And so I Begin Again

I haven't blogged in a really long time because I've felt that I didn't have anything to blog about. I have recently realized that this is simply not the case. Now, I feel like I have so much to write about that I might blog-binge. Bring it on!

I will begin with what occupies most of my time (or it should): school. My classes are going really well and I am enjoying all but one. The 'one' is a class that is not as much fun as the others for multiple reasons like: it's right after lunch in a stuffy, hot room with a teacher who barely speaks above a whisper and we as students are constantly at a loss as to what she wants from us. There is also a big, scary test to take at the end of it (it's actually next Thursday!).

Anyway, my other classes are fun. I'm learning all about children's literature and how to teach reading in fun and effective ways. I've gotten so excited about books that I'm building my own library for my classroom and am constantly shopping for children's books at our local thrift stores (Have you seen how expensive brand new books are these days?). Thrift stores are my favorite. There are so many interesting and unique items out there. I'm sure that I will purchase some of my books from regular book stores but for now as I build up my library I'll be selective at my Goodwill and Idaho Youth Ranches. Now I need a new bookshelf!

What's been fun about all this reading and children's books and such is that Jason has also taken a little bit of an interest and likes seeing the different books I bring home. He reads some of them and we talk about them over dinner some times.

So next week I'll be taking the Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Assessment (ICLA) standards I, II, III. It's a bit daunting but I just keep thinking about my first day of my internship next semester and I get really excited. I can't wait to don my teachery-cardigan and step into that classroom.

Another class that I'm taking right now is U.S. History from the Bering Straight to the Civil War. I'm taking this class online and thought it would be easy but I quickly found that I was terribly mistaken. This class requires a lot of reading and writing! Not to mention, thinking! At times it's been quite the burden but in the last month I found that I kind of enjoyed the topic. In fact, I've become somewhat of a nerd for particular historical themes. Like, I wrote a paper about the Oregon Trail and now I'm so interested in learning more. My teacher suggested visiting the Oregon Trail Museum in Baker, Oregon where you can see the ruts from the original trail! I told Jason about it and he looked at me like I look at him when he talks about math. It was a look like 'you nerd!'. He laughed at me and said that some time on our way to visit Beth and Brian in Portland, he'll take me. Yay!

Well, that's an update on school over here! Also, we're still waiting on our nephew or niece to make their world debut and we CAN'T WAIT! We love you baby!!