Sunday, November 15, 2009

update

I wanted to give you all an update on our crazy, good lives...

About a month ago I was asked to teach a Praxis Prep Class. This is a teacher test that all teachers have to take within their first three years of teaching. There are several types of Praxis Tests but this one is based on all of the content taught from K-6. (If you haven't reviewed 6th grade math, world history, etc. in a while there are some pretty tough questions.) Luckily I don't have to know ALL of the answers. Another teacher and I present information on how to reduce testing anxiety, the teachers take a practice test and the remainder of the time we all study together. Although it has added a little stress planning for something extra I have enjoyed getting to meet more people from around the district. I only have one more class to prepare for and then I will teach the same course again in the Spring.

This year at school I am also a mentor. I have a new team of teachers (there are 7 first grade teachers total). They are such awesome teachers!! It has been a lot of work but also a really fun year. I am so grateful my mother taught me how to be organized, to plan ahead, and how to be on top of stuff. I have needed it more this year in teaching than ever before! thanks mom!

My class this year is SO cute! I have had a string of rough classes the last few years so it is so refreshing to have students who behave, love school, get along, and crack me up. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by these cuties!!

Shaun is very busy with school, TA genetics, writing papers, doing his research, and being the Elder's Quorum President. He is such a hard worker! He is so good to still make time for me and our sacred date night, too. That means SO much!

We are loving life and doing great! This weekend we broke the rule and decorated for Christmas. Usually we wait until Thanksgiving is over but not this year. I have a book club group coming over to my house on Wednesday and I wanted it to look all festive for the event...Shaun didn't argue one bit. I will post pictures soon!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy Halloween

 brodstau

Shaun and I had a really great Halloween this year! It started out on Wednesday at our ward party. Shaun dressed up like Edward and I was a little cute cowgirl. We didn’t win the costume contest but Shaun’s lemon bars won 2nd place. Ü I was SO excited!

I got to dress up that day during school. It was such a fun day! I wish I could post a picture of my class but then I would have to have each parent sign a wavier saying it was okay to put their child on my blog. So just imagine 20 cute little 6 year olds all dressed up.

Saturday night:

This is a group shot of our mini Halloween get together. Sterling was Indiana Jones, Michelle was Kelly from Saved by the Bell, and then the cowgirl and Edward also made an appearance.

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This was the flaming cake I made. It was   tasty!!

IMG_1733  We didn’t have time to carve real pumpkins so we just had to draw some faces.    IMG_1730

Happy Halloween Everyone! I can’t believe November is already here!!