Future Elementary Teacher

This is Whitney--about 13 years ago--in 2nd grade. We are so proud of her accomplishments at Dixie State College. She is in her first year of the education program and spends each Wednesday in a 2nd grade classroom as part of her practicum experience. I love hearing her stories from the fresh perspective of a new teacher. It's enlightening and reminds me of why I chose this profession for myself. She phoned with good news today. She's been asked to be a note taker for a student in the program who has cerebral palsy. Basically, she'll get paid by the school for taking notes in class which will benefit her classmate as well as herself. What a blessing and opportunity! I've seen her notes; they are beautifully organized, descriptive, and useful. Whitney is such a joy! She is responsible, wise with her money, disciplined with her studies, spiritually balanced, and happy. I am so thankful to have her for a daughter. It seems like yesterday she was in 2nd grade losing her first tooth, and yet she's a mature adult now. We love the weekends when she is home; we all feel complete when we're together as a family!

A Glimpse of Halloween Past

Halloween is here again. Evan and Taylor are usually more excited to get the Fall decorations out and carve pumpkins than the rest of us. (Abby and I get more excited about warm weather months that involve sun and water.) Evan, Taylor and Abby are out deer hunting as I sit here alone tonight blogging, but I'm okay with that! As I reminisce through family scrapbooks, I kind of miss the days when the girls were little and we'd take them out around the neighborhood trick-or-treating. This year, I haven't purchased any candy yet and would rather not work the annual Halloween carnival at the school. I'm tempted to turn all the lights out and not be home, but I don't think I could get away with that where I live.

Meet the New Ward Activities Director

I'm so excited and relieved to finally know what my next church calling is.  Bishop said we needed a "party girl" in this calling.  (He meant that in a good way!)  This is right up there on my top five favorite callings!  The biggest activity of the year, which brings out many members and nonmembers alike, is the annual Christmas dinner.  My wheels are already turning with ideas, decorations, food, and entertainment!  What fun this will be!  I just need to select some "party animals" from our ward to complete a committee and make it awesome!  Sure wish my talented mother-in-law, sisters, and sister-in-laws were in the ward...then it would be a snap!  My motto will be:  Friendly, festive, and fun for all families!

Shakespeare, Schultz, and Student Council

Our little freshman, Taylor, has been very busy lately. We encouraged her to get involved, so she jumped into dance and drama with both feet. She learned leadership skills through student council responsibilities during homecoming week. The annual Renaissance Feast is the Drama Club's entertaining fundraiser. She dressed as a wench and enjoyed serving the guests inspite of flying grapes everywhere!

Not wanting to try out for the play, she was asked to assist and given the title of "Prop Mistress".  She was in charge of keeping track of the props, helping with scenery, and the set up and take down between the scenes.  The play was, "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown".  Cousin Aryn was the co-director and did a great job.  It was a funny play and Taylor enjoyed her experience. 

The Drama Club heads for Las Vegas next week to see Phantom of the Opera.  She is learning to manage her time to keep up with her homework and extra-curricular activities, but she is glad to be focused on dance now.  Aunt Mindy has formed a dance team called Team Elite.  She will have her first performance at the next home football game.  There have been more trips to Panaca this year, but we enjoy seeing her involvement in these areas.