Filled With Joy

A night to relax. Sometimes you just need it. Sure I have things I can do - add evidence of my worth as a teacher before my evaluation; write more lesson plans for the masters; fold the laundry that is in the basket; finish organizing the room for Collin; and much, much, more. However, we really haven't had an evening to do nothing and I need it because I'm going to go crazy if I don't. So, here I sit watching mindless TV and do nothing. I like it. I won't do it tomorrow. But, I am feeling the joy of the relaxation. (I don't even care that my socks don't match tonight. I NEVER wear mismatched socks.)

I wrote this last year, but it still rings true again on this day. "Twenty-[one] years ago today, I found myself lying in a hospital recovery room trying to comprehend what had just happened. I had just experienced three of the fastest and scariest hours of my life. What seemed like a normal and routine morning became anything but, and there I was surrounded by tiny babies, doctors, nurses, and life-flight personnel. A helicopter was waiting outside and another was on its way. At twenty-seven weeks pregnant, the twins had decided they had had enough of the cramped living quarters I was providing them and made their grand appearance. Their removal (they say they weren't born but instead removed) changed everything in our family. Those twins defied the odds, the expectations of doctors, and continue to amaze us today. How grateful we are for them and their fighting spirits." I find absolute joy in the miracle of these two wonderful women. Their lives are miracles and I h...

It is time to start the countdown. I wanted to start counting the number of days left in school back in September. I decided it was too early. This year has been difficult. The end is in sight. There is joy in knowing that time CANNOT stand still and we can move on to another year. Hooray for the end of things.

I love seeing people stretch themselves to do something new, out of the comfort-zone, and succeed. My niece, Tara, did just that when she participated in Madison's DYW program last night. I was so proud of her. I couldn't stop beaming because I knew this was far beyond where she felt comfortable. She did great! She was classy, graceful, and comfortable on stage in front of many people. Love that girl! She's #4 in the picture.

That daffodil is a beauty!!! It is the best part of our entire front yard. Too bad it won't last forever. It is a joyful part of this super blustery day.

Read a Book, Get a Book. That is what today's event is called. The eighth grade students in Ms. Thomson's class come to our school and read with students. They come with HUNDREDS of brand new books for the students to choose from. The younger students pick a book, sit with an 8th grader, and then they read it together. They keep going back for new books until the time is up. At the end, the younger students chooses any book they want, write their name in it, along with the older student's name, and get to keep it. My students 💗 new books. They had such a great time. And, the weather was so nice we got to sit outside. Joy all around!

These calculators have been a source of joy and amazement in my classroom. While doing some reading, I learned of several activities that can help students with numbers and operations using calculators. I decided to write a grant to get thirty in my classroom. I had no idea the impact that they would have. Students, who previously worked slowly or didn't work at all, are now completing their calculations and problems quickly AND correctly just so their can check their own work with the calculators. Today as I was watching students work with three-digit addition problems, I was so excited to see that ALL of them can do the work. And, they did it correctly.

I really like teaching, but some days are harder than others. Today was a bit of a struggle. It is possible that tomorrow will be better. I have always believed it. Tomorrow may not be the day that follows today. It may be a few down the road. But, I know that it will be better. As I walked home today, the first thing I saw were these pansies that I planted yesterday. What fun to see those colors. Brightened my whole day. Who knew that something so easy the day before would bring so much joy after.

Tackling a big project, that has been put off for years, brings a feeling of great joy and satisfaction. I needed to paint a bedroom that was perfect for little girls. Bubblegum pink and lime green polka dots were not conducive to visitors or adult children. So, today I decided to get the job done. I gave myself 30 seconds to choose a color. (I could spend all day choosing and that would be a great waste of time. Thus, the time limit is necessary.) It turned out perfectly. I even learned a great lesson - NEVER paint bubblegum pink (or a really dark color) again. I had to work really hard to cover it up.

This was a chilly spring day. I was freezing all day. Thank goodness we warmed up the Kitchen will Easter dinner. Trent and I brought dinner to Trent's sister's house so we could eat with his parents and sister. It was a wonderful day. Trent's mom ask us to say how the atonement had impacted us (something to that effect, anyway). Being at the JCC has taught me a lot about the atonement. I'm most grateful for the peace, joy, and love that are felt because the Savior loves me and atoned for me. There are many things I question in this world. I do not question that knowledge. I hold tightly to that knowledge.

Today I did nothing. Absolutely nothing, except a lovely drive to see the Palisades Reservoir. I love driving in that direction. The most amazing thing to see was that on the west side of the dam, spring has arrived. Green grass, flowing waters, dirt bikers, fisherman. On the east side, it was winter with the reservoir being covered in ice and the mountains still covered in snow. It made me wonder how a few feet could possibly make such a huge difference. We then went to Driggs where we ate at a place called Bangkok House. It was sooooo delicious. I can't wait to go again. It made my tummy very happy.

AWE Spring Break! What a beautiful day to have no school. I spent it helping Adri and Katy move to an apartment in Rexburg, shopping for things they may need at their apartment, and then looking at the beautiful blue sky. Also, flowers will bloom. That is a great promise of winter. It will eventually let go and the colors will come.

I have reminded my students all year to take their glasses off before going out to recess. No one listens. Or they do listen but they put them on the floor, next to the recess doors. That is even worse. But, today I found this when I returned to my classroom after lunch recess. This made my little teacher heart so happy. They listened. They solved a problem on their own. They thought outside the box. It has only taken eight months. Oh joy!

SUN and green grass !!! Enough said.

Our daffodils are growing. We have about five plants. Their home is a flowerbed that has yet to reach its potential. However, these daffodils always seem to do their job - let us know that spring is coming. See those yellow tips. Those will be flowers. When I saw these today I had to skip on over (literally) to take a snap. Spring flowers bring much joy.

Several years ago, my little school wasn't a very fun place to work. People weren't kind and were sometimes hurtful. Big changes were made and the entire environment changed. I also came across four steps to make my work environment a positive atmosphere. Sometimes it isn't just me to make things better. It takes a lot of people. However, I can't change everyone, but I can change how I view others. These four ideas have helped me so much. I have this poster hanging in my coat closet so I read them every morning. I also have them posted on my computer so I read them many times during the day. I feel much more joy when I am a positive contributor.

Today I had to go to the school to see if everything was ready for the next week of school. I needed some game boards for an activity. I thought I had them, but then I remembered that I threw them out because I never used them. So, I had to create new ones. I am so grateful that I have the ability to make things like this without having to buy them. Plus, it was mostly fun. I have find great joy in being able to create things for my classroom - especially when I have time to get them done.

The Wood River Valley is beautiful. The mountains are gorgeous. I had such a nice time with Trent this weekend. It was relaxing for me but also a great time to catch up with everything. I finally feel on top of things. My favorite part of the weekend was my walk from Ketchum to Sun Valley. The weather was lovely and the walking path was perfect. Trent had another hour of conference left once I reached the resort. I just sat in a chair, out in the sun, and enjoyed the view. The ski runs still have snow on them but most of the snow is gone. I love the outdoors. It rejuvenates me. Joy in the great outdoors.

Trent has a conference in Sun Valley. He invited me to come along. This has been perfect. I have sat in the hotel room all day working on homework and lesson plans - so many lesson plans. However, I have also been able to indulge in my favorite secret TV indulgence. I've been so productive. I needed this work day. Joy in completing so many of the tasks that needed to be done.

Sometimes, things go as planned. If you divide a day into small increments, generally one, and occasionally 2 of those segments will be just as hoped for. Such was the hour of 3:15 - 4:15 when 20 elementary grade students came to my classroom for Coders Club. Coders Club is chaos. But, it is doing exactly what I had hoped for - get kids interested in coding. I DON'T know how to code myself, but I love the thought of knowing how. I will practice more this summer. Anyway, today the kids found joy in creating garbage collecting robots, creating a laser-shooting robot that reacted to a paper cup in the way. They also coded little characters to dance to fantastic 80's songs. They wouldn't go home. Don't get me wrong - that is an exhausting hour. Today was fun.

I try very hard to make my classroom a place where students learn more than just math, reading, and science. I try to introduce them to things that they may need for the future, or even things from the past. One of my favorite stories in our reading curriculum is called "The Goat in the Rug." It is about the tradition of Navajo rug weaving. We talk about the culture and their traditions and we can learn from them. Then, we weave our own designs using a paper plate loom and acrylic yarn. My students LOVE this story. They love it because it they become part of it. When students get excited about something, that bring me joy. Today was the day. They wanted to stay after school to continue. I said, "NO!"

Today, Collin posted a picture of his weekend adventures. BEAUTIFUL! I love that he is the greatest adventurer in the family and that he found something to enjoy in the Price area, because there isn't much. This brings me much joy and peace. He find relaxation and calm out there in the wilds of the red cliffs and spires. His photographs are spectacular. He inspires me to "Get Out There!" P.S. I stole this photo from Collin.

As I was walking home today, I was thinking about the neighborhood we live in. I thought about how fortunate we were to move right here. We didn't know anyone in St. Anthony, really. But, we landed perfectly. One of the greatest blessings and joys was being neighbors to the Hirschi family. There are many reasons, but my favorite is that they taught us how to have adventures. Because of them, Collin and McKenna like to adventure. When I got home, I saw a picture of McKenna on top of the Jackson Hole Ski Resort as she was snowboarding. She loves it. She loves to adventure with Justin, and Justin loves to adventure with her. I'm glad she isn't afraid to try new things out there, because there is a lot of joy found in the great outdoors. P.S. I stole this picture from Justin.

Today we had lunch scheduled at my parents between Conference sessions. As we were on our way, my sister called and asked me to convince my dad to go to the ER because my other sister thought he was having symptoms of a heart attack. WHAT!!! It didn't take much convincing. These symptoms had happened before and I think he may have been a little worried. We were only a couple minutes away. When we got to my parents' house, Dad was already in the car, and mom asked me to go with them. The hospital staff was so kind and gentle on that old guy. Mom relaxed considerably. After much blood work, an EKG, x-ray, fluids, questions, and monitoring, it was determined that he is fine. His heart is good. (Erikson hearts are always good! That is a genetic consistency.) He does have a hiatal hernia which may or may not need to be addressed in the future. We don't know what was causing the issues today or the last time. But, I know there was great joy from EVERYONE in knowing he will be ...

General Conference is one of my favorites. I hated it as a kid. Struggled as a parent of young children. But, love it as an older adult. I enjoy listening to the talks again and again. To keep myself busy, so as not to go crazy, I color in my adult coloring book. We have several. Sometimes I color like a two year old and sometimes I color like an adult. Depends on the mood ... and how sharp my pencils are. Can't wait for tomorrow and more talks, and coloring.

Today was a Zoo at my classroom. The students have researched an animal, written a report, and created a diorama. The dioramas were done at home. All but two students brought one, but all the students had a completed report. Today all the dioramas came to school. They were amazing. Parents came to walk through the zoo, and the other second grades visited also. Each student had to tell about their animal as the people walked through. They did a great job. It was so much fun, not a lot of work, and a great growing experience for the kids. A total win! Joy is in an activity that is perfect for everyone. I didn't even have a single complaint from any parents.

This dog is so funny. Today he was napping and I was working on homework. He woke up with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. He didn't bother putting it back in for like five minutes. I couldn't stop laughing. Dogs are good companions. They can be work. But, they bring so much joy and love. I'm grateful for the two dogs we have had.

Today I sent home consent forms for parents to sign in order for their child to participate in the research I am conducting for my degree. I need them back fast. A suggestion by a course instructor was to bribe the students. I don't bribe. I reward, except today. I told them that I would bring them a cookie if the forms were returned in the next two days. The students complained because one cookie is not worth returning a signed paper. However, two cookies are. I had every intention to make those cookies for the kiddos. But, I forgot until about 8:30. I don't make cookies well when I am wide awake, and at that time today I was not wide awake. So, my joy was definitely full when I thought of our Broulim's grocery store, eight blocks away. Off I ran. I hope that three cookies will make up for the lack of goodness from a homemade cookie. Do kids care as long as it is junk food?

Today is my sister, Wendy's, birthday. So, happy birthday to Wendy! She is a nurse. I've always admired her for that. We took Anat and Phys together in college and she worked so hard. She was also working at Primary Children's when the twins spent several months there. It was nice to have her there and a constant connection. She worked very hard, recently, to earn a Bachelors in Nursing and helped inspire me to continue my education. One summer she ran almost every day and that inspired me to get going (I don't run, but I do exercise.) She is a good person.It is the last of the sister birthdays for the year. I love these ladies. They bring me joy! They have cute families and nice husbands.They are good people and I'm glad we all live close enough to spend time together. 

Today was April Fool's day. It isn't my favorite day of the year. My kids must know me well because there wasn't a single mention of it, until ... I gave them an April Fool's pre-spelling test with words like chchch (what you say to a horse when it won't go), tangateen (what you eat your spaghetti with), whuzup (a greeting you give a friend), etc. I told them if they got a 100% then they wouldn't have to do the real test on Friday. It was funny, mostly to me. And their expression were awesome each time I gave a word. That was good fun. Brought me joy because I don't often get the better of them. Also, Katy found this cereal at the store. Little chicken flavored chicken shapes and maple flavored waffles combined with flakes of corn and granola. Why? Who? Weird! It would have been a good joke, but it isn't. IT IS A REAL THING! It doesn't taste good.