This is my Story

A new school year

2011-08-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

I finished my first week of teaching!! Yay me! I have grown to really love 5th grade and how cute and fun these kids can be.

I have been a little apprehensive about this year partly because there is only 2 5th grade classes which means large class sizes, and the other part is that I was going to be including an autistic child into my classroom full time. This child came to me for reading last year and really flourished in my class, so the principal and special ed decided to place him back in my room with only minimal help from special ed. Much to my surprise he has been doing great, the things that would normally send him into a state of panic and then lead to crying on the floor, is just shrugged off and he moves on to the next task. The thing that we are working on now is not always telling me every time he gets something wrong on his paper. ha ha

Even though my class is large I have loved these kids from the moment they walked into my room. They are so eager to learn and just make me laugh! I am so blessed to have a job that makes me laugh and watch them learn. I hope they can see how much I care for them and how much I want them to grow in my classroom.

"Vintage"

2011-07-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

I had a conversation with my sister-in-law about what makes something vintage. After having this conversation I kept thinking about this because I hear so many people say that their cloths or accessories are "vintage". I decided to look up the definition to maybe get a better idea of the word.

Vintage- representing the high quality of a past time: vintage cars;vintage movies. old-fashioned.

Here is what I think about this topic, if you buy something at the thrift store it does not mean that it is "vintage" it just means that you bought it at the thrift store. I know someone that bought shoes at the thrift store and keeps telling everyone that they are "vintage" when I was out shopping this weekend I saw the same shoes at a department store. So I guess if you buy it at the thrift store it is automatically "vintage".

Maybe I should start buying everything at the thrift store because that means that all my cloths will be "vintage". ha ha Now if it's from the 1950 then I would consider that item to be vintage because it is actually "vintage".

Sorry about the rant but I just needed to put it out there.

Finish Strong!

2011-06-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

I feel like I say the statement "Finish Strong" to my students everyday the last month of school. I say this to keep the students motivated and to keep myself motivated as well. Every year the last month is jammed packed with activities, plays, programs, and guest speakers. I was proud of my student this year, they have been an inspiring group of kids. I am not saying that this year has been perfect, but you move past the frustrations and focus on making the class a fun and exiting place to learn.

This was my first year teaching 5th grade, it was a challenge but I loved every minute of it.

Other then teaching life has been moving a long like always, I will admit that I have not been as busy as normal, but I have been having some fun when I can. I had a Nerd party, I made my friends dress up as nerds, Les Miserables with my friend Shauna, and Wild life World Zoo with Bree-N. Oh and the family went to Disneyland for spring break which was a lot of fun. I am glad that summer is here so that I regenerate and get ready for the new school year, but hopefully having some fun before I go back to teaching.

Pat Benatar

2011-04-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

If you where to ask me about some of my favorite concerts that I have been to over the years Pat Benatar would not be a concert that you would expect on my list. Especially people in my age range, but I would have to say that she puts on an amazing show!

Last Saturday my friend Shauna called me with the news that she won 2 free tickets to the Pat Benatar concert. At first I was a little skeptical but I thought, why not what else do I have to do tonight. My friends Rachel, Bree-N, Shauna, and I where some of the youngest people at the concert but, Pat Benatar Rocks the house!

It was an amazing show! The music was great, she chatted with the audience and added cute personal stories that go along with all of her songs. Word of advice if PAT BENATAR comes into town you must go!

Much has happened!

2011-03-13T10:33:00.000-07:00

The past few months have been super busy with work and life. Here are some of the things that have been going on.

Grandma Elli at Christmas Eve dinner. Isn't my grandmother a beautiful lady!

I got really sick on my birthday so a week later we made other plans. So we had a Birthday Dinner with some of my friends Bree-N, Stephanie, and Joe, we went to BJ's to eat dinner which was oh so yummy and I even got a free dessert with out being sung to. After that we went to Jester'Z comedy club it was such a funny show and a great night!

Roses for my Birthday from my co-workers. They decorated the workroom with all kinds of goodies and these beautiful flowers.

My dad also took me out to dinner for my birthday, we went to Flemings. This has been a tradition since I was 4 I get to pick a place to eat and it's just the two of us! Flemings is amazing in every way and such a wonderful tradition that I look forward to every year.

The Heart Center with my 5th graders. This place is amazing it teaches the kids all about the heart, how to eat right, how to exercise, and how the heart works. It is all hands on and they have great people running the center. The students had a great time at the center and it was a great day to sit back and watch my students learn and have fun at the same time. Also the great parent helpers that take over for the day!

My students make me laugh!

2011-01-13T18:01:00.000-08:00

After lunch I like to read aloud to my students, one to calm them down and two I think it is very important for the kids to hear you read to them. I try to pick books that have good morals or has a main character that has some type of "problem".

I have been reading When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, It is about a girl that is receiving anonymous letters that seem to be coming from the future. It has some good twists and turns and I really enjoy reading it. The conversation that took place after I finished reading went like this.

Teacher: Okay who can tell me what important things we learned about the book?

Student 1: That Miranda's friend has some problem that makes her body shake all crazy like.

Teacher: Do you mean Epilepsy?

Student 1: Oh yeah that thingy.

Teacher: Okay what else?

Student 2: (In a I am so board I am going to fall asleep voice)We learned about a thing, with a note, bread in a bag, weird 6th grade love triangle, time travel, and some girl that thinks you can time travel on diamonds.

Teacher: (Laughing) Thank you D that was the best summary that I have heard all day!

Student 2: I know I am awesomely amazing!

This year I have some really funny students that keep me on my toes and keep me laughing!

Other great books I have read this year to my students!

Al Capone Does My Shirts. By gennifer choldenko (Who doesn't love a book about gangsters)

The graveyard book. By neil gaiman (boys love this book, and great around halloween)

Freak The Mighty. By rodman philbrick (Fantastic no other way to describe it)

Bud Not Buddy. By christopher paul curtis (A great book if you need a laugh)

Star Girl By. Jerry Spinelli (being different is a good thing)

2010 in photos

2010-12-30T19:50:00.001-08:00

Mill Avenue with an old friend

Benni Hana for my Birthday

DJ Ben throwing down the music on my birthday.

Imax 3-D

Viva Las Vegas

Sea World with the 6th graders

Honolulu Hawaii

Many weekend trips to the cabin

Forth of July

Aquarium

Steve Martine concert

Beauty and the Beast

Halloween Party.

There have been many more fun things that have happened this year but no pictures. I hope that 2011 will bring many wonderful memories and happy times in my life. Thank you to everyone who made 2010 so wonderful!

Spooktastic Halloween!

2010-10-31T19:34:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, the costumes, candy, and happy faces. The monday before halloween my mom and her friends have a party for all the kids and grandkids. They have tons of food and games for everyone. It is such a great night! On the weekend there are always parties to attend and many chances to dress up. I was bad this year and did not take as many pictures as I would have liked, but oh well there is always next year!

Beauty and the Beast!

2010-10-24T09:17:00.001-07:00

I have been very Excited to see Beauty and the Beast! I bought the tickets in May and have been looking forward to it ever since. This is my all time favorite Disney Movie, and I love the Broadway Musical as well. I asked a good friend of mine to accompany me to the show and he enjoyed it as much as I did. I have always loved to go to musicals and spend the day at the theater! Thank you to mom and dad for giving us a love for the theater!

Fantastic Weekend!

2010-10-10T23:21:00.000-07:00

I have been in a hermit mode lately trying to get my house in order and starting the school year has been very stressful. I have been spending my weekends very low key. On Friday it was my friends birthday so we went out to celebrate on Saturday. We started at the Aquarium and it was almost empty, we had a lot of fun walking around looking at all the fish and different exhibits. After that we went to Joe's Farm Grill to eat, and it was amazing!!!!! The final event for the night was Jester'Z an improve comedy club. What a fun filled night I really enjoyed being out and having a great time.

On Sunday my parents purchased tickets to the Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Ranger concert. I was very excited to go with them and my Grandparents. Now this is Bluegrass music, but I have to tell you it was amazing! Steve Martin is a great musician and was telling jokes to make the night even better. I was blown away by the band that was there as well. It was such an amazing concert!

This has been one of the best weekend that I have had in a long time.

Vader Dances to Hammer

2010-08-24T19:36:00.000-07:00

This made me laugh this morning and I wanted to share it. Kris it made me think of you!

Lilies at the cabin

2010-08-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

This weekend was the Heap Reunion which the family looks forward to all year. It camping, shooting things, quading, eating lots of good food, and family fun. This year was a little disappointing because it rained, rained, and rained. Friday was wonderful, perfect sunny weather, nice 70 degree temperatures and the sling shot. The next day when we got to the camp site it starts to rain, and it just keeps coming with no end in site. We made the decision to head back to the cabin to get dry. Show Low was clear and sunny, but the camp site was still getting pounded by rain. We stayed at the cabin and watched humming birds at the feeders, admired the garden, and watched a movie. I took some pictures of the lilies that are in bloom right now I Love how they turned out!

Bartlett Lake!

2010-07-26T09:39:00.001-07:00

Saturday my friend Justin and his wife Lauren invited me to Bartlett Lake with them and a few other friends. It was a blast the weather was pretty nice for arizona and the lake was not crowded at all. We took the tube out for some fun, and just drove around the beautiful lake. I really enjoyed myself and I am very blessed to have such great friends that invited me to come.

Arizona Sunset!

2010-07-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

I was up at my cousin's house on Thursday, and this is what we saw as we where driving to his house. My cousin Johnny ran from the car to start taking pictures. As the time passed the sunset kept getting better and better. We sat and watched the sun go down and was amazing at the beauty that took place in front of us.This is one of the main reasons why I love Arizona!

4th of July

2010-07-21T17:06:00.000-07:00

For the 4th I went up to Show Low to celebrate. I love the patriotism that you get in small towns everyone decorates, and dresses up. It makes me proud to be an in this country. We spent the weekend taking the rhino out, BBQ, and spending time with family and friends. We watched fireworks from the top of the golf course, we could see Heber, Show Lows, and St. Johns shows from where we sat. We sent the nights with the telescopes looking at the stars and constellations. It is great to be in a place where we can really see the stars. It was an amazing weekend!

Oahu Hawaii 2010

2010-06-20T00:32:00.000-07:00

My friend Angie and myself decided to take a trip to Hawaii after school was out for the summer, since I was not teaching summer school I decided to treat myself to the trip. We flew to Oahu and started our adventure with a bright blue convertible.

The first day we went to Pearl Harbor, what an amazing place to sit and just take in all that took place there.

I was overcome with a pride for my country and all the people that serve this great nation. I can't begin to imagine what it would have been like to be there, but I know that I felt such a powerful experience that I will never forget.

The second day we went on a hike to a wonderful waterfall, it was an easy hike and lots of plant life to see.

Once you get to the falls you can swim in the cool waters of the falls.It was such a fun experience to walk through this jungle area and see all the different plant life and all the different animals that crossed our path.

We also went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and spent a whole day wondering the grounds and learning about all the wonderful countries that make up the little cities. My favorite was Tahiti and Tonga, I learned so much and had a lot of fun while I was learning.

We ate the dinner there and it was amazing with dancers and singers to entertain us while we dinned. The show"The Breath of Life" was amazing I was so impressed by all the dancers and enjoyed every minute. The best part was the fire dancers I could not take my eyes off of them. It was a great experience.

One day we decided to drive out to the North Shore area and go to Sunset Beach and eat a Ted's Bakery,(now this was are second time eating there it was that good)

We set out late so we could watch the sunset and then go eat after it was dark.

It was a great beach and great food and it was nice to have more of a relaxing day to sit and have fun.

We did have a little bit of adventure we took some ATVs up into the mountain area of Oahu on Kualoa Ranch. They film a lot of movies on this ranch such as Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Godzilla, Pearl Harbor, and the show Lost. It was a blast to drive around the mountain and see the ocean on one side and the mountain range on the other. After the ATVs we took a jeep up into the deeper parts of the mountain and get some great views. I really enjoyed this day.

I also visited with a friend that lives on the Island, her husband and 4 kids live on the Military base. Emilee and I have been friends since 4th grade and I was so excited to see her and catch up. She has such a beautiful family and really makes me appreciate the good times we had and all the great things that her husband is doing for our country.

Our last full day on the Island we decided to have a nice dinner out to celebrate our time there. My friend told me about a great restaurant that looks over this beautiful garden. The food was amazing and the view was wonderful.

Because we got to the place early we had time to kill, so we went to a macadamia nut farm. They had all these different kinds of flavors to try. It was a great place to pick up my last minute gifts before dinner. There where many more things that we did while there but this is just a sample of some of the great adventures that we had on my vacation to Paradise. This was such an amazing trip, hopefully I will get to visit again soon.

Something Old

2010-05-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

My cousin Shauna and I went to Africa last summer to visit my parents who were serving a mission there. It was the best trip I have taken in my life so far. The other day my cousin posted some pictures from our trip. The picture got me thinking about my own and I decided to put one up too. Thanks for the inspiration cousin!!!

It's been a long time

2010-04-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

So my life has been a little crazy with work. AIMS came and passed with much stress and sleepless nights. My kids worked really hard and I am very proud of them.

We did a fun activity for history with my kids, I split them up into different Greek City States and we had Olympic games. The kids made T-shirts headbands and flags for each of there groups. It was so much fun to see the kids really get into the games and all the fun we had doing the games. The best competition that we did was the Javelin the kids had to come up with the javelin to throw and it was so much fun to watch them try to cheat with the game.

We also took the kids to Sea World, they took classes at sea world and got to sleep at the park! It was rainy and cold the first night but by the second day the sun came out and it was nice and warm. It was such a blast and I was so glad that my kids got to experience this fun two days at Sea World.

I can't believe that the school year is almost over! I am ready for the break, but I will really miss this group of kids.

Viva Las Vegas!!!

2010-02-10T18:01:00.000-08:00

About 2 weeks ago my friend Brian called me and asked me what I was doing the 5-7th because it was 2 weeks away I of course had no idea, and he suggested Vegas! We where supposed to go the weekend before for mine and his birthday and the plans fell through so I was so excited that it was on again.

I flew up Friday after work, my friend Spencer (who lives in Vegas) picked me up and we went to dinner to wait for the rest of the group to drive in from Utah. We stayed at the Encore and it was Amazing!!!!!!! I have not stayed at a hotel that nice in a long time...

After meeting with the group Brian, Chelyse, Spencer and myself went to the Monte Carlo to a Pub that has live music and dancing. We had so much fun dancing the night way and seeing all the random Vegas people. We get back to the room around 5 a.m. ha ha. Saturday we went to Ihop for breakfast and Spencer met up with us there to eat a really late breakfast/lunch.

From there we went to Bellagio which was beautiful, then on to Cesar's palace to roam around! The 4 of us had such a blast.

I don't think that I have had that much fun in a long time!!!!!!!

I am so thankful to amazing friends that help me be me and have a ton of fun!!!

Avatar 3-D

2010-02-01T18:32:00.000-08:00

As a late celebration of my birthday my friend Brian took me to see Avatar 3-D. Knowing that I have not seen it, he decided to take me. We where supposed to go out to eat before the movie, By the time we got to the movie and bought the tickets it was too late to eat at a restaurant, so we decided to see what was around. We could only find fast place and Wendy's was the best of them all. We got some food and ate in the car.... ha ha. Not what was planned but it was a lot of fun anyway. The movie in 3-D was great. A little long but the 3-D was amazing to watch. It was a great night out and Bonus I tried something New with the 3-D movie!!

Turning 27!!!!!

2010-01-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was my Birthday and it was Great!

On Friday my 6th grade team decorated the workroom with goodies from Paradise Bakery, then they treated me to Lunch at Flancers they are an amazing group of people.

I started my birthday with my dad making me breakfast to start my morning off. Next my mother came home with Purple roses that where so Beautiful!!! She also bought me some of my favorite foods like, Dark Chocolate, Peanut M&M's, and Puffy Cheetos. Kinda random but I love them all. My parents are amazing!

Later that day cousin Sarah came over and did my hair for me so that I looked all fresh and cute. Next my friend Bree-N and I went to BeniHanas which is a Japanese Place that I have been wanting to go try for a while. It was amazing!!!!! (fyi if you sign up for there chefs table you get $30 off your meal the month of your birthday) Our Chef Allen was Great he was funny and made the night so much fun. After that we met up with a few friends at a party that my friend Ben was throwing. It was fun to dance the night way with some friends and random people.

My birthday is going to last for the next week when I meet up with other friends to celebrate for another week.

Thank you to my Family and Friends for making my day so special!!!!

New thing for the week

2010-01-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

With my new goal, trying to do something new or fun each week, I came across this restaurant Called Ah-So. I have seen this place many times because it is right next to an Applebees that my friends and I go to. I have heard that it is good but just never went. So I made the decision to go with two friends of mine. The restaurant is Japanese and they cook on a grill in front of you (kinda like Benihanas). It was amazing, our cook was fantastic, and the food was great. We had such a great time and plan to go back soon. I hope to keep my goal in mind each week and find something new or fun to do each week.

Great start to 2010!!

2010-01-03T17:33:00.000-08:00

I have decided that 2010 is going to be all about new and exciting things. As well as making my life more meaningful and fun. On New Years Eve I saw a friend (Spencer) at a party

(I met him 4 years ago at a new years party) it was great to meet up at another party 4 years later. On Saturday he invited me out with his bro and others to eat. My friend Bree-N and I met up with a few other friends and went to Joe's BBQ to eat AmAzInG food....

Next we went to Jester'z an improve place where Ron's roommate works, it was so FuNnY I don' t think I have ever had that much fun at Jester'z. We also saw Scott Macintyre from American Idol.

After Jester'z we went to a Piano Bar on Mill Ave where they have 2 piano players that will play anything you request. It was so much fun, such a random night but AmAzInG. Spencer was so much fun, his brother Ron and his girlfriend Candice where a BlAsT. A great start to 2010 and hopefully many more nights like this one..

It's been awhile

2009-12-06T16:49:00.000-08:00

It seems like forever since I have posted so here is a quick update of my life. I LOVE my job! It has been a big change but such a great one. My co-workers are fantastic and my principal is wonderful and so supportive. This has made my second year of teaching so much fun. I have learned so much from the teachers that I teach with. My students are wonderful a few that are a little bit of a challenge but wonderful none the less. My parents are also wonderful they support me and help out a ton. I am so happy I decided to teach again this year.

My Personal life has been great a little one the relaxing side but that is great. I have some great friend that are there for me when needed and we always come up with something fun to do. They look out for me when I think I don't need it.

Health has been interesting I have been struggling to get things on track but forces seem to be against me. But hopefully with new meds things can start looking up.

Utah and so much more

2009-10-12T18:43:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to Utah for my cousin Amber's wedding. Of course she was stunning as always. Her husband seems like an amazing man, and the reception was beautiful. It was great to see my family and spend some time with them. After the wedding I spent saturday with some of my younger cousins, we went to lunch then to a movie. I love spending time with this family, I don't really see them that much. They are amazing and so giving, they even let me send the night with them when I had no place to sleep.

For part of my trip to Utah I spend a few days with A good friend of mine, we shopped, we partied, and he had a blast. I am so amazing at the great

people in my life that they would put life on hold to spend time with me.

Today I went to the Arizona Botanical Garden with my friend Brian, they have a Butterfly pavilion with hundreds of monarc butterflies. It was so much fun to see them all and take pictures of them all around us.. I was so glad that I kicked off my october break with this experience.

Great Blog

2009-09-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

I found this blog and have been laughing ever since...... Take a look....

http://damomma.com/

Oregon Sept. 11-14

2009-09-20T08:19:00.000-07:00

My Best friend Angie got married to her longtime boyfriend Adam in Organ last weekend. As the maid of honor I was lucky enough to be able to go and have a great time. We flew into Portland then drove to the coast to the city of Lincoln where the wedding was to be held. Saturday the best man and myself drove along the coast to check out some of the fun stuff there is to see. We went to a light house and some other fun places. Sunday was the wedding on the beach.. it was a little cold, but it was beautiful. Angie looked amazing in her dress..... Then home on monday. It was such a fun but short trip, but I was glad to go and be there for Angie....

Diamondbacks Game!!!

2009-08-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

My uncle Danny was kind enough to give me his tickets for the Diamondbacks game. I have only been to one game since they where formed and the first experience was not a good one, but I gave it another chance. The game was amazing!!! I had so much fun. I took some good friends of mine and we all had a blast.... After the game there was a concert that was really good then to top off the night a great firework show.... I think that I am going to be taking my uncles tickets again the next time he doesn't want them. Thank you Danny!!!!

More Pictures

2009-08-06T19:22:00.001-07:00

The Best trip so far!! AFRICA!!!

2009-08-04T09:07:00.000-07:00

I was blessed to be able to visit my parents in South Africa while they are on there mission. It was one of the most amazing trips that I have ever been on. We started the trip in Madikwe at a game reserve that really taking you into the bush. We did a photo weekend with a famous photographer Colin Mead... We saw so many animals and learned a lot about taking photos. Next we headed back to Joberg for a few days then it was on to Elephant Valley. We stayed at a high end game lodge with tents.... It was amazing our tent was right on the water hole so we could see all the animals coming in to drink.... And the food and elephants where amazing.... After a few days there we headed for Victoria falls. We stayed at the David Livingston, right on the water we went jet boating, micro lighting, and a boat trip down the river. I have never stayed at such an amazing place..... We spend a few more days in Joberg before heading home... I could not believe all the things that I saw and got to experience while I was with my parents.

New Job!!

2009-07-23T17:48:00.001-07:00

As of Monday night I have a new job.. After I had made a decision to not teach this year and go back to school, but as fate had it I am now going to be teaching 6th grade at a school called Barbra Bush. This is a fantastic school, and a place that any teacher would dream to be apart of. I can't wait to start this new job and begin another year of teaching.

P.S. Pics from Africa to come soon.....

Home from Africa

2009-07-19T11:05:00.000-07:00

I have made it safely home from South Africa. I had an amazing trip and was sad to leave that beautiful country... I will post my pictures once they are all loaded up, but I need to clear some space on my lap top before I can load them.. I could not believe how fast the time went and how great it was to spend time with my parents.

Happy Fathers Day!

2009-06-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was fathers day, and with my parents on a mission it is a little bitter sweet. I have to say that just talking to dad was a little hard and not being able to see him.

I have been blessed to have an amazing father in my life. He was always there for me and my brothers in anyway that he could be. He is always coming up with fun things for us to do, especially when we where kids. He always made sure that he had time for me as his only daughter and showed an interest in what I do. Even if my interests where boring, I never felt left out or over looked.

He instilled in us a great love of reading by reading to us when we where young. He would always do the voices and always had interesting books to read us. Or in my case would change the story to amuse himself.

He taught us through service to others by always helping out those less fortunate. Making sure that we understood the importance of service. He is and will always be an amazing father, and friend to me.

Disneyland Trip

2009-06-07T20:11:00.000-07:00

Went to Disneyland for the weekend and just got back. Had an amazing trip with my friend Ben. We spent two days at the Magical place. The first day Saturday we walked right onto Indiana Jones ride, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, and Splash mountain within 45 minutes.. It was amazing how dead it was in the morning. The rest of the day it got a little crowded but not too bad. Sunday we hit a few rides for a second or third time. It was a great trip and I want to head back there right now....

Disneyland!!

2009-06-01T20:29:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be going to Disneyland this weekend!!! I am going with a good friend of mine Ben. I have not been to Disneyland in over 5 years so I am ready to go and have fun.. Pictures to follow when I get back next week......

First year of teaching

2009-05-24T20:32:00.000-07:00

The year has ended on my first year of teaching! I can't say that it was easy, it was probable one of the hardest things I have done in my life. I had some great kids and a few challenges thrown in there for spice. Even though it was a hard year I loved it......... We had a lot of fun times together..

I was so proud one of my students Aaron was student of the year!!! He was so surprised and he really deserved it. He would always keep me laughing and was always there to help me out with whatever I needed done. He has a great sense of humor and would always play along with my jokes......

This was a present from my neighbor and my moms best friend Debbie. I came home from taking down my room and really having a bad day, and Debbie had this made for me. It was to celebrate the end of my first year of teaching. I can say that it really made my day! She has really been there for me this year whenever I needed a pick me up! THANK YOU DEBBIE!

Happy Mothers Day

2009-05-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to all the mom's out there..... Especially to my mother who is half a world away, but is still in my thoughts... Hope you are having a great day and I will see you soon. My aunt put a picture like this up on her blog and it reminded me of one I took in Ireland....

Happy Birthday Mom!!

2009-04-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

So today is my mothers Birthday. As the last year has past, I have really begun to see what she has done for me in my life. I have really missed our times together even the little things.

I never realized how much she does for me as well as the others around her. She is so giving of her time to anyone that needs it. She gives so much of herself that you don't really notice it until she is gone.

I can honestly say that she really gave more then she received. Always taking me and my sister-in-laws out for some girl time in cali to see Wicked, or just to dinner and a movie.

I can not wait to see her when I go to Africa this summer and get to spend some time with her.

AIMS Testing week

2009-04-05T10:47:00.000-07:00

To start out the week we had an AIMS prep rally to get the kids excited for the test. With some persuasion by another teacher I got up and sang a version of YMCA with the words changed while the other teachers dressed like the village people. Even though some the kids thought it was stupid I really had fun doing this. We even had a few raps that I talked Sean one of the other 6th grade teachers into doing and it was great. The rest of the week my kids have been testing for AIMS and it has been really stressful for them as well as me. I want my students to perform like I know they can if they just try. We only have 2 more days left and I am so happy to get back to teaching my kids instead of reviewing. On another note I only 35 days left of teaching.... Yay for summer break.

Ready for summer!

2009-03-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

I am so excited for the summer to come. As the months drag on and the behavior of my students gets more frustrating I just tell myself that in July I will be flying my way to Africa to spend 16 days with my parents. I can't wait to have some time off and get out of the drama that is going on at work and with friends, to be able to leave it all behind and just have some fun. As well as seeing my Parents and some amazing animals.

St. Patties Day!

2009-03-03T18:55:00.000-08:00

It dawned on me today that it is march which means the month of green. I had the chance to live in Ireland so here are some pictures of Ireland and all the green it had to offer.

Sad goodbye but a returning friend!

2009-02-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

This week brought tears to my eyes when I had to say good bye to one of my students. He is a great kid and is going to do amazing things in his life. He is moving back to Argentina where his family is from. The class threw a party for him and we all said our goodbyes. I have to say that I shed a few tears when he left. I am so sad to go back to school and not have this great kid in my classroom.

Another thing that has been going on is an old friend that I have know for 7 years has come back around. It is great to be spending time with such an amazing friend. He has been there for me in the past, and has been there recently when I have needed someone. I am so glad that he is back in my life and reminds me of who I am and what fun I can have.

Happy 26th Birthday to me!

2009-01-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

I feel like I have been celebrating my Birthday all week long. It started on thursday when Debbie, Sandra, and Jo Marie took me to dinner to celebrate. We went to EJ which is a new stake house close to where we live. It was really good and so much fun to spend time with my mom's friends. On Friday my friend Kandi put together a dinner with a bunch of my friends, we went to a sushi place in chandler. The food was great and it was so much fun to spend time with my friends. Tonight I am going out with a friend, and then monday Kris and Sarah are taking me to Haji Babas. It has been an amazing birthday and it is going to keep getting better. Thank you to everyone for making it a great one!

Night out in Scottsdale

2009-01-04T17:01:00.000-08:00

Last night a friend of mine that is in town from Utah called me up to go out with a few friends. We where supposed to go to jesterz a comedy club. In true Mormon girl fashion everyone was late except me. We missed the first show so we decided to head to Scottsdale for a little while until the next show started. We ended up taking a carriage ride through old town Scottsdale. It was a blast we went to a random country salon. After a little while we went back to the club, it was so funny. After all the fun we ended up at I-hop until 2 am. I was so glad to hang out with my friends and get in some fun before work started again.

4 months in review

2008-12-20T15:05:00.000-08:00

When I started my job as a 6th grade teacher, there was a ton of excitement and a little bit of fear as well. I can't say that I have just had the most amazing 4 months and everything has been amazing. With taking on all the writing for the whole 6th grade and teaching over 90 kids I can say that I have never spent so much time grading. I have had some real tough times with these kids. A lot are involved in gangs as well as some really bad behaviors. I have been threatened to be beat up, told that everyone hates me, as well as angry parents who seem to only listen to the child and not me as the teacher. The weeks just seemed to drag on. Having a team leader that is just impossible to work with no matter how hard I try. When I talking with others about my experiences they keep telling me I have had 10 years of experience in 4 months. Ha ha...
But even though I have been having such a hard time I have those moments of greatness. I have kids that just make my day so much better, with a kind word or a little note on my desk telling me I am the favorite teacher. I know that some kids just will not like me, because I make them work and they can't slack in my class. But I realize even with all the hard times and sleepless nights that I really love my job. No matter how many times I get frustrated I just need to remember that I am doing some good with these kids. With a big change over this last week we are now going to self contained classes and I do not needed to teach all the kids. I am thinking that with this change I can really become a better teacher and really work on my skills for the future.
But all in all I have to say that even though the past 2 weeks have been the most challenging I have had some amazing experiences and will miss some of the kids that I have from the other classes.

Christmas tree

2008-12-07T08:41:00.001-08:00

Here it is mom the christmas tree.

Space Station

2008-12-07T08:34:00.001-08:00

One of the fun things that the 6th graders get to do this year is to have the space station come and they get a full day in space. They have a shuttle, a station and a mission control. I split the kids up into groups and they had to complete tasks and different problems that might come up. It was such a great day and my kids beat all the other classes in points.

CrAzY 8

2008-11-19T15:30:00.000-08:00

8 Favorite shows:
1. Ugly Betty
2. House
3. Desperate House Wives
4. Project Runway
5. Top Chief
6. That 70's show
7. Food network
8. Friends

8 Favorite Restaurants:
1. Oregano's
2. Haji Babas
3. Cheesecake Factory
4. Crackers
5. Fudruckers
6. Olive Garden
8. Joe's Crab Shack

8 Books I Recommend:
1. These is my words
2. Tale of Despereaux
3. The Giver
4. Twilight Series
5. Harry Potter
6. Narnia Series
7. Witch of blackbird pond
8. Hatchet

8 Things that happened yesterday:
1. Slept
2. Went to Susan's with my sis-in-law
3. got help putting up christmas tree
4. Read a whole 600 page book
5. worked on my lessons for the week
6. graded some papers
7. got a drink at sonic
8. watched a movies and relaxed

8 Things to look forward to:
1. Christmas break
2. Christmas
3. the weekend
4. seeing a lot of movies that are coming out
5. Space program with my students
6. Seeing old friends in town
7. reading books that I finally have time to read
8. Having some craft time

8 Things on my wish list:
1. Clothes
2. buying some things to make my scrapbook cute
3. tools (I know kinda weird but I kinda want them)
4. Movies DVD's
5. Books for my classroom
6. Finding a great pair of jeans that don't cost $100+
7. Random things for my room
8. A quad (I don't really need it but I do want one)

8 Things I love about fall:
1. Fall clothes
2. Crisp air
3. hot chocolate
4. The leaves
5. Sunny days but no snow
6. Fireplaces
7. Thanksgiving
8. Bonfires

Bull Dog Canyon

2008-11-09T08:48:00.000-08:00

Last night a bunch of friends and myself went to bullhead canyon for quading, repelling, and a bon fire. It was a great time and I am thinking that we need to have more nights like the one last night. The one downside was that it was so cold out there!!!!!!!

Egyptian gods and goddesses

2008-11-09T08:30:00.000-08:00

One of the things that we cover in History in 6th grade is Egypt, and because it is Halloween as a 6th grade project all the kids had to create a god or goddess using a pumpkin. Some of the kids work turned out great. On Halloween we had all the kids set up their pumpkins outside and the other kids could come look at them and learn more about the different gods and goddesses of Egypt. Tomorrow is going to be really fun because we are mummifying a chicken in class.

Sunsets in Arizona are the best

2008-10-19T19:17:00.000-07:00

As I stepped outside I just looked up and saw a very beautiful blue and pink sky. So I decided to take some quick pics, it may get 115 degrees but the sunsets are the best.

Getting crafty

2008-10-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

I try every so often to do something crafty even though I am not the most imaginative person. So I did a class at my house and we created a book dedicated to Wicked the Musical. We took images from a book bought at the musical and created a book that is super cute and could also be used for Halloween. I was really proud of myself and the outcome of the book. I hope to put pictures from when my sister-in-laws, my mom and me all went to cali for a girls trip to see the musical and have a fun time.

Scorpions!

2008-10-08T00:49:00.000-07:00

I have decided it is time to move in the last 2 days I have killed 4 scorpions in my house and tonight I killed one in my bed. As I went to bed and was about to turn my light out I see one heading right at me. I was lucky enough to kill it before it could get me but I have decided I need to take action. Making a 12:30am call to the pest control guys I hope they come and help me out because I just might have to move if this is not taken under control and soon.

Stitches..

2008-09-18T18:22:00.000-07:00

Today at school I was finishing up my lesson with my kids right before lunch, I went to pull the chair out to sit and lost my balance and fell back into the white board. My kids where really worried and came up to help I asked them to all have a seat because I was okay. The next thing I know one of my kids says to me "Ms. Heap you are bleeding" I look down and there is blood dripping on from my head. I calmly ask one student to call the front office and when he couldn't get ahold of anyone I sent another to go get help. The next thing I know my kids are being ushered out while half the staff has come in to help.
I was sent to the nurse and Sarah my sister-in-law came and took me so that Greg could stitch me up at my dad's old office. After changing and cleaning up I went back to see my kids they where so worried and concerned bet they really pulled through for me and even had some get well cards for me. It was a great way to make a name for myself at my new school.

Camping with the family

2008-09-07T18:26:00.000-07:00

Ok so the Heap reunion was over a month ago and I am now putting up the pictures. We all had a great time seeing family and friends and just hanging out getting all dirty especially my nephews. We all had a great time the only sad thing was that my parents where not there to have a great time with us. We never realized how much my mom and dad do for us when we go camping, they are the glue that holds our family together.

Happy Birthday father dear!

2008-08-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

This weekend was my dad's 57th Birthday, I can't believe that he is that old.. With my parents gone it really makes you reflect on life and how much you depend on your family and parents for the little things. I miss my parents so much but I know that they are doing the lords work and will be rewarded for there service someday. Happy Birthday Dad I hope it was a great one. Here are some things that make my dad wonderful.

1. He is always dragging us to some weird concert where I end up being the youngest one in the room by 25 years, but in the end I love it.

2. He gives so much of himself not just for the mission but for other things as well. I remember once we where in Cali eating at Joe's crab shack and two Marines sat at the table next to us to eat. When we left dad pulled about $60 out of his wallet and gave it to them and said "thank you for your service" and walked out. I was so impressed by this small act of kindness and appreciation for these men who risk everything to keep our country free.

3. HIs endless banjo playing trying to make it perfect (which I miss these days now that the house empty)

4. The trip with Marty which seemed to never end, the phrase "I want to be a cowboy" will never have the same meaning to me ever again. Now looking back it was a great trip.

5. How much he does for me as a daughter I never felt left out or over looked because I was a girl he always made the effort to spend time with me and do those things that fathers should do with their daughters.

What can I say I love my dad he is the most amazing man that I could ever know and will forever be blest to have him in my life...

First week of teaching.

2008-08-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

I had my very first week of teaching and it was amazing... I have some great kids in my class and we have a lot of fun. I have even been given a nickname by the kids.. I am now know as the "Hot Teacher" Haha I was walking behind some student who where with there friends and they where commenting on how they got the hot teacher.... I have to say it made me laugh. But all in all it has been a great week...

Tag!!!!

2008-07-28T16:22:00.000-07:00

5 things on my to do list:

1: Start setting up my classroom for my kids
2: Write a few lesson plans before the kids come back to school
3: Get ready to go camping
4: Try to straiten out my life
5: Get organized

5 jobs I have had:

1: Photo studio
2: Doctor's office
3: Child care

5 places I have lived:

1: Arizona
2: Spain
3: Ireland

5 favorite snacks:

1: wheat thins (I am addicted)
2: carrots and dill dip (I know weird)
3: Granola bars
4: Vanilla wafers
5: Cheese and crackers

5 favorite desserts:

1: Anything Chocolate
2: raspberry cheesecake
3: chocolate chip cookies
4: apple pie
5: carrot cake

5 things you don't know about me:

1: I hate shopping (I know I am a girl and I should love it but if I can avoid it I do)
2: I wish people would look beyond what they see because I do
3: I can pick things up with my toes
4: I am a control freak but only about things that don't mean anything to others (like the order of my dvds I know when they
have been moved and used without someone asking because they never put them back in the order that I place them)
5: I can't gain weight it's weird I know but I just don't

5 things I would do if I were a billionaire:

1: I would start a non-profit organization
2: I would give all my friends money so they could pay for school and not have to worry about anything and just work on
school
3: Travel the world first class all the way
4: Make sure my family has everything they need from houses, cars as well as fun family trips
5: Charity work and lots of it.

5 things I love:

1: My Family (they are the best)
2: being around kids
3: traveling
4: My friends that care so much about me
5: making a difference in someone's life

I finally got a job!

2008-07-22T14:35:00.000-07:00

After many interviews and a lot of offers for first and kindergarden I thought I would never get a job in the ages that I wanted. Then today I got the call from a school that is around the corner from my house and is a great school. I am going to be teaching 6th grade I teach all the 6th graders writing and the other teachers teach math and english this is such a great opportunity for me

It's raining........

2008-07-10T20:11:00.000-07:00

I cant believe it the rain has come and it is blowing and storming like crazy I have just been sitting in the back watching the storm just role in. I love these days when they just show up and you don't expect it...

For my Aunt

2008-07-06T19:03:00.000-07:00

Since I was in spain and my aunt loves bikes I took a picture for her so now she has a bike from spain that she can add to her list. Another cool thing they had where these bike racks where you pay $25 a year and you can take the bikes for 30 mins and ride to the next location after 30 mins you only pay $1 for every 30 mins after. It was really cool to see them every where in all the cites.

Now What?

2008-07-06T18:59:00.001-07:00

Now that I am home from my trip I don't know what to do with myself I do not have a job as of yet so I can't plan for anything, and I can not get a job because hopefully I will be teaching in a month. So now what do I do with my free time??? I keep calling schools and I keep interviewing but I am only get offers for grades that I don't want to teach. I think I need to take some trips to utah and to cali to fill my time.

more pics

2008-07-01T10:06:00.000-07:00

Spain Pics!!!!!

2008-07-01T09:57:00.001-07:00

coming home

2008-06-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

After 2 weeks in spain I am on my way home tomorrow. I had a great time and i am sad to leave but I am ready to come home. I wil put some pics up when I get home and some more details of my trip...

Spain!!!!

2008-06-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

I am heading off to Spain tomorrow morning.. I am so excited to be going back and seeing all the sites and all the great food there is to eat there. I will update you with pics when I get home but here are some pics from the last trip that I took.

Finding a job

2008-06-05T20:44:00.000-07:00

I finished my student teaching and graduated top of my class and yet I can not find a job to save my life. I spent all day on tuesday calling every school in Gilbert and Chandler and they all have the same answer "Sorry but we are not hiring right now" I was really getting discouraged considering everyone around me had a job and I did not. So I decided to reach out of my area and go into Apache Junction and send in an application. One day later I received a call from a school looking to interview me. One hour later I receive another call for another interview for a charter school. Come to find out the lady from NAU who decided if I could make a good teacher who to be honest I thought hated me after every observation I would go and cry in the pod at school, she had given them my name and said that I would be great at the school and I was her favorite students she had this year!! She likes me she really likes me!!!!!! So now in a matter of 3 day I have two interviews and hopefully a new job.

Pics from Graduation

2008-05-28T17:17:00.000-07:00

What I think is funny is I had more people come to my graduation in flagstaff because my parents where gone. But if my parents had been here it would have been only my parents and I at flag. I love my family and thank everyone for coming up and showing me support and love. Thank you all!!!

Graduation!

2008-05-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

This is my first post about graduation more pictures to come after I get copies from everyone. So I finally graduated on Friday the 9th of May. My brothers and sis-in-laws all drove up together to flagstaff for the big event and that was a fun drive. Also both sets of grandparents came for the occation as well as my aunt and uncle Janet and Carlo. I really appereciate all the love a support they showed me by making the trip up to see me graduate. It was only 2 hours long. The only sad part of the day was thinking about my parent missing the fun and not being able to see me finish school, since they put me through it and really helped me when I needed it. Thank you MOM and DAD for the love and support from Africa. LOVE YOU!

Done with Student teaching

2008-05-04T18:56:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my student teaching this firday. I was so excicted to be done but I was so sad at the smae time because I am going to miss my kids so much. On friday my kids planned a surprise party and it was so cute. The kids and parents donated money and made a huge basket of teaching goodies for me. Also my kids each wrote me a letter and a picture telling me how much they have enjoyed having me as a student teacher. I have loved every moment with my kids and an amazing teacher SHelly Brown that let me take over her class and teach.

Missed opportunity

2008-04-19T23:37:00.000-07:00

I was in LA for spring break and we went to the ally to buy all the fun things that you can get for "$5" I came across this Chanel necklace that was beautiful but didnt want to pay the $50 for it and moved on. I now kick myself almost daily for not buying it. These pics are to remind me that if I like something to buy it and to not look at the price.....

Tag Im It!!!

2008-04-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

7 interesting thing you may not know about me.

1-I never thought that I would ever become a teacher I used to feel sorry for people going into education as a career. Now that I find myself in this place I have learned why people go into education and why it is so important. I also love the kids and they make me laugh everyday.

2-I am sick of the dating scene, this whole lets hang out instead of taking you to dinner and a movie so I can save a few bucks is getting really annoying. I think I get taken out on more dates by my good guy friends then I do with guy that are interested in me. I mean I can be a cheap date the last fun date I went on we went to sonic got food had a picnic, and went to golf land it was tones of fun and not a lot of money.

3-The future scares me; to try and think ten years down the line to where I will be makes me not want to think about it. I wish I could have a 1-minute glance into the future so that I can prepare myself for what is to come.

4-I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, to eat sweets I crave them all the time I have to have something sweet everyday or I will end up in the middle of the night searching the house for something sweet to eat. Like today I had a very salty lunch but nothing sweet afterwards, the whole rest of the day with the kids that all I could think about at the end of the day I raided the candy jar in the front office to get something sweet. People know that if they ask me I will have something sweet to eat on me, so just ask and I will share my addiction with you.

5-I cannot stand humming, this is a new thing for me but I have a few kids that hum all the time and I just go crazy on them because it is all I can hear and I can’t concentrate on what I am doing, especially when I am teaching a lesson or it is personal reading time…

6-I really enjoy traveling, the best part for me is going on a study abroad away form family and friends and living in a new country to really be me. I feel like I have to be this mold at home or with my friends, but when you are away form all of that you can really be the person that you are because there is no one there to say different. In the end you come home changed and a new person because you are more comfortable with yourself and who you really are.

7-I hate being so skinny (I know you are all hating me right now) but it is true. I can never find cloths that fit, and the few times they do I have to pay $200 for a pair of jeans and living on a teachers income it is almost imposable to do. I can’t keep weight on no matter how hard I try I stay the same. So be glad for a little extra poundage because when you are shopping in the teenybopper section at the store and everything is too short or too young looking you will start to appreciate that weight.

AIMS Week

2008-04-09T10:43:00.000-07:00

So my students are taking AIMS this week in the morning until lunch and for some reason the distric that I am working for said that I can't be in the room while they are testing for fear that I will give the students the answers. I think that it is really interesting that I can teach the kids in my class and they trust me to do that but they do not trust me to administer a test to the kids. So all week long I get to hang out and sleep in and only teach 2 hours a day, I think they just gave me a vacation....

Ms. Heap

2008-04-01T17:19:00.000-07:00

"Ms. Heap"
"Hold on one second"
"Ms. Heap"
Can you please wait while I help this student
"Ms. Heap!!!!!"
Ms. Heap!!!!!!!!!!!
"What do you want??????"
I forgot.

This is a daily thing for me, all day long I hear the kids whinning my name, or asking questions when I am helping another student. I love everyone of my kids but someday I wish that my name was not Ms. Heap and I could walk out the door. And they will stop the whinning.....

I'm Engaged????

2008-03-24T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today was an interesting day for me after my students had left for the day I was talking with one of the student’s parents when another teacher came in and said that he really needed to talk to me when I was done. After the parent left I headed over to the guys class, the moment I walked into the room he took my hand and got down on his knees and asked me to marry him. In all seriousness I politely said that I was taken and had to leave. He followed me to my classroom telling me that he will get into my heart somehow... Is this sexual harassment because I think that it is?

Wicked Fun Time

2008-03-23T11:13:00.000-07:00

For spring break my sisters-in-law, my mom and I all went to LA to see WICKED!!!!!!!!!! It was a fantastic time and a great way to spend my spring break. it was so relaxing to be away from the classroom and to have a few moments to not be thinking about teaching.

We spent wednesday driving "the way of the wind mills" (love ya Sarah) and hitting up the outlet stores along the way. Thursday was spend in the alley where everything is $5. I have to say that was not my favorite part but it waqs fun to see the people haggle things down.

If you have never seen Wicked you MUST go it is amazing!!!!!!!!!

It was a fun trip and a great chance to spend time with the girls before my paents take off to Africa for 18 months.

My new job!

2008-02-18T19:24:00.000-08:00

In January I started student teaching with 35 4th graders. I never thought that my life would end up in the classroom teaching kids but here I am, and I am loving every minute of it. I teach at the same school that I went to as a young girl and it is so much fun being at the school that I was attending only 10 years ago, even some of the teachers are still there. I never thought that this would be the path that I would be walking down but here I am and I am loving every moment I have with my students.