Friday, July 18, 2008

Primary Activity

Well, I had another Primary activity that I was in charge of and this time we had bubble fun! It was great to talk to the children about their testimonies and the importance of breaking out of your bubble to make new friends and try new things. The kids wrote down their testimonies and we're sending them to a mission president and his wife from our ward to share with another Primary. We're also sending the pictures to the Friend. Who knew that bubbles could be so much fun. The sad thing was, the Sunday after the event the presidency was released and now I'm not in Primary any more. I love those kids! Here are few pictures.

Friday, June 6, 2008

For Those Who Don't Know.....

Two weeks before school let out for the summer, I was informed that they were not going to renew my teaching contract for next year. Of course I was heart broken. I've loved teaching at Madison and I was looking forward to next year. But it was not meant to be. I was worried because many of the known business teaching positions were already claimed for this area and I had to widen my search. I applied at Marsh Valley, my old high school when I was a student. I interviewed on Wednesday and yesterday, they offered me the job and I accepted.


This is very exciting and scary and sad all at the same time. While I am relieved to have a job in the fall, this decision means we have to move this summer. We've lived in Sugar City for 6 1/2 years now and I have loved it. This community is great and I love my ward. I have a lot of great friends that I'm going to miss dearly. Allen has to find a job now, which is kind of nerve racking. So much hinged on that one decision that left me without a job. I have to believe that everything happens for a reason and we for some reason are meant to live a little farther south.

We're looking for houses in Pocatello. It will be nice to be closer to family, and live in a bigger city, and a bigger house. We're also planning on a yard sale the end of July to get rid of anything we can before we pack up and move out. Not to mention that we have to sell this house. The best phrase to sum up this situation is CHANGE IS HARD!

All the way to Virgina

So, over Memorial Day weekend, I went to Virginia with Jeanne, my mother-in-law. We had a great time and definitely got our fill of history. We flew into Richmond on Thursday and drove to Williamsburg and ate dinner at this all you can eat seafood restaurant. It was great. Although a little challenging with my diet. I stuck to steamed shrimp and grilled or boiled seafood. I think I did pretty good. That night we crashed hard after a long day of traveling with a very early morning.


Everywhere we went it was kind of difficult to keep track of where we were because every road seemed to be lined with large trees. We were driving in a tunnel of sorts. Very different from the sage brush of Idaho. It was kind of hypnotic in a way. I can't imagine fighting any kind of a war in this type of environment.




On Friday we spent the day in Colonial Williamsburg. It was fun. We did a lot of walking and saw a lot of actors in period clothing which was really fun. We got to listen to Martha Washington speak (although I was so tired I fell asleep....kind of). I loved all the gardens and we got to see real magnolia blossoms on a magnolia tree. I loved it. I especially loved the bridges. Beautiful! That night we drove to Virgina Beach. (I know what you're thinking, it's Memorial Day weekend! Are you crazy!?!) Well, by the time we got to the beach, it was pretty empty. Only the people on the streets were in a bit of a festive mood. We walked along the beach and I choose to walk in the water. So peaceful and relaxing. I can definitely see the draw.



On Saturday, we started out at Jamestown, the actual site where archaeological dig is taking place. Very interesting. Then we drove to Jamestown, the tourist attraction. Very different and perfect for schools and children, but it didn't really hold our attention very long because we'd seen the actual site first. Finally we drove to Yorktown museum which was interesting and kind of similar to Jamestown tourist site. Then we went to the Yorktown battlefield where we were momentarily confused to find Civil War reenactors on the battlefield. Kind of cool really. We got to see George Washington's tent he actually used. By the end of that, we were overflowing with history and ready for a break....so Olive Garden it was. Perfect.






On Sunday, we traveled to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson and it was worth the trip. It was very beautiful. And I learned so much about him. He was in his early 30's when we wrote the Declaration of Independence. So young! His plantation is amazing. It sits on top of a mountain and is surrounded by trees so it's hidden from everyone. I recommend this stop to anyone! That evening we drove back to Richmond and found our hotel so we can start the long trip back home early the next morning. Needless to say we were exhausted the next day. All in all it was a great way to spend the Memorial weekend.