23 Days to Go!!

I graduate in 23 days!! Yes, I know it is hard for some of you to believe, but I AM actually going to finish this eternal career as a professional student. But this means a lot of changes and some stress to get through before I can finally march down that long isle at the Holt Arena.

First up, I have had the hardest time focussing on my Teacher Work Sample!! A 40 to 50 page analysis and example of my work as a student teacher. Senior-itis is so real and thriving here!! Although I feel the stress so strong, it has not yet forced me into real action. I have a lot I must complete and a week to finish it in (and yet, here I am blogging rather than writing and analyzing...see what I mean, no motivation!).

And a close second to the stress of the Teacher Work Sample is finding a job! And the only reason it is a close second is because I have a larger time period to complete it in. Funny how just a few years ago I had every intention of finding my way to an inner city elementary school, and now, I will be content to just find a job in a rural school anywhere within a 40 mile radius of Logan!! Family, especially children, changed that goal (totally worth it).

I went to my first interview yesterday. Actually it was just a screening session. There were 60 applicants there and at the very beginning the human resources told us they were on a hiring freeze and would most likely only be hiring 10 new teachers at the very most. Those that would be hired would be hired based on credentials and the score they received during the screening process. As a new graduate I realize this puts me near the very bottom of the list!!! CRAP! Immediately I got nervous and stressed out--the interview did not go as well as I hoped. I hate this darn economic situation we are in!!! I hate that the schools have to pay such a big price because of it!! COME ON! What is more important than the education of our future leaders and decision makers???

So I have a few other school districts I'm applying too, we'll see if the interviews or prospects look any better. I need a job!

So for another 23 days I'll be pretty crazy and stressed to the max, but if you happen to catch me on May 8th, well...it will be all smiles (probably a few tears. Remember, I am an emotional pregnant woman and the relief is going to be more than my emotions will be able to handle) and less worries! Its going to be a great day. And that is what I think of when I find myself lying in bed at night unable to sleep because the weight and stress of graduation and employment keep me wide awake.

AND...Yes, there will definitely be pictures posted!!

Wish I could Claim This Was a result of My Good Parenting

Grace found this DVD today and was more than happy to tell me she "found Jesus!"

Grace now recognizes pictures of Jesus! I have to admit, I'm a little proud when she gets excited when she recognizes him and joyfully exclaims "itsJesus!" and yes she says it as one word. Her excitement in recognizing him is really quite an innocently sweet thing to see. And no, I can't claim her recognition as something I've taught her. We have a picture above our dinner table and above her dresser drawers in her room of the Savior. Deryk told her who it was in the picture and ever since she has recognized him in paintings at church, magazines, books, and T.V.

Perhaps this little one observes and takes in more than we will ever know or understand!