Ch Ch Changes!

What a year it has been! I haven't blogged for ages, so I have some catching up to do. This year I completed my student teaching, graduated college, left my job of over 5 years, and started teaching 2nd grade. On top of all that, my dad was sick and needed a triple bypass and my husband was unemployed for a little while. Needless to say, it has been a roller coaster!

Student teaching was so much fun. I was in a third grade classroom. Third grade is perfection. 8 and 9 year olds are just plain fun. I became so attached to the kids and ugly cried when I had to leave. However, I had to go back to work and pay my bills. Working 15 hours a week just didn't quite cut it. It was extremely difficult to even work those few hours a week.

I finished up my last couple of classes after that and graduated the end of April. This was the biggest accomplishment of my life. I am the first in my family to graduate college. What a true honor! My family threw me a party in May to celebrate. We had a barbecue to celebrate and it was really a lot of fun. My family is so supportive and I love them dearly.

A midst all this triumph, my dad wasn't feeling so well. He went down to the VA Hospital in Salt Lake to get checked out. We found out he had some blockages and needed a triple bypass. We were all very scared about the situation, but I was thankful they found the blockages before something went seriously wrong. We went back down to Utah 6 weeks later for the surgery. They put him under and prepped him for surgery. My mom and I went to the waiting room and settled in for the 4-5 hour wait. The surgeon promptly came out and told us he couldn't do the surgery. For some reason, my dad's heart pump function had decreased to under 30%. He changed his medication and sent him home for 6 more weeks.

We returned the next month hoping for the best. When they put my dad out for the surgery, his heart pump function decreased again. I wondered if it was the anesthetic they used... who knows. They had a heart pump on standby in case he needed it, but he was strong and steady through the surgery. After 7 long hours, the surgeon greeted my mom and I with happy news that my dad was doing great. He was in ICU and unconscious for a couple of days, but was able to return home within a week of the surgery. Remarkable! We were so blessed things went smoothly. Dad is feeling great now and looking great too. I'm so happy and relieved he is OK.

The week of my Dad's surgery, I had an interview with the Shelley School District. I got a call from the principal of their elementary, faked a doctor appointment at work, and rushed to Shelley for my interview. Thursday they offered me a job. Woohoo! I am now teaching 2nd grade. Setting up my classroom was a ton of work. It was full of stuff and needed cleaned, so it took me a full week just to get it in shape. I have already faced so many challenges. Teaching is the toughest job I have ever and will ever have. However, ti is so worthwhile and fulfilling. Education is important. It is our future. I am honored to work with youth and hope I can have a positive impact on every student I teach. I have learned that teaching is not a career - it is a lifestyle. My students are great! They are so smart and funny.

Justin got a new job and is back in school as well. We have been so blessed with opportunity this year.

So, that's a short summary of what has been happening with me. I'm on harvest break right now... that's about the only reason I had time to blog. Harvest break has been wonderful. I've never had 2 whole weeks off of work. I feel great. This morning I went for a walk in the crisp air and made pumpkin muffins. I love Autumn!

Day 14

Today I am thankful for nutella. It is probably my most favorite food. Ever. I just made some crepes and filled them with nutella. What a heavenly dinner after a long day at work and a workout at the gym!

Day 13

I am thankful for having awesome co-workers in my work group! They help me get through Mondays and make my day better : )

Day 12

Today I am especially thankful for fuzzy socks, flannel sheets, and heated blankets. It is getting mighty chilly in Idaho!

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope everyone had a nice weekend. I sure did! I did a little Christmas shopping and sewed a couple of cute little gifts as well. I visited my parents, too, which is always nice : )

Day 11

Today I am thankful for Veterans. I am grateful for their service to our country. They keep us safe and uphold our freedoms. I am particularly grateful to my Dad, who served in Vietnam, and my Grandpa, who served in WWII. Thanks to all the heroes out there!

This is my Dad.

My grandpa is pictured on the bottom, 2nd from the left.

This is my grandpa Melvin with his twin brother, Merlin. His mother send five sons to war and all five came home. How grateful she must have been!

Catching up...

I have fallen a little behind... but here goes!

Day 7: I am thankful for books! There is nothing like escaping to a good book!

Day 8: I am thankful for new opportunities and change, even though it is really difficult for me at times. I received my student teaching assignment today and Justin started a new job. I am also grateful to him for working extra hard while I finish my education. I have been placed in a great school and have a wonderful cooperating teacher. Woohoo!

Day 9: I am grateful for technology. I love my computer, kindle, iPod, and smartphone. I am thankful to live in a time when things are so exciting and it is so easy to stay in touch with those we love. Technology just makes everything easier.

Day 10: I am thankful for snow! Even though I complain about it every year, there is something so beautiful and exciting about the first big snow of the season. Snow is peaceful, quiet, and graceful.

This photo was taken at my parent's house.

Day 5 and 6

Day 5: Today I am thankful for my family - all of them! I have wonderful cousins, aunts, and uncles who have been there for me my entire life. We have so much fun together and I love them to pieces! I also am fortunate to have wonderful family in-law!

I am proud to call this group of stone cold weirdos my own! Love you all!

Day 6: I am proud and thankful for the vote I cast today!