couple of months. I'm sorry, but I now have 24 kids that need my attention most of the day! I started teaching 5th grade in Maricopa, AZ. I started out with 34 kids in my class the first day of school. Let's just say.....I was tired all the time! After about a month the Native American Tribe in the area donated a lot of money to help our schools to have smaller classroom sizes. Thank You Ak-Chin Tribe!!!! They quickly hired a new teacher (one of my good friends) and I was sad to see ten of my cute little students leave, but so grateful. A lot of you have been wanting to see pictures of my classroom...my home away from home. I actually spend more time here then at my own house! Sad, but true. Sorry for the delay, here they are.....

Come on in....

My darling room mate Ali made my curtains for me...I love them!

This is also a picture to show the 'think desk' where a few of my students spend time at!

This is one of my favorite things in my room. Each student was measure at the begining of the year to show how tall they were. 5th grade is a big growing year, so we will periodically re-measure to see how much growth they have had. You can't tell from this picture but two of my students are already taller than me, and a few more will most likely pass me up soon!!!

The box made with tape on the floor is for the kids backpacks. This makes it easier so they are not trying to get into them all day. On the walls down this small hall are where I display the kids work. They have already done some great things!

How does a first year teacher accumulate so much stuff!

One of my old co-workers used to teach 5th grade and donated all of those books to me. It was one of the best gifts ever. I also have a small bookcase of books my mom gave me from home...but I keep those behind my desk. I don't want my kids touching the books I used to read when I was a little!!!!

Our district requires certain things to be up on our walls....here they are.

I had so much fun working with the Cricut my sister Erin bought me! Thanks Erin!

I drew that mountain....I really had to break out my craftiness for this one!

Here are the two fabrics used for the curtains in my room. Ali and I spent so much time at the fabric store one night...I thought she was going to kill me because I couln't make up my mind!

Spring Training

My room mate Ali is a HUGE Colorado Rockies fan and when we found out that they were playing the Angles (my home team!) in a spring training game we decided to take a roadie to Tucsan to watch.

Our favorite Idaho sisters came along for the trip!

Kaylie, Melanee, and Ali

It was a beautiful day in Arizona...a little hot...but beautiful!

GOOOOOOOOOOO ANGELS!!!!
too bad we lost :(

Lawrence Welk Show....San Marcos Style!

The San Marcos Ward had its annual Ward Talent Show last month. When my friends wanted to perform a crazy, yet hillarious skit from SNL. I of course couldn't miss out. Our skit is the SNL Lawrence Welk show (found on HULU.com...with Will Farrell). You have to watch the original you will die laughing. I was girl #1. It was a little embarassing to sing solo parts...but so much fun. Plus I loved having HUGE hair...thanks Jamie!!! We actually had a few practices before hand to make sure we did it just right. Plus our freind Paul is amazing on the piano and he listened to the music once then was able to play the piano for us. Unfortunently my camera battery died so I didn't get a video...but someone in my ward did and I am trying to get my hands on it.

This is us after...we forgot to take a picture so we quickly got back in our outfits...thats why we look a little disheveled!

Casey (Will), Kelly (weirdo girl), Aly (girl #2), Kevin (Lawrence), Paul (our amazing accompanist), Me (girl #1), and Jamye (girl #3)

Miracles do happen.....

For those of you who didn't know....

I got a job!!!!!!

I started last Friday and I am loving it. I am so happy because this is the job I really wanted to get...and I did!!! Horray! There are a million new things for me to learn...but it is all coming together! I am now a Family Specialist (Licensing Worker) working with Foster parents. I work with the parents to get them licensed and certified to become Foster parents, do all of thier paperwork with them, do home visits, attend meetings, teach training classes and much, much, more! I am also a liaison and advocate for the Foster parents. I enjoy knowing that everyday will be a little different. Not quite sure what a "typical" day looks like for me yet since I am still learning/training, but I am excited to find out. Today I started my own case load of families and although it is a little overwhelming I am ready to hit the ground running. Wish me luck!

Camelback Mountain

On Presidents Day a group of us decided to hike Camelback Mountain. I have always wanted to do it since I moved here. It was hard....but so much fun! As you can see it was a perfect day in AZ to go hiking. We met a ton of new people on the trail and got a much needed workout in the process! Good times.

A view from the TOP

I made it!!!!!

The Stats....

Susy, Sweet J, and Me

Ode to Andrew!

For those who may not know my little brother, Andrew, is on a mission for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in Fresno, California. Today is the Ode to Andrew because he only has 100 more days until he comes home! Horray!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited, I can hardly wait. He is having amazing experiences serving and teaching others. He has also had MANY learning experiences. While he has been gone we have been able to talk to him a few times, and e-mail every week, and it is crazy to hear him change from this little kid to a man (yep, I said it....he is a man!). Although I am so happy he decided to selflessly give two years of his life, I am very excited to have him come home. Let the count down begin!

Elder Wilson

Working hard on the streets of Fresno!

Just a little cat nap!