A great weekend!

Last Wednesday, Joe and I took off for Western Washington to go and spend some time with my family and for my cousin Katherine's wedding. We stopped at McNairy Dam on the way across the Columbia River. Joe's grandpa was an engineer when the damn was built during the days of President Eisenhower. We went to the fish viewing room and saw fish trying to swim upstream to get over the dam. The dam is an incredible source of energy and attempts to save the salmon migration system.

Joe and I stayed at Tiff and Kory's. Mom had a house full of cousins, aunts/uncles, and grandparents. I was happy we stayed there because I got to babysit and spend some great quality time with Avery and Jackson.

Saturday morning, as stated in my previous post, was the dreaded Praxis Exam. It was LONG and STRENUOUS! My brain felt physically fried when it was over. I took the PE first and Health second. I feel better about the PE test, as I was awake and had just eaten. But with Health, there were some harder questions than I expected and lets just say, I am praying for a passing score on each.

I rushed back to Tiff's after the test and for ready for the wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception. I absolutely loved seeing and spending time with my "out of town" family.

Sunday was spent at mom and dad's for a BBQ. Avery was the "bell of the ball" playing in her pool and tackling everyone when she was wet!

Now I am back in Idaho, feeling somewhat depressed about leaving my family. I hate leaving them. But this is where God wants me to be right now so I am just putting my faith in Him, and pursuing His plan for me.

Joe and I on top of McNairy Damn

This is what Avery and I look like in the mornings "rag-a-muffins"

Taking a walk to the park

Drooly Guss

Avery still enjoys her jump-a-roo

I love my sisters

My Joe and I overlooking Seattle

Kellett/Newgard girls with Papa Jim

Candle Light

Cutest little girl reading at her table

Prayers NEEDED!

Tomorrow I am taking my Praxis exam (its a content knowledge test in PE and Health). Each test is two hours long, and I pretty much have to pass them regardless to be a teacher. So... please pray for me! God has been SO good on getting me this far... I just need one more extra boost of wisdom and knowledge.

I have been studying, but still am really nervous. Joe has been great in helping me out with studying, wish he could be there to hold my hand tomorrow.

I'll let you know how it goes!

Happy 30th Birthday!

Last Saturday, July 11, we celebrated Joe's 30Th Birthday! I had class so I sent him golfing with his dad, brother, brother-in-law, and some friends. After class, Chelsea and I went to his best friend Dillbeck's house, and decorated the place up! I gave Joe a bag of thirty gifts that he got to open during the day. We also went as far as making a 30 cake (so hard). Nonetheless, Joe had a great birthday weekend wearing his thirty and thrilling sash (or as he kept calling it: his "satchel"), a button that said "30 and over the hill". We will use this button again when he turns 40! And he carried around his cup that said "Cheers to thirty years". We had quite a few people come over and BBQ, play volleyball, and hangout throughout the night.

Me and the birthday boy


The 30 cake with candles that said "Lost Count"



Jessie and I


Joe and Dillbeck

We miss you Uncle Kris

One year ago today, we received the tragic news that our beloved Uncle Kris had been killed in a hit and run accident. Although we don't understand why this happened, or why justice was not properly served on "her", will know Kris is in a much better place.

I always loved seeing Uncle Kris during holidays. He was such a smart ass! He would constantly make us laugh! He was so intelligent also... designing robots and other technological objects I can't understand =) I made the mistake, or maybe attempt, to try and have a conversation with him about religion and robots, I am so ignorant lol!

Uncle Kris, you and Alyssa are our angles in Heaven and we miss and love you! Keep smiling that crooked smile from above that we all love.

Bliss...

Student teaching is over. I have my practicum done (besides a couple last hours on Tuesday and Monday). Classes are only once a week now (besides some upcoming Saturdays). Summer is finally here for me!! A much deserved break in my opinion =)

Student teaching ended up going by fast! Although there were some late nights with early mornings, I loved every minute of teaching. My students ended up being great! Like always in teaching, there were some frustrating moments, but they all learned and succeeded which makes my experience successful. My favorite project I did with them was making a skin follicle out of candy! This was a day I was getting observed and the lesson ended up fantastic. Not one student walked out not being able to label the hypodermis, dermis, and epidermis.

On Thursday, the SECOND I was done with student teaching, I jumped in the car and drove home. Joe wasn't able to come with me =( The drive seemed short with the 4th Twilight book on CD and stay awake seeds!

So far being home is simply bliss. Seeing my family, my sisters, Avery and Jackson, my grandparents, and Lilly, make me constantly smile. Being around a family is such a powerful feeling of love.

We are heading up to Jim and Sharon's today for some pool time to celebrate the 4th of July!

ps-- maybe with all this new found time on my hands, I'll blog more, that is if I have anymore followers lol =)