Mel For Life!

Transfer!

2012-02-16T22:07:00.003-07:00

Wow today has been an emotional day and it's not getting any better and wont for a few days I am sure.
At work today I got called into the assistant principals office, I was so scared I didn't know what to except. My heart was pounding so hard. When I walked in the district special ed head guy was sitting in there I was really scared that I was getting fired for who knows what. Anyway, he talked to me about my email I sent to him last month about transferring next year. We to make a long story short, there is a change that is happening next week. There is an aide that needs to be moved from Viewmont to another school and they have asked me to switch places with her. I am excited and scared to death at the same time.
Tuesday is my last day at Millcreek. I am going to miss working with the kids and the other faculty members. I didn't think it would be this hard leaving there. I was planning on being moved for next school year. I guess it is just harder since it is in the middle of a school year and I have been going out to classes and have made friendships with the teachers my students go too.
I think that is the hardest part is leaving those friendships behind and the unknown of the new school.
I do feel that it is a really good decision, I just have to remember that and go into it with a good attitude..
I know that Tuesday is going to be a very emotional day since I will be saying goodbye to everyone. I am hoping to have a good four day weekend and try to not think about it.

Book Of Mormon Blitz

2012-01-09T21:10:00.003-07:00

My ward has challenged us to read the Book Of Mormon by April General Conference.
We started reading on January 1 and are reading six pages a day.
I was way excited about this new challenge. I have been wanting to really read the Book Of Mormon and be better at it is well.
In order for me to read in the morning and have it help me through out my day I have been getting up at 5:30 to read. Which is so early but only 15 min. earlier then what I was getting up. I have been up and have read every day since the 1st. I have felt such a difference just a week has made.
Surprisingly I haven't been too tired at work and have made it through the day.

Catch Up!

2011-10-20T00:07:00.001-06:00

Wow! It has been awhile since I last posted and a lot has happen! I guess I better get caught up!

I started a new semester at school and it is kidding my butt. I am having a really hard time in my math class but am hoping I can pull out of it.

The school year started for work and it has been a tough one. I have a new teacher this year and it hasn't been the best experience so far. I have had a really hard time with it and am really hoping I can find joy in my job again soon.

I started dating someone at the beginning of August. His name is Sam and I am so happy! Things are moving along slow but I don't want it to be any faster. I am enjoying it and getting to know him better. I have actually know him for a while. We used to work together when I worked at a grocery store my Senior yr in high school. He quit before I did and we didn't really see each other. He left on his mission and I kind of kept taps on him, when his sister lived in my ward. Well to make a long story short we ran into each other at walmart and went out two weeks later just to catch up and by the end of the night it had changed and I have been dating him since.

I AM ONE LUCKY GIRL~!!!!!!!!!

My Fourth of July!

2011-07-04T19:34:00.000-06:00

Today I went to the living planet aquarium with my best friend her husband and daughter. We had a lot of fun. We went to a park for lunch and then headed off to the mall and got ice cream.

2011-05-21T11:55:00.000-06:00

This past week I surprised a friend and went to her schools choir concert. It was so awesome. Her face when she saw me was priceless.

On Thursday, I helped with the choir concert at the school I work at. I had four of my students participating in the concert. The kids were moving around so much that the choir teacher and I decided that it would be a good idea for me to be on stage with them. So I got to sing with the 9th graders. It was kind of weird at first when we decided that I was going too. But in the end it was so much fun and from the feedback I heard it was great and most people thought it was awesome that I was up there helping them so they could participate. The assistant principal even said that I fit in perfectly.

I can't believe another school year is almost over. I am excited for the summer though. I am also excited for my class to start for summer semester.

Close Call!

2011-05-04T21:18:00.000-06:00

I just finished up my semester yesterday! It was a close call though. I went into my math final not understanding some of the stuff or at least not remembering stuff from the beginning of the semester. I had an A in the class but that could change once my final was graded. All I had to do was get 60% of higher on my final and not receive an automatic D.
My got my grade today I passed with a B but my teacher said that it was a very close call. She didn't give me my exact score. I am just happy I don't have to take Math 1010 again. I am proud to say that I passed it the first try. I have heard of so many people having to take it more then once.
Now I have until the first week or so in June when my class starts for summer semester.
I go an A in my other class which I knew that it would be considering I got full credit on all my assignments and totally aced my test.

Last FHE in the Millstream Ward

2011-04-26T22:05:00.000-06:00

Last night I went to my last FHE in the Millstream ward. It was a blast.
So many people put a lot of effort into making the activity awesome.
We had dinner and watch a slideshow of pictures, and had a dance.
I could not think of a better way to end three 1/2 fabulous years in the ward.
I am going to miss it so much. But at least I will be in the same stake.
The dance was fun and to top that off the last song that was play was Don't Stop Believe'n. Which we were told that it was our theme.
So I say to everyone

DON'T STOP BELIEVE'N!!!!!!!!!!
May the Lord bless everyone that I know from the Millstream ward. May our paths cross again. I love you all

What I want for my Birthday!

2011-03-31T13:46:00.002-06:00

Some of my friends have been asking me what I want for my Birthday which is in 20 days!
My response has been I don't know because I really don't know!
I wish it was as easy as it was when you were a little kid when you just wanted the new toys that were coming out.
Well I have thought a little about it and I think I will just make a list of some things I have been wanting and need and will just add to it when I think of new things
So for those that have been asking here you go:

New Clothes (capris, longer shorts, tops)
Tangled
Money to go towards and Ipad
Gift cards are always nice
Bananagrams
headlamp (to use when I go running in the mornings)
watch face for the cute bands you can change (black)

Thats all I can think of for now I will add more when I think of something else.

Why?

2011-01-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

Why is it when things are going great then all of a sudden it feels like the world could fall apart in front of you?

Changes

2011-01-02T15:05:00.001-07:00

It's amazing how you feel a lesson being taught is for you! I am so grateful for the sis who taught relief society in my ward today! I really needed the spirit to show me and remind me that the Savior is there for me and that I am not alone. And he is there to help me.

As the new year starts, I feel that I need to make some changes in my life, but am not sure exactly what those changes will be or what I need to change. With the help of my Savior I know I will be able to figure that out and be able to make them.

Lately I have been really down and have had moments that I feel like I have no real friends. I don't do things with many people in my ward mostly because they do thing later in the evening and it is really hard for me with work and school to be out really late. Also because I don't really get invited to do things.
I even feel that I am trying to hard to fit in. I will try to talk to people but feel that they don't really want to talk to me.
Maybe one of the changes I need to make is going to another ward closer to me or even go back to a family ward.
Well for now I guess I just need to rely on my Savior to help me figure things out.

Me Time!

2010-12-26T22:21:00.002-07:00

I have decided that I need some me time! I have been so busy with school and work over the last few months that I have not been able to spend time doing stuff I enjoy doing. I really am going to try and spend the rest of my break from work and school doing stuff I like to do. Starting with tomorrow I am going to go and have some fun with friends.
I have lots to figure out before school starts again, but that is ok! I will figure it out but first I am going to have some MAJOR ME TIME!

Halloween Festivities

2010-11-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

I know I am late getting this up, but school has kept me busy!

Anyway, On Oct 29 my friends Jenn Nora and I went to a party/dance their ward had. We dressed up as a pirate, and witch and a beauty pageant queen.

Jenn(pirate) Me(beauty pageant queen) Nora(witch)

On Oct 30 we had our own party it was a blast. We made donuts, played some games and hung out with friends. We had a costume contest. All three of us dressed up as Rock Stars.

Jenn Me Nora

We had tons of people show up!

Ladies Night!

2010-10-02T22:16:00.000-06:00

My friends and I decided to go to Desert Book tonight for Ladies Night! Wow what a crazy place there were ladies everywhere but it was so fun. Jessie Clark Funk was on the location we went to. It was fun to hear her sing. Kim's little girl Annette got mad when we tried to leave so we went and paid for our stuff then went back over to listen to the music. We ended up staying until the end and got to talk to Jessie afterwards it was way cool and I even got a picture with her.

My latest project!

2010-08-19T22:48:00.000-06:00

Last Friday, I was suppose to babysit for my friend but she ended up not needing me to babysit but I still went over and her neighbor Melody came over too. We had sent there husbands and Kim's brother in law off to have guy time so we could have girl time.

We decide we were going to be crafty and make something. We all decided on making bags out of jeans. We had to run to the store to get some stuff for our projects by the time we got back it was so late and I was getting tired so I started cutting out my stripes of jean that I was going to use. Then I went home. Kim and Melody kept working.

Well I finally sort of finished my bag tonight! I still have to fix somethings on it but love it.

The front of the bag!

The Back of the bag!

A view with the top closed!
The squares on it have precious moments characters of them and some are just squares with different shapes and colors on it~!

Nauvoo Trip

2010-06-16T13:09:00.002-06:00

June 4 Day 1

I went to work for a few hours this day and then came home so we could leave. We got out of here about two and head off on our journey.

June 5 Day 2

We drove all night and got to Winter Quarters a few minutes before the visitors center opened so we went up to the cemetery and walked around up there and walked by the temple then went into the visitors center. We watched a movie about the pioneers and then went through the exhibit they had.
Then we got back in the car and head off to Keokuk Iowa where our hotel was.

Winter Quarters Temple!

June 6 Day 3
We went to church in Nauvoo and that was pretty cool! The ward is prepared for visitors they have the cultural hall filled with chairs and even have a second sacrament table set up in there.

After church we went to the visitors center and watch another movie and had a tour and went to the womens garden

Statue in the Womens Garden

Then we went up to Carthage! What an experience to be in the same room that the Prophet Joseph Smith was in and then killed.

Sorry this is sideways
This is the original door with the bullet hole in it.

June 7 Day 4

We got up early and head off back to Nauvoo. First we went to the visitors center to get tickets for the shows they do and to get tickets for the carriage ride.

We went on the carriage ride and saw fields and properties of the saints that lived there.

We saw this on the carriage ride

After the carriage ride the girls went and saw a show called "Just Plain Anna Amanda" it was really cute but the boys would not of liked it.

I happen to run into a girl that used to be in my ward who is a Young Performing Missionary in Nauvoo. The funny part about running into her is that everywhere I go with Jenn I usually run into someone I know and so I had told her that I wouldn't see anyone I knew in Nauvoo oh boy was I wrong and then Jenn said I totally should of bet you ten bucks on that one.

Then we started going to the different place visiting the homes. Then went to another show call High Hopes and River Boats.

That evening on the way back to the hotel we saw a barge heading towards the dam and the lock for it to get by and we thought it would be cool to see how it is done so we found a place we could go watch it was pretty cool

Here is the picture with my friend Sister Ricks

June 8 Day 5

We went to the temple and did baptisms! It was amazing, I couldn't believe that I was actually there and was sitting in the temple. We even got to see the spiral stair case as we left.

It was raining when we got to the temple and was raining when we came out but soon after it stopped and didn't rain the rest of the day. We went to more of the house today and went down to parley's street and read all the quotes down the trail of hope. We went on a wagon ride through the streets and was told more about the homes and who owned them.

Looking up Parley's Street from standing on the shore of the Mississippi River

Standing on the shore of the Mississippi at the bottom of Parley's Street! This is the place the Saints crossed the Mississippi when the left Nauvoo!

We saw another show called Rendezvous Old Navuoo before we headed back to the hotel!

June 9 Day 6

Our last day in Nauvoo! We finished up at the homes and did our shopping. We went on a tour of the homes that the Community of Christ Church owns it was fun to see but a total different feeling then those that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns.

The Mansion house the Prophet Joseph Smith build before he was killed owned by the Community of Christ Church

We saw the last show called Sunset on the Mississippi and then we were lucky to get to see the Young Ambassadors from Brigham Young University as well

Sunset on the Mississippi

Young Ambassadors

June 10 Day 7
Got up early and packed up to head out. We went to Missouri! Visiting Adam-ondi-ahman, Far West, Liberty Jail and Independence. Then drove on th Kansas City Kansas and stayed the night at a hotel that we were blessed to get for less then the regular rate.

Adam-ondi-ahman

Far West

Liberty Jail

We got to Independence close to when they were closing so I didn't get any pictures there.

June 11 Day 8
We got up went swimming then headed out! We drove through some interesting weather and wasn't sure if we were going to stop for the night we had a tent site at a KOA reserved but with the rain we drove through we didn't want to set one up luckily we were able to stay in a cabin and didn't have to pay the thirty dollars more it should off cost.

June 12 Day 9
We got up early and had breakfast and packed up and head out we drove through Colorado it was a long drive we had planned to be home around seven. But our drive home was interesting we got somewhere between Green River and Price and the van broke down. We weren't sure what was wrong but knew if we kept going it would be bad. We called a tow truck and since he didn't have room for all of us in the cab of his truck four of us got to ride in the van on the flat bed. It was crazy. Once we got into Price Kristie and Adam had to come get us! We pack all our stuff up in there two cars and off we went to Spanish Fork to stop at there house, then we went to get food. Those of us in the truck headed out while the other car stopped one more place. Well the truck got to Provo and we got a call from Kristie saying she her car was smoking and had lost all its coolant. Wow what a night. We went back and figured out what the problem was fixed it and then headed out again. We got home at about midnight!
It was a totally fun trip even though the car breaking down.

WE were blessed in so many ways on this trip.

Oh and we found out that the cars engine is pretty much shot and needs a new one.

Not a Happy Camper

2010-05-31T09:51:00.000-06:00

I am not very happy at the moment! This passed week one of my email accounts was hacked into. I have been trying to regain access and as of today I still have not regain access and don't think I will. I just want to be able to get my stuff out of it and then close it! I am going to open a new account so I don't have issues there. But I at least just want my contacts and some of the stuff saved! argh!!!!!!!

Tulip Festival

2010-05-09T15:14:00.002-06:00

Yesterday my friend and I went to the tulip festival at Thanksgiving Point! It was so much fun! I took so many pictures! The flowers were so pretty.

My favorite was the water fall they had! I have never been to the gardens so this was my first time seeing it and I was amazed. Here are just a few of the pictures I took!

This was my favorite color of tulip

   My camera is amazing we were pretty far from the
   waterfall still and look how this picture turned out!

I was standing on top of the water fall!

Survived The Semester!

2010-05-05T19:41:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was my final for my math class! I don't know what I got yet but I feel pretty good about it!

As for my other class, I wasn't to sure how my grade was going to turn out. This was my on line class that literally was going to kill me this semester. I had a really hard time with it and thought that I was going to have to take it over again.

But actually came out of it with a B! I am so happy about it!

I can't believe I have finished two semesters so far, I am truly enjoying being back into school and hope that next fall I will be able to keep up with my studies since both of my class will be the same nights!

Today is truly a HAPPY DAY FOR ME!

Wisdom Teeth Adventure

2010-04-07T19:48:00.003-06:00

Today I had my wisdom teeth taken out and what an adventure it was! My appointment was for 11:30! I got there about 11:25 and waited for a little while in the waiting room! Then about ten to noon I was taken back to the room. I waited there again for a while then the dentist and his assistant finally came in and numbed me up and proceeded with the fillings and taking my wisdom teeth out. The top two came out really fast and then he moved on to the bottom right one! That one did not want to come out! Finally he said I can't get it out we are going to have to send you to an oral surgeon, to get it and the other one out.

I went straight to the oral surgeons office and waited again for awhile out front then was taken back to be looked at then waited awhile again. Then was taken in for the removal which was pretty fast once he numbed me again.

I got home around five! Man it has been a very long day! But I doing pretty well specially being on drugs!

I definitely was not expecting to be gone most of the day and having to go to an oral surgeon!

I just hope that my insurance covers most of it so I can still go to Nauvoo this summer!

Something Awesome, Something not so Awesome!

2010-03-30T21:20:00.002-06:00

This past weekend was my friends birthday!
All of last week I was trying to decide what to get her. On Wednesday or Thursday I decided I was going to try to get her tickets to see Lion King when it comes to the capital theare in Aug and Sept. Well I was having no luck finding any on artix that were the cheaper ones that had two seats together.

I was beginning to be disappointed and giving up! By Friday I had pretty much given up and ended up buying her a movie she wanted.
On Saturday a different friend sent me a message saying she wanted to pay for one of the tickets as my birthday present from her even though my birthday is in the middle of April. So I went back to searching for tickets. I found some on craigslist and called on them. I had to leave a message and sort of forgot about them as the day went on. Sunday afternoon I had a message on my phone from the lady that was selling them that she still had them. I called her back to talk to her. Well tonight after school I went and picked them up! I am way excited!

So the not so awesome thing~! Next week while I am on spring break from work! I will be getting my wisdom teeth taken out!
I am kind of sad that I am doing over my break from work but I know it will be better to do it then instead of taking days off from work to do it! So I get Monday and Tuesday to get caught up in my classes then Wednesday morning I have my teeth taken out and then the rest of the week will probably be sleeping and getting better so I can go back to work on Monday!

Special Project!

2010-03-05T15:50:00.005-07:00

My special project I have been working on for a couple of weeks is a in memory thing for the mom of my old student that passed away a few weeks ago!

I had fun doing it, I got find some princess stuff since that is what she like the most.

I had fun going through my pictures of her and the ones my co worker had. I hope she really likes it! I know when I made one for Alyssa's mom she really appreciated it.

Someone Very Special!

2010-02-15T21:31:00.003-07:00

Working in the field I do tends to be really hard when you have one of the special kids you work with pass away~! Specially when it is one of your favorites!

One of those special spirits passed this last weekend~!
Nicole Jackson was in my class two years ago! She was so much fun and I really loved going to choir with her! Being able to play and make her laugh was the best.

Nicole if I could talk to you one last time I would tell you that you made a difference in my life, by you smile. You taught me to look at things different in my life and to just be happy!

Love ya!

Surprises

2010-02-04T19:25:00.003-07:00

Today at work I got a cool surprise!
It was actually after school was out for the day! We had just finished up our staff meeting and I was talking with Anne and getting ready to leave, my phone rang!
It was my friend Melanie! She asked me where I was and I said that I was still at the school she replied I know I am outside sitting in my car looking at your car. She asked if we were done with our meeting and if I was leaving!
I pretty much ran out of the room in the middle of the conversation with Anne, so I could see Melanie.

She had stopped by the school to pick up music she was borrowing from the choir teacher for the workshop she is going to tomorrow!

It was so cool to see her! I really need it today!

The things done at work to entertain yourself!

2010-01-23T21:20:00.003-07:00

At work to keep things entertaining we kind of like to tease each other about things!
Usually I get that everything is my fault even if it really isn't!

One of the other staff members who use to me in my classroom and then hired to help with the copy room and ISS, went on a cruise with her family this past week and as a team we decide we were going to tease her and get her back for not taking us with her. So on Friday after school was out for the week! I went to her room and toilet papered her desk! We also made signs and hung them up for her!
It was so fun and I can't wait to see her face on Monday morning!

Alyssa

2010-01-17T18:29:00.005-07:00

Today marks four years ago that my sweet friend Alyssa Katy Burnett passed away.

I worked at a summer program where she attended. And one summer I got to go on outings with her and her family where I was there to work with her so her mom could spend time with her sibling but she got to go and had someone to be with her.

I have to admit that she was my favorite even though we were told not to pick favorites. I would of done anything for that sweet girl.

When I found out that she had passed away it was only a couple of days before the funeral and almost missed it but I am go glad I found out and was able to go!

I miss her so much and her sweet smile that could make my day no matter what.

this is a collage I made of pictures of Alyssa!

New Semester!

2010-01-10T15:28:00.003-07:00

Spring Semester starts this week!

I am a little worried about my classes and how well I am going to be able to keep up with them.

I am taking pre-algebra and computer essentials!

My math class is on Tuesday nights and all in one night ! Yeah! Not!

My computer class is on-line and I just got my schedule for it and it is going to be a killer I am going to have to work really hard to stay on top of things for this class and keep up with my math class as well!

And to top it all off I need to figure out what I am going to do for work this summer so I will have money for next fall! Which means I should probably find something pretty soon especially since I need the first week off of June for the trip to Nauvoo!

Man I am going to be so busy!

But at least I will be able to take some time out for myself and go see the musicals at Rogers Memorial Theatre this year since my friend and I just bought season tickets and I am so excited to go to them!

New Hobby

2010-01-02T16:10:00.003-07:00

So My friend found a cool flower made out of beads in a beading book she bought. It is actually used for a pin to wear on your hat or shirt or something like that.

Well we decide to try and make them but instead of using it the way it was in the book we decided to try and make them into hair clips. We think we have figured it out now just to try them out and see how them work~!

They turned out really cute.
We even think we might try and make them to sell~!

The Joke around the House!

2009-12-25T19:23:00.004-07:00

I have a pole in my room that I hang my clothes that can't go in the dryer on. I am to short to reach it so every time I need to hang something up or get something down I have to find a stool to use.

Well since Thanksgiving it has been the joke that I need a stool for Christmas since I can't reach the pole. I get laughed at every time I am hunting for the stool. Or someone would yell mom Melissa needs a stool for Christmas!

This morning I opened a gifted that had a piece of paper in it that said your present is in your room! (somehow it was put in my room when I wasn't looking) So I walked to my room and leaning up against my bed was my stool!

Yeah I can reach the pole and the top of the closet now without hunting for one!
It is also handy as a chair at my desk!

My Favorite Christmas Present So Far!

2009-12-21T15:08:00.003-07:00

This pasted weekend the family I am living with did their family Christmas party and I was added into the kid exchange! I had KC and I made him some pj's but have to finish them still!

Kim and Michael had me! Kim asked me awhile ago what I wanted and all I could come up with is flower clips that I can put in my hair and a cool frame thing with ribbon to put them on! So that is what she made for me and I absolutely love them! IT IS MY FAVORITE PRESENT SO FAR THIS YEAR~! THANKS KIM, MICHAEL AND ANNETTE~!

One Month~!

2009-12-14T21:40:00.002-07:00

Today marks one month that I have been dating Josh!
I am so grateful that he is great to me! I feel like a Princess when I am with him!

Thanks Josh for being who you are!

Blessings in my life!

2009-12-13T22:16:00.002-07:00

Tonight was the special needs primary's annual Christmas Program! It was so awesome!

I can't believe how much of a blessing it is for me to work with sure great spirits of my Heavenly Father who loves them just as much as he loves me.

Our theme for this year was Ye Are My Friends! These children really know that Jesus loves them they show it each week at primary!
We learned a new song this year for the program called I Know Jesus Loves Me! It is a beautiful song and was my favorite this time.

I truly know that Jesus loves me and that he is aware of me and knows me.

I also started dating someone from my ward! Tomorrow will mark a month from our first date. I am learning a lot and am really enjoying getting to know Josh~!

I feel truly blessed to be a part of primary and getting to spend time with these children who also know that Jesus loves them!

I have been so blessed this last month in so many ways~!

Mostly Moved In!

2009-11-08T19:04:00.002-07:00

It has happened finally! I am in my new place!
My friends started moving me while I was at my conference! Then when I got done I went and helped!
I still have a few things at my parents but all the big stuff is in my new room!

I am still adjusting to it! It is kind of weird to be in a total different place. It is going to take some getting use to.
I just hope I did the right thing!
I am still getting settled in I have boxes everywhere but have pretty much got things put in places!

My conference was so good! I learned lots and really need to start working on my portfolio I was suppose to start after the last conference I went to!

It was also fun to stay at my friends house Friday night and to get to talk and see her!

Finally Moving

2009-11-05T21:48:00.002-07:00

I can't believe it! I am finally moving to Farmington!

Things have gotten pretty crazy at home and some things have changed! So I called up my friend Jenn and told her we needed to make a decision on whether we were going to try and find a place for us to live or figure out if we both were going to move into her parents home.
She said to come over that night after my class and we would talk. Well she called me before I got to class and said never mind don't come over start packing tonight, you are moving in on Saturday! I will help my mom get the room cleaned out.

So I guess I am moving on Saturday but I wont be around to help. I will be in Ogden at the para educator conference. Which I am pretty excited about! I also get to stay at a friends house so I don't have to drive back and forth.

Should be an interesting weekend! I will update later how it all goes!

Bunch of Grapes

2009-10-27T15:31:00.002-06:00

So for my Halloween costume for FHE this week I went as a bunch of grapes.

It took me the longest time to decide what I was going to do and yesterday while at work one of the teachers suggested a bunch of grapes. So I went with it.

But let me tell you, it is really hard to find dark purple balloons that dont cost a fortune. I went all over town yesterday trying to find them. It took me three hours and when I finally found some I had to pay .80 cents a piece.

I went to a friend house and she helped me get ready and get the balloons where they needed to be then realized that I couldn't see to drive. So she had to drive me up to the church which helped so she could help me get the ones on the string around my waist.
Then I had to be picked up as well.

We had a raffle and one of the guys that won something didn't want to pick anything so he told me to pick something and to keep it so I picked a angel halo and a necklace and a wand.
So then I was call the holy grapes.

Five Years!

2009-10-21T21:34:00.003-06:00

This year makes five years since I started working at Millcreek Jr. High as a Special Ed. Teachers Assistant! Which I love!

With this job I started attending some of the choir classes with my students. Which lead to the friendship with the choir teacher, which didn't really start until my second year there.

Well today was the first time since that second yr that I have not attend and helped at one of her concerts! Because I am in school now and she is at a new school!
It has been one of the hardest things for me!
While in class today I couldn't stop myself from thinking about it and was constantly looking at the clock to see what time it was and to see if the concert had started.

She always had the kids wear red the day of the concert to help spread the word that there was a concert that night! Well out of habit I wore red today to support her even though I couldn't be there!
This is for you!
Melanie I love you and really am missing that I am not there to help you! I hope it went well!

Scrapbooking

2009-10-05T12:06:00.002-06:00

This past weekend I spent time with my best friend Kim! I had Thursday and Friday off from work for fall break( formally know as UEA) . So I went over to her place.

Thursday we went shopping. Then on Friday we scrapbooked. It was so much fun.
I babysat that night for her so she could go on a date with her husband.
Then during the Priesthood session of Conference I went over again and we scrapbooked some more.
I enjoyed it a lot. Hopefully I will stick with it and do it more often. And I hope to do it with her some more.

St. George

2009-09-30T20:36:00.004-06:00

This past weekend I went to St George with my sister and niece! We went to help out her mom with her booth at Swiss Days in Santa Clara.
We went down last Thursday after I got out of class.
We got there around 11pm but didn't go to bed until 3am, then got up at 7am to be at booth to finish setting up to be ready by 2.

I watched Kaylee most of the day! We even went back to the house we were staying at to take a nap cause she was so tired and cranky!

Saturday we had to be back and ready to go a ten. They had a parade that we watched. Then took Kaylee to play some of the games they had. Then I got to help out more at the booth and got to ring up purchases for customers it was really fun.

It took us three hours to take everything down that night. After we were finished we went to cracker barrel for dinner.

Sunday with got up packed up and started home. We had to stop at the airport to pick up my brother in law who went to visit his mom while we were in St George.

I bought a new watch face and five new bands they are so cute.

For helping out I got a key chain, purse hanger, purple purse clutch.

My Week!

2009-09-16T20:46:00.003-06:00

My week so far has really worn me out and it is only Wednesday!
The teacher I work with has been at a conference this week which has left me in charge to hold the fort down. It hasn't been really bad but has made me tired none the less.
Then on Tuesday the part time aide I work with was gone and the other full time aide left at noon so part of the day I had three subs. It was so crazy! I have had to deal with stuff that I haven't had to yet. But I guess it is good practice for me since I want to be a special ed teacher.
School is kicking me in the butt! But I am enjoying it as much as I can. I had my first big test yesterday and I think I find out tomorrow what I got!

I am in a bind and am not sure what I am going to do about it! My sister wants to go to Saint George with her next weekend to help watch Kaylee while she helps her mom. I would be gone until Sunday sometime. Which means that I would miss the girls night next Saturday and I really want to go to that but at the same time I want to spend time with my sister and niece since they will be moving to Germany next yr. I guess the first thing to do is to find out if it is possible to get Friday off from work and then go from there!

Time Flies!

2009-09-12T22:30:00.002-06:00

Ok so I have not updated for a while! Time just flies by and it is gone again before you realize it.
Things have been going pretty good! School is kicking me in the butt, but I am surviving I have my first big test on Tuesday in math and am a little worried about it cause I have been struggling with some of the material but I just have to remember to go slow and not rush through it.

Work has been so crazy! I come home everyday exhausted and my feet hurt from being on them so much! I hardly get to sit down at all. The kids are definitely keeping me on my toes this year!
Special needs primary starts on Monday! I can't wait! It will be nice not having to worry about a lesson every week!

It has been so weird leaving the school right after the kids leaving since I am so use to staying and helping out Melanie but it has been nice as well!

First and Second days of School!

2009-08-27T21:25:00.001-06:00

I started school yesterday! Wow! What a scary thing! But I did it and I actually loved it!
I went to my reading class and came home with two weeks of homework, but don't have class next week!

Today I went to math and actually was able to catch on pretty fast to the topic and got all my homework done! So I can do whatever this weekend and trying to get it done.

I think I am going to like this semester and hopefully I can pass my classes so I can progress on in my education working towards my teaching degree!

End of the Summer!

2009-08-23T11:07:00.003-06:00

I can't believe that the summer is over!
I had this last week off from work, the summer program ended on the 14th.
But for me it was not a week off. I had so much I was doing everyday was filled with something.
Monday and Tuesday I was in Sunset helping a friend! Wednesday I went and finished up all I needed to do to start school, and then spent the day with my best friend Kim! Thursday in the morning I had district training then I spent the rest of the day with my sister and niece. Friday I was in my class room getting stuff ready and going over the schedule, then went to my sisters again and ended up spending the night which was fun. Saturday my sister and niece and I went to park city to get new clothes for my niece.

I start school on Wednesday. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I hope that I can do it and be able to get good grades.

I am excited that special needs primary starts up again soon! And that I get to go still! My schedule for school worked out that I will be in classes Tues, Wed and Thurs.

Tomorrow I go back to work at the school and am pretty excited to get back into that routine. We have 12 kids this year so it definitely will be a new challenge for us. This is the most we have ever had since I have been at Millcreek! But I am ready for it! I think!

Waterski Trip

2009-08-11T08:15:00.008-06:00

This past weekend I went to pineview for a four-stake YSA water skiing activity! It was fun!
I tried to water ski and failed but it was fun. Here are the pictures from me trying to water ski!
I also went tubing and had lots of fun. Here are the pictures from tubing!

Camping Trip

2009-07-26T15:37:00.007-06:00

On Wednesday I left to go camping with my friend and her family!
Well Jenn and I got a late start and didn't start on the rode until after ten. We ended up staying in Spanish Fork at her sisters house and got up early the next morning drove the rest of the way down.
We got there around 8:30 Thursday morning.
We hung out and Jenn worked on the design for the shirts we bought to take our picture on the dirt bikes. (unfortunately I don't have a picture of the shirts which are slightly different).

We only had a short time with Kristie and her kids they left later that day.

I was learning how to ride the dirt bike and kind of took the turn wrong and ended up rolling on the ground. But only ended up with scrapes on my arm.

Later that day I was getting on the four wheeler and slipped and hit my ankle on where the foot goes and have a scrape and a bruise.

We took a group picture of us on the motorcycle's

One of the days I was there, it was raining down in town but not where we were I got a cool picture of what we could see of it raining in town

On the way home we had car trouble and had to stop three times cause it overheated! We still don't know why!

I had lots of fun but I am very glad I am home and clean!

One of the hardest things I have had to do!

2009-07-22T15:34:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I did one of the hardest things for me to do at this point in my life!
I had to tell the special needs primary president that I am not sure if I will be able to be at primary this yr., because of school.
It was so hard I was crying while I was talking to her, because I don't want to stop going. But I know that I need to go to school.
I am going to try to be there but I don't know what my schedule will be like yet. I held off as long as I could in telling her.

I do feel better that she knows that I might not be able to be there.
I know I am doing the right thing it is just really hard for me, I have been going for so long that it is apart of my life!

School Decison!

2009-07-14T16:07:00.002-06:00

I finally have decide where I am going to go to school! I am going to go to Salt Lake Community College!

I am still deciding how many credits I am going to take! But I think I am going to take 6 which will be like two classes for now!

I am getting excited and really nerves at same time!
Well see how it all goes I guess!

Whats Going On In My LIfe!

2009-06-30T20:46:00.002-06:00

Wow! I have been really bad at keeping up with the blogging.
Anyway, I have been working at the summer program now for three weeks! It actually going better then I thought it would and I am enjoying it.

I am still trying to figure out what I am going to do school wise for the fall at this point I am not sure if I am going to be able to go! Even with the pell grant that I got I don't think I will have enough money to go and I am pretty bummed about it. But looking at it I think it will all work out. I think I am going to wait and apply to salt lake community college next yr and do my generals and then try to transfer to the u. But haven't made the final decision yet!

I have been spending time with my sister and niece lately! We bought season passports to lagoon and have gone a few times. I babysat my niece on Saturday and her friend. We had so much fun!

Zoo Day!

2009-06-09T22:09:00.002-06:00

Today I went to the zoo with my sister and nieces.
It was so fun. We got to see all kinds of animals.
My niece Elizabeth kept splashing in the puddles of water. It was so cute.

Then we took Elizabeth home and then we decided that we were going to go to Lagoon since we have season passes it wasn't a big deal to do both today!

We only went for a couple of hours but had fun.
When we first got there we watched one of the shows it was fun. I even got chosen to do the hula hoop with them! It was pretty funny since I can barely do the hula hoop but it was fun.

Five Days Left!

2009-05-29T16:49:00.004-06:00

Ok so as most of you know I work at a Jr. High as a teachers assistant. Well There are only five school days left. i can't believe it. This year has gone by so fast.

I am very much ready for the summer to be here, but at the same time I don't want this year to end.
At this point I am not sure if I will be at the same school but more then likely I will be since we will have 12 or 11 students.

But next year things will be so different for me at the school. I have also spent a lot of my time with the choral department helping out with concerts and other productions that have gone on. But this will change next year as the choir teacher I have worked with moves to a new school farther north closer to home for her. From what I have heard about the new teacher that she wont want the help nor do I really want to help still.

I will be in school taking a couple of classes so I will be busy anyway.

I am really going to miss helping out all the time and having the relationship with the choir teacher but know that it will be a good move for her so she can be closer to home and spend more time there with her family. I will miss her and hope that I will be able to keep the close relationship we do have.

Work for the Summer!

2009-05-15T18:30:00.003-06:00

Since the school year is almost over, I have been thinking about what I am going to do for the summer.
Last summer I didn't work and really loved it but since i am wanting to go to school in the fall, I have to work to get some extra money to put aside to help pay for it.

At the moment the only option I have is to go back to the summer program, this has been a really hard decision for me to make because I had such a bad experience two summers ago.

Well since there is not many options for me especially since I will only be working until school starts up again, I have chosen to go back.

So I get to spend the next three Saturday's in Midvale at the Rise office doing training. Let me tell you I am not that thrilled about this. I am actually pretty mad because I have had plans mostly for this Saturday. Which have now had to be put aside and if I get to them then I do.
Oh so it is actually suppose to be the next four Saturday's but my best friend reminded me today that I can't on the four one because it is her baby shower and I am not going to miss that for anything.

Sometimes I really hate being an adult and having to work!!!!!!!!!!!

Bad Day!

2009-05-04T18:07:00.002-06:00

Today started off bad, and of course it just got worst.

First off as I was walking out the door to go to work my dad told me that my Great Grandma passed away in her sleep during the night.

When I got to work I found out that the teacher I work with was not coming in and had called in a sub not to mention the other full time aide had as well.

One of the subs was on time and was there to help me with getting the kids off the bus. The other one had not shown up by the time school started so we started the day off with games for the first period.

Then I found out from my co-teacher I teach with at special need primary that she was not going to be able to be there today and asked if I would teach. This pretty much was the last straw for me today. I ended up calling the primary president and explained the situation I was in and how I didn't think I would be able to pull something together for class today. She said that she would pull something together for me.

Thanks to her I had something for the kids today.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

National Paraeducator Conference

2009-05-03T19:55:00.003-06:00

This weekend I had the opportunity to go the National Paraeducator Conference! The conference is held somewhere different every year. I was so excited to be able to attend this conference.
I left work early on Friday to be able to make it to a class I really want to attend.
I went to classes that would help me and give me ideas on getting an education so I came become a special ed teacher. One class I was not very happy about and wish that they would of had a bunch of schools there to talk to us instead of just two from California that wanted us to come to there schools.
On Saturday, I attend a class on Portfolio's and how they can help you out in different situations and also be a self satisfaction. I am so excited to get start on mine and have lots of ideas for it and have tons of stuff to put in it.

I learned so much from the conference that I am excited about the Utah Paraeducator Conference in November, and am going to look into being able to go to that one as well.

New glasses

2009-04-17T15:16:00.007-06:00

Two weeks ago I went to the eye doctor because I was getting headaches again, and for me that usually means my eye sight is changing. Well I found out that I prescription was to strong by two prescriptions. But I couldn't see out of the one I should be at so the doctor could only take the prescription down one. Well today I got my new glasses, they are red. I wasn't sure that I would like them but I have had them for most of the day and I really love them.

Here are my new glasses

Here are my old ones

Me with my new glasses on

My old and new ones together

California Trip day 1

2009-03-28T12:14:00.002-06:00

On Friday March 20, 2009 My Friend and I left around 4:30 to start our rode trip to California.
We stopped at her sisters house to drop some stuff off.
Then we head out on our way.
That night we drove to Las Vegas and stayed at a hotel there.
We had a terrible experience with the hotel but, we did have a laugh when I drove the wrong way on a one way rode.
The hotel smelled of smoke which made us kind of mad because it was supposed to be a non smoking room. The beds were so hard that we didn't sleep very much that night.

Sad and Happy all in the same day!

2009-03-12T07:54:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was an interesting day! At work I found out that the scholarship I was hoping to apply for isn't going to be offered this yr because of budget cuts. I actually broke down and started to cry.

Then when I got home around 9:30 from a long day at the school, I had a letter from Weber State University. I was kind of scared to open it because I didn't want to have another disappointment that day.

I did open it and I was accepted for fall semester and I will be getting a degree in Special Education.

I am so excited. Now I have to figure out how I am going to pay for it.

thinking ahead

2009-03-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

As I was at church today I came across a flier for volunteers counselors for efy this summer. I began to think about what I want to do for the summer since I wont be working at the school.
I have though about going back to the summer program but I am not sure if I want to go back I really enjoy having the summer off last yr. But on the other hand I need something for the summer so I can put money away for school in the fall.
So as I was thinking, it occurred to me that there possibly was efy counselors that are paid instead of volunteer. So when I got home from church I did some searching on line and found an application for paid efy counselors. I filled it and sumited it. So now I am waiting to hear back.
I am keeping the option of going back to the summer program there just in case this doesn't work out.
Hopefully it all will. I know that whatever happens the Lord has his hand in it and will help me do what is best for me to do.

small miracles do happen!

2009-02-23T18:07:00.000-07:00

Today at work I was sitting at the horse shoe table with my class playing uno and the phone rang. I didn't think anything of it because when the classroom phone rings it is usually not for me unless the choir teacher needs something but she usually doesn't call during class. Anyway Anne answered it and then said that it was for me.
I picked up the phone and said this is Melissa, I had a fear that it was something bad( like a call saying that I was going to be transfered next yr. (it is that time of year you never know for sure if you are going to be at the same school the next yr.) The lady on the line said your name was referred to us at the district and want to know if you would like to go to the Paraeducator Conference in May. The district will pay for you to go all you have to do is show up or you will have to pay the registation fee back to the district.

Since the begining of the year I told Anne that I wanted to go to this conference, but then found out that it wasn't cheap and I didn't think I would be able to afford it since I was planning a vacation and would be saving my money for that. So I didn't think I was going to be able to go.

The amazing thing is that Anne was actually going to call the district today sometime to see if there was a way for them to pay for me to go.

I feel so blessed and know that the Lord is watching out for me and helping me find ways to do those things that will help me learn more and get into school so I can get my teaching license and be able to help more speical ed students succeed.

Play Day!

2009-02-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

Today I took the day off of work and played.
I went to the Living Planet Aquarium with my sister, and niece and their friends.
It was so much fun.

Making Progress

2009-01-31T18:43:00.001-07:00

Finally progress is being made at my friends house so I can move.
The little girls room was finally painted last night.
Today we put perimer on some of the base boards.
I am so excited and can't wait to move there.

Drag of a Day

2009-01-14T20:25:00.001-07:00

I had the hardest time getting out of bed this morning. I wanted to call in and stay home and sleep.
It all started yesterday, I came home from work about four and fell asleep until six thirty then I went to institute and I came home and went to bed for the night. Then when I woke up I really just didn't feel like going but I remembered that I need to go for a staff meeting. So I got all the energy I could muster up and got out of bed took a shower and went to work.
While at work I was in major slow motion. As the day progressed I got a little more energy. I took my seventh graders to PE we were playing with a ball rolling it around and kicking it. I went up to kick it and somehow landed on the floor and twisted my ankle.
It's not hurt bad but I think I hurt the muscle on the side of my foot it hurts when I turn it the wrong way.
I really should of stayed home from work today.

Rode Trip

2008-12-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

So I decided to take a road trip to St. George. So I loaded up my car, filled my water bottle, dug through the cupboards to find snacks. Popped in a Book and Cd and drove to St. George to visit family.
So here I am sitting at there house chillin.
I am having a blast relaxing and hangin around.

Ginger Bread Houses

2008-12-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I spent the afternoon and evening at my friends house enjoying the Christmas season. We had the family party since the married ones all can't make it up on Christmas day. And since I am pretty much apart of the family I was of course invited to the party. We had breakfast for dinner which was the breakfast casserole. Then we started on making ginger bread house. which is a tradition to do. we make the ginger bread from scratch and the icing as well. The ginger bread was made the night before but we make the icing, and started to put our house together. Then we had to stop so we could do the gift exchange. Then we went back to building our ginger bread houses. My friend brother and I worked together on one. We had so much fun. We built a swimming pool in the back and even had a ginger bread man diving off our diving board and landed head first into the pool.
Wow what a fun time.!

Festival of Trees

2008-12-04T21:59:00.000-07:00

My class went on a field trip today to the festival of trees.
I look forward to this field trip every yr. it is one of my favorite ones to go on.
Not only is it fun to see the trees that have been donated by families and others to be auctioned off and the proceeds go to Primary Children's Hospital. I get to see the tree that the family of Alyssa who I used to work with make it honor of her.
They have made a tree the last three years since she has been gone. She died in Jan. 2007 just about one month shy of her 14 birthday.
The first year the tree was a Cheetos Tree for Alyssa loved Cheetos
Last years tree was an Elmo Tree Alyssa also love Elmo
This year the tree was a Sweet Sixteen tree Alyssa 16th Birthday is in Feb.
I really miss seeing her smile and her saying my name when I saw her.

.

iHappy

2008-11-16T22:06:00.000-07:00

I-Happy

2008-11-14T23:56:00.000-07:00

For the last five weeks I have been involved with the musical at the school I work at. Our show opened last night. We had a show tonight, and have two shows tomorrow. One at two and one at seven. The title of our show is I-Happy
I have had such a fun time watching these kids perform. From watching them learn the songs learning the choreography and putting it all together. They have worked so hard.
It is amazing to me how they juggle school, homework, any extra activities they have, and the musical.
I have loved working with them and hope they have enjoyed it as well.
Congrats guys on a great musical!!!!!!!!You are the Best!
Go Millcreek Mustangs

Reba McEntire Concert

2008-10-12T21:49:00.000-06:00

Wow! So on Friday a friend and I went to a concert which featured Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson.
It was so much fun.
We had floor seats and were 29 rows back which was pretty far from the stage but my camera has a great zoom and they had a screen up so we could see pretty well.
Thanks Jenn for going with me

My Best Friend!

2008-09-21T21:29:00.000-06:00

My Best Friend is Kimberly Annette Tolman Cox. I have know her since October 2001, when I started working at Dick's Market in Centerville, and we have been friends ever since.

She has been there for me so many time.m

Well Last Friday which was the 19 of Sept. was her 24th Birthday. So Yesterday afternoon her husband threw her a party. It was fun it was just of bunch of her friends from her neighbor that she grew up with, me, her husband and some of her siblings. We played games, had food, and she opened her presents.

It was so much fun.

I wouldn't trade her as my best friend for anyone else or anything.

Kim I love you and you are the best

My weekend experience

2008-09-14T15:37:00.000-06:00

Wow!! This weekend I had a awesome experience. I was able to help with the search of the 16 yr. old girl that was missing.

I went down with my friend who is on this team called u-search which help on the organinzing aspect of the searches. So I got to help with this by siting at the table and check in the teams as they returned from searching and then send them into a debriefing room where they tell where they went and what they saw that may help with the search.

This was amazing and i am so glad i was a part of it..

My Fabulous Weekend

2008-08-31T19:14:00.000-06:00

Wow! I had a totally fun weekend, one of my friends from Jr. High called me up on Saturday night and asked if I had any plans. Well i ended up going out with her and some of her other friends on a group date. Wow it was so much fun we went to dinner and then we went bowling.
I had a great time catching up on things with my friend. Every time we do something even if it has been for months we can pick up were we left off the last time.
I really had a good time with her and the others.

i love my job

2008-08-27T16:26:00.000-06:00

Let me tell you why I love me job.

I get to work with kids who have speical needs, i go to their regular ed classes and help them in there. When they are in my class room we work on goals they have and we get to have fun we laugh and play.

They are so fun to work with. I come home everyday happy even if I was having a bad day.

It is the best job ever.

These pictures are of some of the students I have worked with in the pasted.

Only a couple are still in my class now.

Interesting Weekend!!!!!!!!!!

2008-08-25T17:25:00.000-06:00

I decided to start a blog since a lot of my friends have one. So here it goes.
I had an interesting weekend. I didn't get anything done I was suppose to.
I spent Saturday afternoon in the the emergency room with abdominal pain. Well I had to have a ultrasound on Sunday and they couldn't find anything but I am fine now so who knows what it was