Very Proud!

As you know, I am a teacher. I have a wonderful group of kids that I seriously love. I've tried hard to get to know each of them and let them know I care. I think I've succeeded. This past six weeks we have been working really hard on fractions. We've been adding/Subtracting, finding common denominators, equivalent fractions, improper and mixed numbers, decimals, and all that fun stuff. We would work and work in the classroom. I would come home at night and schedule my math lesson plan to the minute to make sure I was making the most of my time and that I was doing my lessons in a progression as to not confuse the kids. Well, after a lot of hard work my kids took this hard math test (that I do not write. It's given to them from the district). And I am so proud because all (but one!) made an 86 or above! That means that they only missed two questions! I wish I could convey to you how happy this makes me feel! Sometimes, I get so worn out and tired and it's when you see that the students have really learned something that it really becomes worth it. I had one student tell me on the way out to their car that he thinks he's getting a little better at math. It made me feel so good that he feels better about himself. These are no ordinary kids. English is their second language and they are all economically disadvantaged, so they are already have a lot to overcome. But they really worked really hard. I am just so grateful that these are my first kids. I just want to continue working hard for them and doing the best I can so they have a chance to succeed!

I am so grateful for how the Lord works. He knows the plan for our lives. I think my life is supposed to go one way and I find out Heavenly Father takes me another way that is so much more enriching and fulfilling. I am glad we don't know how life will work out. It would be boring otherwise and less challenging.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas time!

I love this time of the year! It is cold outside, but at least there is no snow. Christmas time is such a wonderful time to reconnect with friends and concentrate on important things. I look forward to the two weeks I have off coming up soon, because I really want to find something valuable to do with the time I have off. Lately, in church we've been talking about service in the community and I really want to do something with it. So, maybe I'll try to find something for me to do.

Taylor's birthday has come and gone! He is officially 24. I made him a cake on Sunday since last year I didn't! I'm a bad wife! But, this year he gets 3 cakes! So, I hope that makes up for it. On Friday we went to look at lights in downtown Fort Worth with his parents and it was actually really beautiful. We just bundled up and walked around. On Sunday, we had a family dinner with a funfetti cake with vanilla icing and sprinkles. And on Saturday, his whole family is getting together to celebrate his birthday. I think he's pretty lucky. I'm grateful for him and having him for another year in my life. I try not to take advantage of the precious gift of life.

I feel so very blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life and to have my wonderful family happy and healthy. I'm also grateful to have great friends who make me want to be a better person. Even when trials appear in your life you can always look around and find wonderful blessings in your life. I think it helps you get over trials and realize how much our Father in Heaven really does love you. Have a wonderful week!