People have been asking me what it feels like to be 29...to tell the truth, I don't know what it feels like to be 29 because I haven't been 29 for very long. I probably won't know what it feels like until the day before I turn 30! So right now, I just say it feels great...I mean, what else is there to say? In other words...my birthday was great. I went to work (recieved precious home-made cards), came home and found flowers (in pots) that Paul is going to plant for me :), and I went to an activity for church that was a "Girlz Night" (just the women) while Paul stayed home and planted my flowers...we will probably do something during the weekend to make it even more special. We also celebrated our 8th anniversary last week. I can hardly believe that we have been married for eight years.

Well, MY summer is officially over...school is back in session. Paul is back from his 3 week training, and we are launching into this school year full force. Normally, the first couple of weeks are kind of slow in the subbing world (since what teacher in his/her right mind would willingly miss that time with their new class?), but luckily, I have already had a half-day job and have a 3-day job coming up (a teacher needs to go out of town for her daughter's wedding...which would have not been when school was in session except for the fact that we changed our track this year, and are coming back earlier than originally planned). While I am sad about the ending of my summer, I am grateful that the paychecks are going to be coming in again :) I am also glad that Paul is home.

So we just got back on Saturday from a week of vacation up to Utah. We stayed with Paul's friend and were able to visit with family and friends...and do a bit of sight seeing as well. We went to Salt Lake one day and walked around. We went to a couple of places that are directly affiliated with our church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) that were really neat. We went to the Church History Museum and the Church History Library. I had been to the museum before, but it was still really neat to see all of the artifacts from pioneer times. I have not been to the Library before, though. They have so much stuff there! Things like pioneer journals, original Books of Mormon...stuff like that. We were able to take a tour and watch a video about the library.

Summer break is almost here! I just have to make it through promotion, the last day of school, and cleaning the room before I get a blissful 5 weeks off! I will miss the paycheck, but I need the rest...I am BEAT! I have been doing a long term, and it has been trying to say the least. The kids miss their regular teacher, it's the end of the year, they were burned out after state testing and haven't wanted to do work for weeks (to tell you the truth, neither have I!), and they have been seeing how close they can get to the line without actually crossing it...I think it's safe to say that EVERYONE is ready for a break.

Just thought that I would write a post to let people know that I am still alive...we have just been super busy. we just moved, so getting settled in the new place has taken a bit of time. I also picked up a long term job for a sixth grade class (the teacher is on maternity leave) that will last until the end of the year, which is roughly another 3 1/2 weeks. The last month of sixth grade is the busiest time because it is when they are doing all of their speialized centers and engineering projects (they do an egg drop activity where they have to design and build something that goes around an egg to keep it from breaking and they make bridges using only glue and toothpicks that we tie weights to in order to see how much weight they can hold.

Another person's junk is another person's treasure. Paul and I are moving to a house (we are moving the 23-24 of this month) and are putting out a request to all our friends for anything that might be extra or junk to them but that we can use. Some of the things we are in need of are:

Moving Boxes

Stackable washer-dryer (electric)

Portable Dishwasher

Lawn Mower

Weed Eater

Assorted lawn and gardening tools

Patio Furniture

Window AC

Cosmetics are not a concern, just that it works. Some of this stuff we can find on Craigslist but every little bit we can reuse from a friend will greatly help our budget moving in. Any type of help would be greatly appreciated!!

I am rediculously excited about the fact that I am off track right now. I am looking forward to several things. Hanging out with friends, sleeping in, possibly going on a camping trip with Paul...the possibilities are endless. Never mind that when I am on break I feel a lot less...stretched. I have been feeling a little stressed lately, trying to juggle work, home life, and church responsibilities. I feel as if I have been able to do everything...but only half-way. I know that part of this is due to the fact that I stress too much about things that are out of my control. I have got to get better about that. Seriously. But I have been extremely blessed to have Paul in my life, being willing to find time in his busy schedule to help me out with all sorts of things. I am so lucky!

I thought that I should do a bit of an update since I haven't posted a blog for a while. I am still alive and breathing...just really busy. Work is going great. I have worked almost every day since the new year. That's big for a sub! My calling is helping me learn and grow each and every day. When I was first called into the RS presidency, I was really overwhelmed...I mean, how could I possibly influence the lives of women so much more experienced than myself? Yet, I am much more comfortable now, and I feel as if I have not just helped, but have been helped in all that I do. The exercise and diet regime is still in place, and I am luckily still getting results...so, yea for that!

Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! I know that a lot of people make fun of today. They call it "Hallmark Day", or "Single Awareness Day". I look at it as one more day that I can reflect on how lucky I am to have someone in my life that I love as much as I love Paul. I am making a concerted effort to pay more attention to all of the things that Paul does for me in my life. Small things, such as opening doors for me, holding my hand, little loving touches, and being aware of my unspoken needs. Big things, like coming to my defense when needed, forgiving me of my shortcomings, and supporting me in ALL that I do, without question. His behavior towards me makes me want to be a better person. I am so lucky to have him in my life. He has never made me feel inferior.

I am already enjoying the fact that this weekend is a long one. Because I work for a school district, I get both Friday and Monday off. Having four relaxing days before returning to the grind will be awesome. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. A lot. Yet, it is one of the most exhausting aspects of my life. I always have to roll my eyes when someone says, "Oh, you sub for elementary? It must be nice...you get to choose which days you work, and you get regular vacations...plus you get to play with kids all day!" Well, let's set some things straight. While I could, in theory, pick which days I work, I have to keep in mind that if I take a day off, I also don't get paid for that day off.