Do we ever really grow up?--Part 2

There are those things that we hope we never grow out of like a child's love. Children have a great ability to love and forgive. One of my meanest tough guys will never hesitate to take the hand of a younger child who is frightened or in need of comfort, and I just think "you never know".

Children are able to sense if a person is good or bad very quickly. They are drawn to those that they are able to trust. It often scares me how quickly I can gain a child's trust, sure they're fine with me, but what if someone can emulate that trustworthiness.

I joke around with my students all day long and sometimes it can damage my authority in the classroom, but I can't stop because I love their silliness. Every day they come up to me and say some of the funniest things. The best is when they say something funny and they're totally serious, that's when it's the hardest not to laugh. Today for instance I was called Mom, or Grandma probably 10 times all on accident. When they realize they just called their teacher the name of the person raising them, they get these bug eyed looks of amazement on their faces, and then they start to laugh. It's so much fun to respond to this, "Yes, dear?" "Are you calling me old?" especially if they don't realize the word Mom slipped out. Then I get the, "she's crazy!" look.

Look at their imagination, incredible. Each day I hear about a man named Steve that lives in one of my student's heads. If she gets a headache Steve is dancing. Then there is my little man who is determined to come up with a way to turn himself into a super hero, and I really do think he will. Just my small group of children have so many wonderful qualities that I hope I can hold on to.Children for the most part think they are wonderful! They don't let much hurt their opinion of themselves. I think this is part of why children are able (normally) to get along. They are perfectly fine with who they are, we adults are always questioning ourselves. We should stop and see that we are beautiful, wonderful, loved, and brilliant in our own ways. We are just what God intended us to be, and he's working on making us even better, and that is Splendid! Watching children brings such happiness into my life. I hope that we can all be as happy as we were as children. Go hug a child, you'll feel better! (ask first) Love You, All!

The Wonder that is Summer

I grew up in St. George, and as such, I became very accustom to the heat there. Temperatures of 100 degress plus don't really bother me. I only remember a few times growing up that we even had any snow. Once we got about 3 inches all at once and the whole city shut down! Schools closed, businesses closed, people were driving off the road all over the place. It was chaos. Did I mention that it was only 3 inches? In fact, I didn't own a pair of long pants (besides church pants) until I was probably in junior high or maybe even high school. I remember standing at the bus stop on the three or four days during the year that it actually got kind of chilly and we would all be wearing shorts and our warmest sweater or maybe a coat.
Every time winter comes around here in Logan, I ask myself "Why did you choose to come to the coldest place in Utah to go to school?" Answers like "to meet my wife" and "to go to a great engineering school" come to mind, but it still doesn't make me feel better about the fact that IT'S COLD! We've had a couple of times this winter that it has been in the teens... as in NEGATIVE teens. It's also a joy to walk on 3 inches of ice everywhere I go... nevermind, it's not.
That's why whenever we get a warm spell during winter here in Logan, I inevitably say something like "Summer's coming!" or "Does this mean winter is almost over?" I'm sure Meghann gets sick of it, especially when I start in November or December.
I guess you could say that winter is a good thing because it helps me to not take the warmer months for granted. Summer is great because everything is alive. The world is beautiful, people are out and about, doing barbeques and picnics, or just enjoying the good weather. You can go hiking or swimming. You can play tennis, baseball, soccer, you name it!
All I can say is, SUMMER'S COMING! WOOHOO!

Phantom

So I came into work early this morning because it's a teacher work day, and if I get here early I get to leave early! No kids, so I can get enough done that I wont have to work this weekend.

Anyways, I left Logan around 5:30, and before I pulled out I pick up my i-pod and thought, "Phantom Baby! That will get my morning going." I'm off, and listening. I came to the swamps and encountered really thick fog. It's pretty common, but it's worse when the sun isn't up yet. The phantom of the opera with the organ started playing right as I went into the fog, and I was totally spooking myself. I jumped once, and then locked my doors, which is so silly. I came out of the fog, to a perfectly clear dark morning sky with the moon shining, by this time Music of the night was playing. I just had to laugh at how much music affects me. Happy, now sad, now scared. Way to go Andrew you made my morning emotional and frightening.

Guess I better get to work... Have a great morning!

Childish

So much of what I see in children every day reminds me of my adult life, and I find myself wondering, "Do we ever really grow up?" (this is long, been thinking about it all day)

So I'm going to do this entry in two posts. I'm going to start with the bad, so I can end on the good.

Every day I notice and deal with students' behaviors that aren't necessarily admirable; but they have a good excuse, their brains aren't yet fully developed. It is somewhat concerning, however, when I think about my life, and realize I'm still dealing with these behaviors at 22.

Let's just preface this with, kids will be kids, and I love them for that. Growing up is rough, there's no getting away from that.

Yesterday Kurt traded his $10 dollars of lunch money for two marbles and a used watch that only had one plastic strap. He was thrilled with the trade and truly felt that he was getting the best part of the deal. Then with me, there have been moments that I look back on and think, "I totally got swindled", but at the time I was perfectly happy with the trade. I'm very anxious right now trying to determine which home will be the right home for us. Big decision, I don't want to get swindled.

Today I learned that one of my students has developed ulcers as a result of many things, but primarily worry. I started to see one area of worry as I observed her throughout the day: girl drama. We're halfway through the year, and the girls are getting mean! They misunderstand each other, they say things they don't really mean, they get emotions tangled with their logic, and then they cry and worry about it. I had finally dealt with so much of this today that I stopped and looked six 8 year old women in the eyes and said, "It's a bad day for girls...shake it off. Just make sure that you are being a good person and trying to be nice, and try to make up for the times that you aren't." But that drives me crazy, they feel stupid for being mean, and try to apologize and then the other girl won't except the apology. In fact today the other girl was literally running away, because she didn't want to talk. (rolling eyes) This doesn't seem to get better, I dealt with some of this in high school, but for the most part have been fortunate to avoid this. Then I grow up and decide to work in a career with mostly women, and I witness lots of mean girliness in my colleagues. We're talking 40 to 50 year old women...is there no hope for our gender? This poor student. I love all of my students so much, and I can think of very little I can do to help her. I so badly want to take that worry and pain away from her, but again girls will be girls.

Manipulation, some of my kids are masters at it, thanks to their parents. Towards the beginning of the week, I almost let one of my students take control of my attention, and that's just what he wanted. Crying, whining, and he is really good at it. Thank goodness a little voice came into my head and said he's manipulating the situation, remember your behavior management tricks. So, we went the rounds and I eventually got him to comply with the rules. I do this sometimes, too, crying to try and get my way. I pout, it's true. I'll let my real emotions seep through, in hopes of getting my way. I control this urge for the most part, but every once in a while I'll try it. Like maybe we're deciding where to go for dessert, and Aaron wants pie, but I want cold stone. I'll admit that I'll pretend like I'm perfectly happy with pie, and then pout. Aaron always catches on. I don't do this much anymore in our marriage, it's faster to just be honest. Then we duke it out for dessert.

Stay tuned for the happier comparison tomorrow....

Have a Listen

Have You Heard This Kid?!

David Archuleta! So there have been a few times in my life when I've stumbled across American Idol on T.V. and I would stop and watch. But, I saw a clip of David on Youtube, and decided to watch his performance tonight. It was so AWESOME, it gave me chills. The two best things about this kid are that 1) He's from Murray Utah, and 2) He sang John Lennon's "Imagine" tonight! Can't beat that song! I totally have a crush on him, amazing voice, and super cute personality. (You're still the love of my life Honey!) ;)

Quick House Buying Update

We made an offer today on the home below. It's a little torturous though, because it's a short sell. Which means, we now have about two weeks of wait time to see if the bank will accept our offer. So to keep from going crazy, we are going to keep looking like we haven't found something yet.

Our Weekend In Pictures

This is Lazy...Forgive Me: We started Saturday off with lots of house shopping, about 7 hours. Ay Caramba. We may be making an offer on this house, we'll see. :)

We met up with family for dinner at Biaggi's. We had to eat super fast, because we were running behind schedule. It was amusing... our waiter got a kick out of us.

After dinner we split up. Boys went to the Jazz game, and the girls went to Ballet West's Cinderella. The Jazz beat the Hawks and had a few beautiful plays.

Cinderella was so amazing! My favorite part of the evening was the two little girls behind me who giggled, oohed, and ahhed through the whole thing. They were so adorable!

After the game and performance we stuffed 8 people into one car, and drove over to the Little America for dessert. I had the chocolate cake, which was divine! I later turned it over for others to try, and my little brother and sister both latched onto the plate and tugged it back and forth across the table. We were laughing so hard, the every on in the restaurant was gawking at us. But again our waitress loved us, she brought my sister extra dessert as a joke.
Even before we got to the Little America Aaron and I were both crashing from having such a long day, and still battling illnesses. That the plan to drive back to Logan was quickly canceled. My brother ended up driving us and our car back to my parent's so we could take our NyQuil to relieve our symptoms, and sleep in the back seat. Thanks Couper!

A Pirates Life For ME!!!

My darling student Payton was humming this song all day long today, and music is something that I constantly have going through me. Hearing her sing "A pirates life for me" made me think of the movies and how much I love the music. I have been listening to lots of cello themes lately and Pirate's has one of the best out their. The "He's a Pirate" theme, has become a classic to our generation.

I'm not even going to bother recommending these movies, because everyone has seen them. I personally think they're fabulous!

New Life Goal: To learn all the verses to "A Pirates Life For Me" (I've got all the Yo Ho stuff down, now for the rest of the words)

Sorry for yet another youtube clip, I'll try to desist.

FEEL BETTER AARON

Honey, I know you feel like crap with the flu, but maybe this will make you smile. It even shows the car at the end, it's so sexy! What do you think about us watching "Better of Dead" for our date night tomorrow? You can relax under a blanket, drink lots of fluids, and still get the rest you need. I love You!

I am Happy When...

I am constantly asking my students to respond to writing prompts. Here are a select few: I have something to tell you Mrs. Gelter; When I grow up; or My future wife or husband. The kids are great writers! But I hear complaints every time I have them take out their journals. So this is my writing exercise where I put myself through this so I can conclude if it really as painful, as the kid's claim it to be. :)

I am Happy When...

• I'm in the same room as Aaron. Especially when he kisses me hello when I get home from work each day and he gives me a good long hug.
• I'm with family. It's so nice to be around people I love.
• friends fall into the same category above.
• I cook for people. It's weird, but I enjoy feeding people, even if it's a simple meal. Sharing is caring.
• I read my scriptures.
• I see the light of understanding flip on in my student's eyes. (Let's be honest, I'm happiest when they are quiet.)
• I see how happy family and friends are. This gives me hope that I can be like them. Thanks for letting me watch.
• the world makes sense to me, and things are peaceful.
• I feel close to my Heavenly Father, and His love for me.
• there is chocolate in the room.
• my house is clean. :( it's not today.
• the sun is shining through my bedroom window, I'm cuddled in bed, reading a book that's so good I can't put it down

Okay thats enough. It's not painful.

Meet The Cullen's

So, this is only interesting if you're a Twilight fan. This is the final cast selection for the Cullen family in the up coming movie... Oh, La, La...

This Weekend's Movie Favorite

This weekend while we were hanging out at my parent's house we watched StarDust. This movie is a self proclaimed Adult Fairy Tale. I was so pleased when it held up to this claim. It's full of interesting characters and story line. I like the witches in it, they remind me of the witches in Shakespeare. It's witty, fun, exciting, and has a cute love story to boot. I know that this movie has been out for a while, but if you feel like a rental I would totally recommend this one. Now I want to read the book! Fun, Fun!

Sara Bareilles Fantastic

We had a super crazy Saturday! We spent 5 hours shopping for houses. Our real estate agent really likes the word Fantastic, so that's why I used it in my title. Anyways, we finished looking at properties and we got to sit down for about 45mins before we had to zip off to the Sara Bareilles Concert in Provo. I have been so excited for this concert and couldn't wait for it, until this sinus infection got me. I almost didn't go...what a tragedy that would have been.

The concert was so amazing, Sara was great live! She is so talented, no disappointments. I was a little out of it from the pressure in my head but Aaron just wrapped his arms around me and let me lay against his shoulder while I closed my eyes and listened. The music was the best remedy.

Aaron and I don't really have an "our song", but after the concert we picked our theme song. Sara's "Many the Miles". This song talks about living in the now and living in it for love. We try to do this in our own lives-- live for us, and our love. Does anything else really matter in the end? This isn't a great video clip, but it's a great recording of the song. Hope you enjoy.




P.S. I loved it when Sara sang "Oh, Darlin'" Her favorite Beatles song. We Love You, Sara!!!

Today is Not a Good Day

Today is Not a Good Day
by Rebecca Kai Dotlich

Today is not a good day.
I woke up sick in bed.
My stomach has a stabbing pain
that’s spreading to my head.
My knees are weak and achy.
My eyes are full of flu.
I fear I may contaminate;
I have a fever too.
I cannot see.
I cannot breathe.
I cannot read or write.
My eyes are shut.
My nose is blocked.
I’m not a pretty sight.
I cannot lift a finger
or move a tired toe.
My throat is hot and scratchy.
The answer’s simply NO . . .
I cannot go to school today;
I’m awfully sorry too,
this had to happen on the day
my book report was due.

My Day Off--Pathetic

A week ago I decided to take today off for personal reasons, and to give myself a four day weekend with the President's Day Holiday. Little did I know that I would be spending my day off in bed coughing up a lung, and trying to keep my eyeballs in their sockets. Well, my eyes aren't really going to pop out they just feel like it. I went to see the doctor yesterday because I've had a cold for the last three weeks, but in the last two days it turned into a Sinus Infection! The Doctor was asking me a bunch of questions, one of which was, "Do your teeth hurt?" I couldn't believe it he went right to the source of my biggest discomfort. When I said yes, he just shook his head, and told me that there probably wasn't much room left in my nasals, and that it was for sure a bacterial infection. Well, now I'm on antibiotics and nasal spray, neither of which is a make you feel better right now medicine :( So my personal day off is really turning into a sick day. I guess it's worth it if I start to feel better before I go back to school. The glories of sunshine, shopping, and reading can wait 'til another day while I sleep this off! I Love Ya All

Happy Valentine's Day

My Husband is such a sweetheart! We were talking at the beginning of the week about Valentine's and how he would have to work the whole day. We decided that we would do something on Friday and that it wasn't really that big of a deal. Well, I came home from work last night to find a freshly cooked lasagna, a dozen roses, a clean house and a candle lite table. Aaron also got me the best Valentine's Day gift yet! The Aristocats! This movie is one of my Childhood favorites. I love the music, and the beat, and at the time I loved cats... We all know that has changed, but I still love this adorable movie. I can't wait to watch it!

Another Wonderful Valentines Moment from yesterday: My Mommy Sent Me Cookies!!!

Trip To New York???

My good friend Jesi just got a very glamorous interior design internship in The Big Apple. Now, no one who reads this is accustomed to leaving comments, but I want to go visit her while she's there, and Aaron wants to but he's draggin' his feet. What do you think, should we go visit Jess on a four day getaway to NYC? Please explain the reasoning behind your opinion so that I can get Aaron to Go! :)

*Aaron's two cents: "Please keep in mind that a month later we are going on a month long European Tour"

Future Dwight

Aaron and I are addicted to The Office. Wow, that feels great to have that off my chest! I've been trying to find a clip of one of my favorite office episodes, but can't. The writers of The Office, have removed everything off the internet, because they want to be paid for internet viewing as well. Lame, HUH? Can't say I blame them, but this just means all I could find was this clip from an i phone, but you get the gist.






Makes me giggle!

Laughter

With all of this talk about offers and change, I got a little nostalgic tonight. I decided that I wanted to make it to all the little places here in Logan we've always talked about going to...but never actually do. There is this little Thia restaurant in town that we've always said, "We should try that!" Well tonight Aaron made reservations. I just had water with my meal, and as of late I can't get enough water, and even more so I can't seem to keep it in me.

As we were walking out the door the thought crossed my mind to find a restroom, but I thought I would be fine, we were just going straight home. We headed home and got stuck behind a mini van because of some event going on at the high school. I started yelling at it and Aaron realized I needed to go, so then the tormenting started. He poked me, tickled me, spoke soothingly about rushing waters, and then the brake and gas tricks started. All of this just made me laugh, which didn't help the matter. He kept it up and joined in on the laughing which just made it that much funnier. I started laughing so hard it hurt. Aaron finally crept into our drive, as I bolted for the door. I love it when we have moments like this...despite the great discomfort. I love it when I laugh so hard tomorrow my abs will hurt. And every time they do I'll smile because I'll know why my muscles hurt.

My, My, How Time Will Change a Girl

Earlier this week my adorable visiting teacher cornered me and then proceeded to use the commitment pattern on me. She wanted to get me to the enrichment getting to know you activity. What could I say...I was cornered, so I attended said event this evening. I found myself frightened and socially awkward as I tried to fill in my getting to know you BINGO card. Talking with women I have never met isn't easy for me, but they all seemed so excited to talk with me. I got better at it and then the more I got talking, I realized I was sincerely enthused to learn a little tidbit about them. Here comes the change.

Up until a little while ago I had absolutely no desire to be in relief society. As far as I could tell there were just a bunch of women in there who had this LDS Wonder Woman role figured out. I'm also ashamed to admit, that I thought I knew enough to get me through my life, and I had no need to get to know these women. As I start to switch gears in life from some what responsible, to taking on some big responsibilities I have felt a strong pull to the Relief Society Women. I need their help, their love, their wisdom, and their never failing encouragement. I have never liked asking for help, and really I don't like to ask for anything. However, in the most recent part of my life there have been lots of things that have caused me to reach out and say, "Help! I don't know what I'm doing! I need you to share with me, so that I can make it through!" Tonight as I listened to the ladies introduce themselves I kept thinking, "oh I wish I had that quality!" "I need to talk with her she is so happy, and has been married for 60 years!" "How does she do that?! If she can endured that trial, I can make it through my small bumps". Every time I find myself in a conversation with these women they help me feel, and believe that I am enough! Enough for God, my husband, my students, and especially enough for myself. Even when I feel so inadequate.

Now this growth may seem insignificant to you, but I am amazed at the enormously positive influence asking for help has had on my life. I'm sorta' proud of myself. So really this post is just one great big pat on the back to myself! Way to go Meg!!!

Snow Can Be Fun!

Since this morning we been dumped on with snow. We probably have over a foot of new snow to add to the foot or so we already had on the ground. Since I grew up in St. George, I tend to be a pessimist when it comes to snow. It's cold, it's wet, it's hard to walk on, and it's dangerous when driving.
However, today I rediscovered that snow really can be fun. Meg came outside to help me shovel our "area" (I wish I could say driveway) in front of our apartment and... yada yada yada... we ended up getting into a huge snow fight! It was so much fun. It's been a really long time since I've actually played in the snow. It was way fun to just forget about everything else for a couple of minutes and just have fun with each other. I love you Meg! Thanks for helping me be immature for awhile. :)