Becoming a Teacher

Reading tree with all my wise owls

I know it has been a long time since the last post but things have been very busy in the Phipps' household. Aaron has been studying non-stop for the GRE and I have been teaching. Aaron took the test this last Saturday and did an amazing job, like I knew he would, and has been able to relax. I however, have very little time to relax and am on my fourth week of teaching. It has been an experience like no other. I can't believe how exhausted I am everyday and not just physically but mentally also. I get home and my brain turns off. I swear I hear my bed calling my name every night at around 7:30 but I do my best to stay among the living until 9:00.
I am learning so much and have realized that the four years of education has prepared me for absolutely nothing except to respect all the work the teachers put into have every minute of every class planned. I know they say that teaching is the most rewarding job out there but I am still waiting for just one of my students to have an ah-ha moment. Just something to tell me I am on the right track. I do have fun with my students everyday, especially on the days they tell me I am the best teacher in the whole world. Things like that always help me get through the rest of the day. It has been crazy to go from a student to a teacher in such a short period of time, but in reality I still am a student that is asking for help, advice and just hanging on hoping I can help these kids find joy in learning by the end of the school year. I know I am where I belong I just need to make sure I am doing what is necessary to make the 27 second graders have a greater chance of succeeding in life. People always say that the first few years don't matter but they are really the most crucial. It is when they learn the basics and when they learn how act in society. Not only is this when they learn the basics in all the most important subjects but is when the students are the most impressionable. The teachers I remember the most are the teachers from kindergarten and Second grade. My kindergarten teacher was one of the biggest reasons I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted my students to know what I felt when ever I walked into her room, but I don't know how. I try to make my room a loving and warm environment but how do I know I have accomplished it? How do I show my students how much I care about their education and the individual attention they need? I want my students to feel important in my classroom. They need to know they have a voice and a purpose in this world. I know they are only seven but don't we all have to start defining ourselves somewhere? I may not always like my students but I can tell you I have grown to love all of them. I know it will be a long and hard year but I hope I can make it a rewarding one and not just for me but for the 27 children I am trusted with Monday thru Friday from 8:00 - 3:30.

Growing up

Well for those who don't already know I have received my very first teaching position through an internship program. Starting in August I will be a second grade teacher. Until today none of it really seemed real but today I was able to go meet with the other second grade teachers I will be working with. I haven't really felt grown up but I am starting my first real job and I will be in charge of 30+ 7 year olds.

I have never been so excited and so nervous at the same time. This will be one of the greatest experiences I will have the chance to be a part of. I have so many fun ideas I want to use in my classroom. Now all I have to do is plan a years worth of lessons this summer and figure out how I want to decorate my classroom and what theme I want. In four months I will be known as Mrs. Phipps and I couldn't be happier. Wish me luck everyone. I am really going to need it.

Back to School

It's back to school for Jaimie, and we've moved. Just thought I'd write something since it's been a long time.

Miracles

President Uchtdorf came to visit Buenos Aires when I was about 19 months out. My parents' divorce had just erupted in all its gore. Shattered images of what my life had been and would be were seconded only by my deep concern for my little brothers and other siblings that didn't have the luxury of 6,000 miles separating them from insanity. In spite of this blessing of distance, I could not help but feel the weight of the sacrifice I was making to remain on my mission. My family needed me, or at least I like to think so.

Though we were all moved and thrilled to listen to President Uchtdorf, I regret that the only thing I remember him saying was that when we were off our missions, we could sleep in as much as we'd like on Saturdays. Odd. But then, just before the closing prayer, he in great sincerity and earnestness offered a blessing. In it he said that we would receive miracles beyond imagining because of the sacrifices we had made to be there.

Miracles? I had always loved miracles. What do miracles even look like? Some say life is a miracle, or that the sunrise is a miracle. Others would say great bolts of lightening or visitations from angels or spirits are requisite for miracles. Me? I fall in between I suppose. As much as I love the sunrise every day, and as much as I admire the beauty of life, certainly a miracle to me is something beyond what I could imagine as possible. It has to go beyond, I suppose, what I am able to either comprehend, explain, or expect. I don't know; I'm not trying to get technical.

Life after my mission was complicated, or depressing, or just foggy. Something like that. I spent the first year after my mission trying hard to re-evaluate what I had taken for granted. There are some, I'm sure, who understand how this goes. There are lots of questions. There is a lot of anger. There is constant confusion. More than anything , there's a listlessness or purposelessness that I would never have thought possible in my own life.

So where, I wondered, was the miracle I was promised? It had been a year since I'd come home and I'd seen only failed dates, a continuously hurting family, and slipping grades.

Why is it we think miracles occur instantly? The parting of the seas, the taming of the lions, the incredible resistance to fire. It's as though miracles are only shows of divine power and not greater, deeper divine blessings. Well, unfortunately, I didn't see great pillars of light or hear angels singing when I met Jaimie. No. The first time I met her she wouldn't even talk to me (supposedly because she had just eaten an onion and was embarrassed about her breath). The next time I really met her, still no choirs singing.

In fact, my time with Jaimie was entirely different. It was, oddly, completely non-sensational. It was always like going back to a home I'd never had. It was as though she had always been in my life, but had gone missing for the past 22 years.

Now guys, I'm not trying to be mushy or lame or anything. I'm serious. I'm dead serious. My life right now is something I honestly didn't ever expect or think possible. Now I know lots of men who love their wives. That's not what I'm getting at. I know lots of men who would say their wives are miracles, or that they don't deserve their wives. But I'm not saying that in a poetic way. I'm saying it literally. I have proof positive that miracles are real, and that the promises of an apostle really come true.

Why am I even talking about this? For those that know me, I'm usually fairly shy and certainly wouldn't write something like this on a blog for the whole damn world to read. So here's the punchline.

Jaimie recently wrote something on this blog about her frustration over deciding what she's going to do about a potential internship this coming year. I later took the post down (with Jaimie's permission) for a couple of reasons, only one of which is important.

Jaimie is my miracle; she is the life I never thought possible and the home I'll always want to return to. I have siblings that I love and care about, and they love me in return. I have friends that have been more like brothers than anything; the best friends anybody could have in the world. But Jaimie is home. She is everything that makes sense in my world, and she is everything that makes my world sensible. So for her to even think that she hasn't accomplished anything, or that she doesn't fulfill her goals, is hurtful. She saved my life in a very literal way; she took me from bleak prospects and misguided anger to a cozy paradise home of our own.

I would recommend you remember this moment only because it'll be perhaps the most embarrassing one of my life. Exposing the most important things in our lives is always embarrassing, if only because it makes us vulnerable. On the other hand, sometimes things are so important to us that we can't keep them to ourselves. Maybe I just wish the world could, if only for an instant, see Jaimie through my eyes. What's more, maybe I just wish she could.

Online communities and the problems they cause

Hey all, It's been a busy day but I had a few minutes of down time (finally). Unlike what everybody thinks, we here at the Governor's Office actually do work. It's ok, I wouldn't have believed it either, so don't feel bad if you still don't.

I noticed something that has hitherto remained unnoticed. Jaimie, being the sweet social butterfly that she is (?) does seem to spend much more time on Facebook and other such online interests than I do. That I had noticed. I didn't know, however, how often she mentions me (usually in a forgivingly favorable light). This seems unfair, since I'm hardly ever participating in such activities, and therefore rarely talk about Jaimie in our growing online community.

Sigh. She does deserve more online attention. So I just thought I'd write a quick little shoutout for my lovely wonderful sweet nurturing and talented wife (should there have been commas there?) Most that know me, however, know that I'm not going to say much more, even though she is worthy of an incalculable amount of praise.

Horses or Teaching

*** DISCLAIMER: This message is not approved by me (Aaron), simply because I don't think it accurately portrays the determination, talent, and fortitude that Jaimie actually has. That said, she posted it before I could censor, so most of you have read it in your RSS feeds anyway. Regardless, I just need to say that Jaimie has finished many difficult and important challenges in her life. She has consistently been on the Principle's list, she was asked to be an Honor student, she has been invited to several honor societies, she was accepted to this internship she is stressing about, she'll graduate college soon, she learned to sing very well even though few encouraged her to, she's an accomplished rider (and anybody who disagrees should talk to me about it), she's completely changed my life and made me happier than I ever thought possible, and for her to sit and act as though she hasn't followed through on anything or accomplished anything is both false and a horrible misconception about her own value that seems to come from who-knows where. "... but some how I am the girl that takes the easy way out, gets scared and just quits. I feel like every goal I have ever tried to meet has come and gone." Maybe that's just Jaimie being dramatic, but unfortunately she feels that way. I suppose we all do at some point, but we also all need somebody to stand in our own defense against ourselves. So that's what I'm doing. Jaimie is not a quitter; she's not just a sweet little girl. She's an accomplished woman and a power to be reckoned with (trust me), and I will adamantly defend that reputation.***

Today I have been faced with what has seemed like a huge life choice do I try for a once in a life time internship teaching my very own classroom one year early or do I spend my summer days at the ranch doing nothing but riding my horse. This morning as I was at the ranch with my dad and brother I realized that I not only wish I was more diligent at getting to the ranch but I wished that it was all I did. I love the time I spend at the ranch. I am able forget about everything that has made me upset that week and everything that will stress me out later that day. I have lived my life wanting to be a certain person but never really reaching that goal. I want to be that girl that like to be outside in the mud with the animals doing whatever it takes to get the job done but some how I am the girl that takes the easy way out, gets scared and just quits. I feel like every goal I have ever tried to meet has come and gone. I wish I knew what my future brings when it comes to horses. Will we maybe one day be able to afford them or will I just have the opportunity to ride them when I visit my parents on occasion? To some this may be an easy problem to solve. Take the internship right? It is a once in a life time opportunity. I will finish all my classes in the upcoming summer and then I will become a first  year teacher instead of student teaching. I will be paid little but I will be in charge of my own classroom. Isn't this why I am going to school? I am getting a degree to teach. We all have childhood passions and hobbies and I have loved competing but doesn't there have to come a point in every one's life when we have to give the childhood passions up and pursue knew passions and hobbies.
I have come to realize that one reason I am struggling with the idea of the internship is that I think I am giving up on myself. I have tied horses into my identity so much that I haven't lived up to my own expectations of myself. I wanted to be that girl that won them all. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was tough and that I could do anything I put my mind to. In reality though I feel as though I have let myself down and everyone else around me. while talking to Aaron about this today he told me that I am the girl I wanted to be, but today as I was riding I gave up yet again. I have become so discouraged that I am unable to do some of the simplest maneuvers that use to come so easily to me. Because of school I have had less time to devote to my horses. There was once a time when I would make it to the ranch almost every day. Now once a week has become almost impossible. I started riding over ten years ago and feels like the first day all over again. And then the internship I look at that terrified out of my mind but excited. I know I am scared and when I get scared I will do anything possible to avoid whatever I am scared of. I am struggling with. in my opinion, a huge decision. this will be my last summer in Utah before we move to where ever Aaron's Grad school take us and I just don't know what I should do. I am scared that I will be unhappy no matter what decision I make because no matter what I do I will be giving up a great opportunity.

I'm a contributor too

I was changing some settings in Google and noticed that I'm a contributor to this blog as well. Imagine that. So I thought I'd assert my blogginess here to keep our blog going in some continuous fashion (this is heavily inspired by the fact that our friends, the Barnes, arealways updating their blog, and it's so good that even my sister follows it... *sigh*).

This last weekend was Laura's Senior Recital. The whole event has made me rather reflective (much, I'm sure, to Jaimie's annoyance). The bottom line of my reflection: a big family is both a massive blessing and at the same time full of heartache. Who among you have an instant 9 friends to call up and talk to, 9 people to visit and invite to your house for a good time, 9 people to blame for your childhood woes, and 9 people to blame for the best times of your life? (Not to mention their spouses/significant others and kids).

But that's 9 people you forget to call every week, 9 people whose birthdays you do little more for than send the (often late) card, that's 9 more people's feelings you have to worry about when making Christmas plans, and 9 more ways for your family to get mad.

Being the 6th child, I have had the odd position of being actively involved in the lives of all my siblings. I've watched Jessica go from my super-(second)-mom to her two kids' (first) super-mom. I learned the great ninja ways of mountain lion traps and eucalyptus leaf teas from Jason. I don't know how many 3D puzzles I helped Don with or how many nights he kept me awake kicking my bed from his bunk below. Sarah and I were the (obnoxious) shrimp duo. Barbara and I were bitter enemies until high school, when she was the best older sister known to humankind. Laura and I searched the car seat-cushions for enough money to buy Taco Bell after our weekly piano lessons. Ammon went from annoying to tender. John changed from moody to helpful. Dallon's just Dallon and that's great. He's probably a little too much like me.

Watching Laura deal with the enormous stress that culminated before her recital was such an eye opener. I realized how little I could help, and how little I was there for her when things were hardest. I suppose every older brother one day wishes he'd done more. I think about Jason and how often he was there to give me advice, and yet how little advice I can give him now. Who was Jessica's second mother? I never taught Dallon how to catch mountain lions. I don't include Don in my 3D puzzles. And nobody was looking out for Barbara in high school.

But then it's not all bad. Sometimes we're lucky and have the opportunity to give back. The night before the recital, Laura was so stressed she began to cry. I didn't know what else to do but give her a hug and let her stain my nice white shirt with mascara. I don't think it did all that much for Laura, but at least I got to tell her what we all need to hear sometimes: you're doing a great job, and you'll keep doing it.

I've reached the end of my reflective-ness with nothing to conclude. I guess it's where I started: big family = big blessing = heartache. That's 9 people who, without explanation, provide a full and rich life. It's 9 people I worry about. It's 9 people I see make good and bad choices, and 9 people to watch me make mine. But I suppose, most importantly, it's 9 people I wish I could tell (without feeling embarrassed or cheesy) how well they really are doing in life, how proud I am of them (if that matters), and how much I look up to them.

But then again, that would be 9 more phone calls I don't know I'll ever make.

Always on my mind....

Thoughts that run through my mind daily normally go like this...

Time to wake up...

I want to be a mom...

Did I get all my homework done?...

I want a baby...

Is class almost over?

Why does everyone have to be pregnant...

Time to do more homework...

I can't wait to be a mom...

I have to clean the house

One day I will have a baby...

What should I make Aaron for dinner...

I still want a baby...

I hope I pass all my classes...

I don't want to wait longer to have a baby...

Time to sleep...

I can't wait to have a baby...

I am not sure you can tell but I am a little baby hungry and it gets worse daily.The only thing I think about is how after I graduate I will be one step closer to being a mom. I am excited that I am getting closer to my degree not only because of the other benefits that may come after but also because I will have accomplished the biggest goal in my life. Aaron and I will go to to grad school and start a wonderful adventure. All of this is just a year and half away. I may be a little nervous to leave but I can't wait to stand by Aaron to live out his goal just like he is doing with me. So many things on my mind but none out weigh the overwhelming desire to be a mom.

Camping at Mirror Lake

We were able to go camping a few weeks ago before school started and we found an amazing campsite. We did however forget flash lights and there was no moon because there were scattered thunderstorms throughout the night. So of course it was very difficult to see from nine on but we did have a beautiful fire going that we all huddled around to stay warm and cook dinner. Which I might add was an extremely yummy dinner (we were in charge of food, my favorite part of camping). Aaron and Drew also had a good time fly fishing while Jessica and I stayed by the fire trying to stay warm. We were able to stay dry in the tents at night but we didn't really get a chance to sleep because we forgot sleeping pads and Aaron and I forgot our own blankets but luckily Drew and Jess always bring extra. We were also Lucky enough to see a family of moose! It was an amazing thing to see. They really are amazing to watch. This truly was beautiful. It was so much fun and I am hoping we can go again next year.

My Grandma

As I sit and watch Aaron attempting homemade chocolate ice cream for the second time I can't help but think of the time we have spent together and our future to come. My grandpa who is in his late 80's is going to marry a very wonderful lady tomorrow. I bring this up because even though for some reason my grandpa remarrying has been surprisingly harder for me than expected I can't help thinking that if Aaron was in this position I would want him to find someone to keep him company. I love the thought of becoming old together and always having him there when I wake up every morning.

When I started this post I wanted to talk about the future and everything it has to hold but I can't stop thinking about my Grandma. I remember clearly the day she passed away because a couple days before she couldn't remember who I was, but the morning my mom went to go see her I had a feeling that I had to go see her. I didn't know what it was because the doctors scheduled her to be released from the hospital that morning, however when my mom got there she had taken a turn for the worst. That night after school was very difficult for me. My grandma has always been very important to me. She was sick for quite a while but she always seemed so strong, I have never understood where she got her strength. Most the time I believe she was ready to go but stayed for my grandpa. There were many occasions when in the middle of the night she would stop breathing and we would rush her to the hospital, she always came back for my grandpa.

I always miss her but this weekend as been extremely difficult. I am so happy for my grandpa and I love Laurel, the woman he his marrying. He needs companionship and in a way I believe my grandma has had a helping hand in this. I don't want him to be lonely but taking out some of the furniture from my childhood made me feel like my grandma was leaving. I do have a few things from her jewelry that I wear constantly and when I wear them I feel like she is with me. My grandma taught me the importance of staying strong during the many years she was sick, because of her strength my grandpa was able to say good bye when the time was right. She did stay strong for herself but more importantly she stayed strong for him and her children. She has always and always will be on mind and in my heart. She was a truly amazing women and I know because of her I will be a better person. Not only because of what she taught me but also because of her I have an amazing mom who keeps her memory alive.

Grandma I love you and because of you your family is better.

Working towards a healthy life style

At the end of June I decided it was time I took control of my life style, I have too long eaten like a teenage boy. Aaron and I have been married just a little over a year and in the that year I have gained 20 or 25 pounds. I know this is common but I know if I do not take control now I can lose control of my life. I signed up for a 24 hour fitness gym pass and have been working with a personal trainer. I see him two times a week at 6:00am and do my best to go on my own the other days. I haven't lost any weight but I can tell I have lost inches.

Current weight: 150

Goal weight: 125

I have been working out every day but my food choices are lacking. I find myself eating more but instead of eating more fruits or veggies it is more tacos, pizza, and other unhealthy fried foods. I have always struggled to eat healthy but I have recently noticed the effect it has on my day. This summer my goal is to not just loose weight but to also learn how take better care of my body, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Not only will I have a better life because of it but my mom is going to buy me a lovely prize when the weight loss is accomplished. I have decided to keep track of my goals and accomplishments on the blog because it will help me keep it up. It is time I took action and this is how I plan to do it. So wish me luck as I try to accomplish these goals and if any of you have suggestions on how to live a healthier life style I am more than willing to take them.

I sorta love him!

Aaron is an amazing husband, he is sweet, loving, goofy and just kinda sorta perfect. He takes amazing care of me and makes me happier than anyone ever has. I am very blessed to have a husband who will protect me and make sure we have everything we need. He leaves me every morning at 6:30 and I don't see him until 6:30 that evening. He works so hard to give me a beautiful home and makes it possible for me to concentrate on school. He helps me follow my dreams and encourages me to try new things. I try to thank him with a clean home and a cooked dinner but I sometimes struggle with being a homemaker. I am so grateful to have a man in my life that I can always depend on and loves me as much as I love him.

So Aaron thank you for being my husband and thank you for always being there! I couldn't do it with out you. Because of you I will graduate, be the mom I am suppose to be and live a few of my dreams before it is too late. I love you!

Eternal Life, Happiness, Love and Family. What else is there?

During conference weekend Aaron and I walked around temple square while we waited to have dinner with a few of our friends. as we sat in the little courtyard near the Joseph Smith building I couldn't help but think how blessed am I am to be part of the LDS church and to have an eternal family. The temple is a very special place and recently I have been able to understand how much I love to go and how much heavenly father loves us.

We have been blessed to be able to live for eternity with the ones we love. I can't imagine not knowing what would happen once life on earth is over. I know that I am truly part of something great. I have a purpose hear on earth. I will raise my children to know the beauties of this world and the world we are waiting to join. I love the church and I hope I will raise my children to love the church.

My parents have been wonderful examples. My dad has always told us how much he loves the church and how blessed we all are to have the gospel in our lives. We would rarely go a day with out hearing his testimony and because of the my testimony stayed strong. I hope i can keep the gospel strong in my home and always find a way to make it part of our daily conversation.

Math Complete and Doors Open!

I finally did it! I finished my online math course through BYU. After this experience I have decided I will never ever teach algebra and I will never do it again if i can help it. The wonderful thing though is i finally made it over the fence into greener areas! I was residing in a swamp before with this horrible math class. The best part of getting this all over with is that I will not be mad at my loving husband for helping me with math. It got to the point where I had his best friend help by listening to Aaron's instructions and then Rex simplifying what Aaron said so I could understand. Really it was more if Aaron talked to me I would become extremely anger so Rex was a mediator. I think it is safe to say Aaron and I are much happier with this math class out of the way.
It was wonderful to know that i was able to start something and finish it. I have always worried I was a sort of flake. I have my moments just like everyone, when I say i will do something and then it never gets done and I never think of it again. I have using my college experience to prove i am the opposite. I know being a high school drop out never helps much but it is always fun to see the surprise on peoples faces when they find out you can be in college without a GED. Oh how i love to surprise people. And hey I am defiantly staying original. That's what I think I will say, I dropped out of high school to maintain my originality. As my semester comes close to the end i realize that math really took up all my time and I am a little behind. Luckily though the majority of the books that need to be read before the semester ends are no higher than a 6th grade reading level, and my art projects have to do with potato stamps, tear art, finger painting, and painting rainbows! Life is good, I have picked a major where I get to finger paint! Now how many of you can say you finger painted for an hour today in class.
I can't wait to be a teacher and unfortunately is will be harder than school but much more rewarding which in my opinion makes it worth it. i would love to teach at a school but what I really want to do is open my own preschool! When I was younger I had great preschool teacher, who I absolutely love! And growing up her classroom was my favorite place to play! I want to create and environment just like the one Teri created. Finishing this math class really helped me understand that i am really almost there! The door to my future is finally open!
I will soon find out if i was excepted into the program and I am keeping my fingers crossed and I really hope you all are too. I will post weather or not a get in as soon as I receive the letter, my advisor thinks i will get in just fine so keep you fingers crossed, and wish me luck!!!!!

Who am I?

Sometimes I wander whats the point of blogging the only people who read it are my sisters and maybe a cousin or two. But then I remember that the majority of the time i am really just righting down what ever nonsense fill the pages for my self. Sure every now and then I will give an update on our life for the in laws that live far away but really how many updates can one person have.
The past few days my thoughts have been focusing on one thing "Who am I?" I know everyone asks this question probably daily and I know the obvious answer I am Jaimie a daughter of God and a wife that is loved deeply by her husband but there is more to everyone one than that. It may be silly but I have always wanted to that girl that goes out and will fix the fence the kind that will just get the job done with out needing help from a man or being pushed to do it. I have always wanted to be that girl but I am not. The truth I am a girl who fears everything, daily i convince my self that the horse I ride wont kill me or if he takes of and I can stay on. These may be small things for some people and yes it is silly that a person who has been riding horses for over 10years still feels like that scared little girl that had to be led around before she would do anything alone.
Fear has ruled my life in everything, I feel like the type of girl that people after look after and push to get things done. My sister Lindsay has always been the go to girl the girl that if she wanted could go outside and fix the fence. She doesn't need anybody to push her to work she is a natural born worker and We tease her about being needed and always wanted attention but really she is one of the most independent people I know. I have always wanted to be like Lindsay. She gets the job done and she does it with out fear.
I have learned that fear is one of the most powerful weapons the devil uses to keep us from striving and it is my biggest weakness, and I don't know what to do about it. I want to be the girl that get the job done. I know my fears and there are a few I know I can control but there are some that I feel will over come me. I have a happy life and amazing husband and an amazing family but there is something that I am lacking something that I know only I can find. I know this post isn't very clear but these are the thoughts that go through my head daily. I am constantly wondering, what I am doing wrong? Why am I always scared? Who am I? Who will I be?
My fears irrational or rational are there and they keep me from being "That Girl" as silly as it may sound I want to be the go to girl, the one who controls her fears, I just don't know how.

Dreams are meant to come true

This semester in school I am taking a children's literature class, and for once in my life I am excited to read the textbook. The whole book is made up of passionately written textbooks and a lot of it is telling teachers to back off and let the student experience an adventure that no one else can experience. I have always loved reading but rarely find time for it because I am either in class, doing homework, at the ranch, or cleaning. Well okay I clean when I don't have homework so that doesn't happen a lot at the moment but thankfully Aaron understands.

This has helped me remember my dream to write children's books. My blog doesn't really show my talent for writing mainly because I don't always go back over what I write and I just kind of type whatever pops in my head. However, my niece is turning two soon and I thought that was the best way to see if I had the talent to write 10 pages with a couple sentences on each page. Most would find that pretty easy and maybe it is but I have been terrified for some silly reason.

I loved having the idea in the back of my mind to one day have a library of books that I wrote for my children. I never necessarily felt the need to publish anything but I have always wanted my children to experience the things I love most. Today as I sat in my Art class for elementary school teachers instead of listening to the lecture that I will probably be quizzed on unfortunately, I just wrote for 2 hours and before I knew I had a story about a girl who loves stars and every day her mom kisses her good night and tells her to shine bright. I don't know if it is any good or if it a work of art. I don't know and I don't care because I did it. Now for those who don't know my niece loves stars which is where I got the idea and I tried to write a mom that resembled my sister and I know to her Margaret shines brighter than any star in the sky.

I don't really know why I felt the need to share this with the maybe two people that read my blog but to me the accomplishment was profound and I will one day have my own library of books for my children and for anyone else that wants to enjoy it.

I hope for whoever is reading this will go out and make time for their dreams and their passions. I know their are mothers out there who may say "You don't have kids yet, try then" or someone with a stressful job or school schedule will always have an excuse. I have a stressful school schedule but this year for once I am making time for my dreams and passions, I am making time because one day i want to say to my children "I live my dreams, so why can't you live yours?" Wake up early, stay up later, just do whatever it takes. We are given dreams for a reason, lets do something about it. I know later in life it will get more and more difficult but the joy I felt today when I called my family to see what they thought or when I called my mom to see if she would illustrate it for me (I am a terrible artist) was one of the proudest moments of my life. I want my future children to know that feeling and I know if I live my dreams then maybe they have a chance of living their own.

Wisdom teeth and thanksgiving

For all those who had a wonderfully delicious thanksgiving dinner in front of you count your blessings that you were able to eat it! Because my family is full of huge procrastinators I of course still had my wisdom teeth in at the age of 20 when the dentists told me at 15 it was time for them to be removed. Well I came up with excuses because call me crazy but i had a fear of have my jaw drilled into and people hammering out four teeth. Maybe it's just me but that just doesn't sound enjoyable. Little did I understand that the longer I waited the more painful it would be for me. Never thinking ahead will always bite you in the butt. Lucky as I was I married a man who dad is a dentist and who has been telling me i really need them to be removed. That was over a year ago when Aaron tried to get me to let his dad do it. Which of course would be free and my parents really enjoyed that seeing as how a non-complicated surgery is about 350 a tooth and I of course had all four, but I still found a way out of it. When Aaron and I got married i knew i was going to have to let Mark do it sense we sadly have no dental insurance we really wouldn't be able to afford it. Recently I had started getting awful headaches, and no matter what i took they wouldn't go away. So of course we called my father-in-law and he said it was time to pull those babies out and when of all day did he want to do it? The day before Thanksgiving! I guess I was lucky because I knew i wouldn't gain the 5lbs that everyone unfortunately gains the week of thanksgiving. You see Americans don't just feast the one day, no we find it absolutely necessary to feast everyday of the week. However I only got one meal because our plans we had for the day before didn't work out because there was a huge snow storm in Nevada that kept us in reno for over an hour and made us 3 hours. However I did have yummy pizza that they made for us the night before the dreaded surgery.

I was lucky enough to have extremely strong drugs, before the surgery so I was almost unconscious but still conscious enough to move my mouth anywhere I needed. You would think I would be falling every where after the surgery because that is when people are really out of it right? Wrong! An hour before I was unable to dress myself, put my shoes on and Aaron and my brother-in-law Don had to carry me to the car on the way to the dentist office. and carry me into the office to sit on the chair. It was all a very odd experience i remember the surgery but I don't remember anything before or after. I do however remember passing out in the bathroom hallucinating that my rather tall brother-in-law was a giraffe and the three younger boys of the family were in a caterpillar costume. I don't know why my mind thought of giraffes and caterpillars but I guess the mind does weird things sometimes. the best part of the whole experience was when afterwards my face felt like it had a case of elephantitis from all the numbing, and the fact that I had to double check that cups of water were against my mouth because otherwise I would spill it all over my lap. Now I am grateful that Mark did because if any other dentist did it I know I would have severe bruising all over my previously pleasantly plump cheeks. Well as you can see it was a rather interesting thanksgiving and today is the first day I haven't had any need to take a massive amount of pain killers! I thought the pain would never end. My cheeks are still a little extra round and i have yet to eat solid food so i am constantly hungry and jealous of the lucky people eating around me. Aaron was amazing and rarely left my side and sense I didn't sleep for three days because of the awful pain I was in sadly neither did he. but he was always willing to run to the kitchen at 3 in the morning to get me another ice pack or dose of pain killers that in my opinion wore off much too quickly. It was defiantly a memorable holiday and I am very grateful that wisdom teeth never grow back, because I never want to do that again!

I hope everyone Had a wonderful Thanksgiving that they will never forget! But if i may suggest something, never wait five years to get your wisdom teeth pulled and don't do it the day before thanksgiving, you will either end up with four impacted extra large teeth or you will just end up slurping mash potatoes and gravy! neither are a good outcome trust me!

Graduation

Aaron graduated!!! I was so proud of him! He made me so happy to be able to see him walk. I wanted nothing more than to see him walk. It was a great accomplishment. Here are a few pictures of the weekend. The ones at the bottom are of the honors luncheon we went to with Aaron's mom! It was such a fun day! I love Aaron so much enjoy the pictures!!

Survey Results

Hi guys, Jaimie's probably not gonna like this, but I'm doing it anyway. Here's a link to see some of the cool survey results. You should probably take the survey before you look though, otherwise it may bias your answers.

http://survey.qualtrics.com/CP/Report.php?RP=RP_3HOdufySLWi5f0g

Our Little home!

I have had a few people complain that i don't blog enough so I thought it would be a good idea to take a few pictures of our apartment! We both feel so blessed to have found such an amazing apartment. We love it so much and have been able to make it feel more like a home now that we have decorated. I still feel like I have a little tweaking to do but for now I am happy with the results of my first time decorating alone.

And now for your tour!


This is our bedroom which really needs quite a bit of my attention but I still need to find a cheap way to decorate and i have learned that I am drawn to the finer more expensive things for the home. I am determined to one Saturday drag Aaron to all the, apparently cool, thrift stores in salt lake and pick out some cool accessories for the bedroom! who knows maybe some good old fashion yard sales will do the trick.

our dining area slash piano room is my favorite part of our apartment even though its a little crowed for two people. It is so great to be able to get ready in the morning and hear Aaron playing the piano. I love to be able to see him enjoy his favorite things whenever he wants. Its also an added bonus because I can now practice for voice every day.

Our living room. I had a surprisingly difficult time decorating the room. The walls are too big!! but I think I was able to pull it together rather nicely and the best part about this room is that the coffee table and end table were only $30!!! Yeah that right I found something cheap for the house!
My kitchen, oh how I love to create fun new things in here! This is my own little art studio! It may be small but it gets the job done. I still have a ways to go in the decorating department here though. i am trying to give a 50's feel with a hint of yellow. so far no yellow but i have the cool clock to give it the 50's diner feel.

Moving on to Aaron's favorite part. this is our Porch, and in the evenings we will come out and light all the candles and either read or just enjoy the occasional thunder storms. Even though our view is the on ramp to i15 it is still a relaxing place to sit no matter how unfortunate the view.

This is the bed for our new little guest! but I have learned she prefers either my lap or pillow directly next me or Aaron. Since Aaron works at home and I work in Salt Lake they get to spend a lot of time together so she will often choose to be near Aaron over me, but this my fingers get licked less so I don't complain.

The best birthday present ever!!!!! we went to the laundry mat once and I couldn't handle it took too long cost too much and was just all around inconvenient and didn't even dry our clothes. So I received a lovely gift from a lovely husband! Yeah he loves me alright. Don't worry they are used very very used. The bathroom. I spent so much on the shower curtain that I couldn't throw it away and I like it and luckily Aaron thinks its fun so instead of having a calm neutral bathroom it is hot pink, black and white. and you know what i think its pretty down right cool! not to mention we have towels with P's embroidered on them! they were a pretty awesome wedding present!

Well that's our home and I promise I will do a better job keeping up the blog even when I don't have anything good to say! I love you all!