The day before we went to Great Falls National Park. It was Adelaide's first time in the Kelty backpack. She liked it.
Monday, May 09, 2011
Eating Watermelon at the National Arboretum
We went to the National Arboretum on Mother's Day. This is Adelaide and Maren sharing some watermelon.
The day before we went to Great Falls National Park. It was Adelaide's first time in the Kelty backpack. She liked it.
The day before we went to Great Falls National Park. It was Adelaide's first time in the Kelty backpack. She liked it.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Adelaide, Outer Banks 2011
Thursday, January 08, 2009
2009 !
Wow! I am blogging for the first time in weeks (okay, really months. And in fact, Joseph actually posted my last entry). But one of my NYR is to blog at least once a month. Pitiful as that may sound to some of you, for me that is a big stride :)
The year ended relatively peacefully...with me taking a nap on Margo and Tim's couch while an eventful game of Monopoly ensued. I guess I'm just not the party animal I once was.
The Holidays were wonderful. I loved being with my family. I enjoyed seeing old friends and beautiful white snowfalls. I relished my mom's amazing cooking (the woman has it down). When I saw her week-long food itinerary I knew I had better stick to that resolution to visit the gym more frequently. I thrilled at the marriage of my brother to Joseph's sister, Elaine. They are truly a match made in heaven (cliche as it may sound, it's true). Ben, you've met your match! **picture to come later**
The hubs surprised me with the gift I've been dreaming of. Sadly with the start of school again I haven't had as much time as I would have liked to learn and practice, but it's already been fun to play with! It will be one of my projects for 2009.
I was trying to come up with one word to sum up 2008. And honestly what kept coming to mind was the word CHANGE. Now to some of you that might conjure up images of the most recent presidential election, but for me it brings back memories of the many beautiful and exciting changes that I encountered this past year.
For those of you who got our Christmas card this may be a little repetitive.
I changed careers when I was accepted in the DC Teaching Fellows program in February 2008.
We moved into DC just before starting school in August.
We changed scenery, wards, callings, and our circle of friends (not an easy change)
Joseph received a promotion and began grad classes at Johns Hopkins
Both Megan, Margo and Ben were married in 2008! (Bless my mother).
My family welcomed our first niece and nephew, and Joseph added one to his.
Karen (Joseph's sister) left to serve a mission and Sam left for college. We miss them both.
On the other hand, there will always remain the constants in my life. My incredible husband, my family and dear friends, and most importantly, the Savior. I am so grateful that in a world that changes so frequently that we can have an assurance in the grace and love of our brother Jesus Christ.
The year ended relatively peacefully...with me taking a nap on Margo and Tim's couch while an eventful game of Monopoly ensued. I guess I'm just not the party animal I once was.
The Holidays were wonderful. I loved being with my family. I enjoyed seeing old friends and beautiful white snowfalls. I relished my mom's amazing cooking (the woman has it down). When I saw her week-long food itinerary I knew I had better stick to that resolution to visit the gym more frequently. I thrilled at the marriage of my brother to Joseph's sister, Elaine. They are truly a match made in heaven (cliche as it may sound, it's true). Ben, you've met your match! **picture to come later**
The hubs surprised me with the gift I've been dreaming of. Sadly with the start of school again I haven't had as much time as I would have liked to learn and practice, but it's already been fun to play with! It will be one of my projects for 2009.
I was trying to come up with one word to sum up 2008. And honestly what kept coming to mind was the word CHANGE. Now to some of you that might conjure up images of the most recent presidential election, but for me it brings back memories of the many beautiful and exciting changes that I encountered this past year.
For those of you who got our Christmas card this may be a little repetitive.
I changed careers when I was accepted in the DC Teaching Fellows program in February 2008.
We moved into DC just before starting school in August.
We changed scenery, wards, callings, and our circle of friends (not an easy change)
Joseph received a promotion and began grad classes at Johns Hopkins
Both Megan, Margo and Ben were married in 2008! (Bless my mother).
My family welcomed our first niece and nephew, and Joseph added one to his.
Karen (Joseph's sister) left to serve a mission and Sam left for college. We miss them both.
On the other hand, there will always remain the constants in my life. My incredible husband, my family and dear friends, and most importantly, the Savior. I am so grateful that in a world that changes so frequently that we can have an assurance in the grace and love of our brother Jesus Christ.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Hello September
Well, a few weeks ago I got my own very special google reader and so have been keeping up with a few people's blogs and maybe I kind of like the whole blogging things...anyway, Maren did say I could post on her blog back in early 2008, so I guess I'll take her up on her offer by posting a few things to get all you loyal readers up to speed. Maybe one day I'll even get my own blog.
So here we go...
Maren and I were asked to bear our testimonies in church today as new members of the ward…I'm hoping that counted as our introductory talks! Maren was called to be the Laurel (Young Women's) advisor in our ward and I was called as the Elder Quorum 1st Counselor last week. So we are excited to serve in our new ward. After our testimonies were the testimonies of two new converts in the ward, both very different and nice in their own way. The first brother was from Jamaica and was a Rastafarian priest for 25+ years and Islamic for 10 more years after that before joining the church. He was similar to a black-gospel preacher…very loud and powerful. I really liked his testimony. The closing testimony was by Mary from Cameroon, and she told us her entire life story…pretty much literally…needless to say we went way over time!
This week was another STRUGGLE with a capital S for Maren as a third grade teacher. It has been really hard and hasn't been getting much easier…but I know over time she will prevail because she is such a hard worker, doesn't quit, and has the natural talent to be a very effective teacher. There is just a lot to learn and manage on the fly. The main problem has been listening. Lots of disobedience, space cadets, outright defiance and behavior problems. She has about six boys that are real trouble makers that make it hard for the rest of the class. She has called quite a few parents every week and by the third week (last week) she started sending kids to the principal's office…one child's behavior even merited calling the police on Wednesday….um, yeah.
So anyway, it's been a battle of survival for Maren; long days, lots of preparation, and lots of crushing (her spirit). I make the meals, make sure she is fed, and try and keep the house kind of clean. =) On Wednesday she started her university class (how to teach Elementary math) and was able to meet up with her old DC Teaching Fellow buddies and they could all commiserate and swap stories…so she felt much better after that. We also visited her old roommates last night, one of which is also an elementary school teacher in the area, who had a lot of good advice and funny stories…so I'm hoping with that and the spiritual fortification of Sunday she will be ready to do battle again on Monday morning… I'm sure she will succeed and win out in the end…but for now she could use a few extra prayers on her behalf and also on her student's behalf!
We have been really glad we moved into the city because of the close proximity to Maren's school. This week we also bought a sleeper sofa so we can have a place for guests to sleep if anyone wants to come visit!
As for me, work in starting to settle into a routine, after making the transition to a new job and training Shawn in my old job. Fall classes started for me two weeks ago as well. I really like my macroeconomics professor: he is very passionate and enthusiastic and is a great teacher. My econometrics teacher is probably the exact opposite, boring to the extreme. But I will be grateful for the one good instructor.
On Monday I went to traffic court; in May I had received a "reckless driving, passing a school bus" ticket, so Monday was my day of justice. Paul Mickelson, my old Elder's Quorum President, represented me as my lawyer...free of charge! Luckily we got the charged reduced to improper driving (just a normal traffic ticket) instead of reckless (which is a misdemeanor). So I was very thankful for Paul's help. (Thank you Paul!!!!!!)
We went to Les Miserables at Wolf Trap last Saturday – right when tropical storm Harriet (or whatever it's name was) was sweeping through DC. So it was soaking wet…but the show must go on! You can see some people wearing rain coats in the background. It was my first time seeing the musical and it was very moving and powerful. What a great story, such a powerful message of the atonement.
Last Sunday we had Sara Bartles and my Virginia family over for dinner and it was Sara's birthday, so we had a little celebration. Lorna was kind enough to perform a few dances for us while Maren sang Disney princess songs for accompaniment…at the end of each song Lorna would take a deep bow – like the one you see in 
the picture!
the picture! Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Other People's Children
I spent yesterday in a fourth-grade classroom in one of DC's public schools. Immediately I loved the inquisitive natures and bold personalities of Miss A's students. The students wanted to give me hugs and ask about my family; they wondered if I was going to be their teacher next year. I loved it! But there were also things that didn’t match the picture of care-free learning I’m sure we would all like to have. 70% of the students are low-income, a metal detector is at the door, and just blocks are several “project” areas in DC’s southwest corner. Miss A is the only white teacher in her school; and about 15 years younger than any of the other teachers.
While observing her classroom I realized that her story will soon be my story too. I will be putting long hours and a lot of work into other people's children. Children who didn’t grow up the way I did, who may not share the same world view I do, and who certainly do not have the sort of educational support I grew up with. What is it about this challenge that excites my mind and makes me think that finally I may have a job that doesn't generate boring days or lack creativity? I think it's the feeling of doing something meaningful in a world of otherwise unmeaningful work (okay, this might be an exaggeration, but sometimes that's how I feel). I think there are two jobs that, for me, would fill this description of meaning. One is teaching your own children, and the other is teaching someone else’s! I know this will require some real self-evaluation on my part, because what’s right for “my” kids might not be what’s right for someone else’s.
I have enjoyed reading Lisa Delpit’s book about cultural conflict in the classroom. She talks about the codes of power that teachers (especially white) have when it comes to contributing to the success or failure of a child within the larger community. Of course, a teacher can only do so much, but what I want to make certain is that my part of the “much” is infused with as much understanding and love as I can possibly make it. I already feel like there is so much I don’t know, but what I do know is that I want to make a difference, and I want to make it in the right way. As Delpit puts it, we should not be seeking to give another voice to a child who already has their own, but to teach them to express their voice in ways that are recognized by a larger community, a community that will provide opportunity and a greater acceptance of their potential for success.
While observing her classroom I realized that her story will soon be my story too. I will be putting long hours and a lot of work into other people's children. Children who didn’t grow up the way I did, who may not share the same world view I do, and who certainly do not have the sort of educational support I grew up with. What is it about this challenge that excites my mind and makes me think that finally I may have a job that doesn't generate boring days or lack creativity? I think it's the feeling of doing something meaningful in a world of otherwise unmeaningful work (okay, this might be an exaggeration, but sometimes that's how I feel). I think there are two jobs that, for me, would fill this description of meaning. One is teaching your own children, and the other is teaching someone else’s! I know this will require some real self-evaluation on my part, because what’s right for “my” kids might not be what’s right for someone else’s.
I have enjoyed reading Lisa Delpit’s book about cultural conflict in the classroom. She talks about the codes of power that teachers (especially white) have when it comes to contributing to the success or failure of a child within the larger community. Of course, a teacher can only do so much, but what I want to make certain is that my part of the “much” is infused with as much understanding and love as I can possibly make it. I already feel like there is so much I don’t know, but what I do know is that I want to make a difference, and I want to make it in the right way. As Delpit puts it, we should not be seeking to give another voice to a child who already has their own, but to teach them to express their voice in ways that are recognized by a larger community, a community that will provide opportunity and a greater acceptance of their potential for success.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
thoughts while not working
Isn't she darling?!I guess I'm kind of on a blogging rampage today. But why work if you don't have to, right? Haha. I was looking through some pictures of my little sis' wedding (courtesy of my brother in law) and suddenly I got all sappy and sentimental. I have two amazing sisters who mean the world to me. I just wanted to give a little shout out to the two of them here.....for no particular reason. Just to tell them. I LOVE BEING A SISTER!
Post Memorial Day blues
I was so bummed to have to return to work after a killer Memorial Day weekend. We spent the holiday at Lake Anna, a beautiful Virginia State Park. We rented a little cabin with Megan and Perry (and Bailey, their puppy). The weather was incredible and I was happy spending my days playing in the lake, laying in the sunshine and reading in the rocking chair on the cabin porch. Coming back to work was a shock to my system. Really, if it's going to be a four-day work week, and Congress is in recess, I don't see any reason why they shouldn't just begin a Memorial Week holiday...
So amidst my post Memorial Day blues, my darling husband calls:
J: Hey babe, how would you like a frosty with your lunch?
M: Ummm, that would be great, but seeing how the nearest Wendys is....oh 8 miles from here, I don't think that's going to happen
J: Chocolate or Vanilla?
M: Uhh, chocolate.
J: I'll see you in a few
And that's when I knew I had married the man of my dreams :)
Nothing says I love you like a frosty from across town on a hot May day.
So amidst my post Memorial Day blues, my darling husband calls:
J: Hey babe, how would you like a frosty with your lunch?
M: Ummm, that would be great, but seeing how the nearest Wendys is....oh 8 miles from here, I don't think that's going to happen
J: Chocolate or Vanilla?
M: Uhh, chocolate.
J: I'll see you in a few
And that's when I knew I had married the man of my dreams :)
Nothing says I love you like a frosty from across town on a hot May day.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Family days in May
It's been a family filled month. Megan got married out here in April and Margo got married in early May, so we spent time with my family in DC and while we were in Utah. It was especially wonderful to see all the family that traveled to DC and UT, from New York, North Carolina, South Dakota, Alaska, and more.
Adorable Margo and Tim. Congrats you two!!
Megan & Perry
The fam at Margo's wedding
We have also got to spend a lot of time with Joseph's family while living here in VA. I really count myself lucky to have such wonderful in-laws. I know a lot of people who struggle with an aggressive mother-in-law, or a nosy sister-in-law, but really the family I married into is just the best! Karen was recently called on a mission to....FIJI! Wooowooo! And we got to go to the DC temple with her earlier this month. Rachel, Joseph's older sister, came down (or really, across) from Oregon and I loved seeing her and little baby Ruth...sooooo precious.
Our future missionary :) 
I love having family so close.
Adorable Margo and Tim. Congrats you two!!
Megan & Perry
The fam at Margo's wedding
We have also got to spend a lot of time with Joseph's family while living here in VA. I really count myself lucky to have such wonderful in-laws. I know a lot of people who struggle with an aggressive mother-in-law, or a nosy sister-in-law, but really the family I married into is just the best! Karen was recently called on a mission to....FIJI! Wooowooo! And we got to go to the DC temple with her earlier this month. Rachel, Joseph's older sister, came down (or really, across) from Oregon and I loved seeing her and little baby Ruth...sooooo precious.
Our future missionary :) 
I love having family so close.
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