Blog #1

1. What is your favorite book for kids… something you would like to use in your future classroom? Why do you like it?

This is a hard question to answer because I love so many children's literature books. I especially love Harry Potter because they are so cleverly written and keep you hanging on to the last minute. I also especially loved reading a non-ficture book by Jennifer Armstrong about the Shakleton adventure to the anartic in the early 1900's. It was so well written and an amazing true adventure. I would recommend it to everyone even though it was written for older children. I am so excited to inspire my students to be lovers of reading.

2. Name your three favorite T.V. shows, even if you don’t have time to watch them! What can you (or what are you willing to) tell me about your T.V. viewing habits? I’ll tell you mine if you’ll tell me yours!

Well unfortunately I usually do not have time to watch anymore, but I used to really love American Idol. My kids and I had a great time watching the contenders everyweek and cheering on our favorites to the end. I admire most of them who have so much courage to perform. I also used to really like CSI although it really isn't very uplifting. I just get caught in the web of mystery and figuring out who did it. I guess other shows that I like to watch are the more documentary type ones especially about the earth or animals. I am facinated by our amazing planet!

3. Do you collect anything? Tell about your collections:

This is a hard one because I really don't collect any normal types things. I do really like to cook and so I have many Pampered Chef things that are fun to use in the kitchen. I guess I got the right last name for that. I also enjoy many good books, especially children's literature because I can't resist ordering them all the time. Unfortunately I also seem to collect dust, especially now that school has started again. I guess I need to hire a maid this year.

4. Do you keep any kind of a journal (or blog?) besides this one? Tell me about it, and what you like to write about:

Every week I post my sons emails from his mission. He is serving in New Zealand and I try to keep extended family and friends posted with his mission news. I have had alot of fun doing his blogspot. I guess it helps me feel closer to him since he is so far away.

5. If you had to be the sponsor of an after-school group, select your 1st, 2nd & 3rd choices:
__ contemporary moral issues __peer relationships
__national security __world peace
__career opportunities & choices __art or music appreciation
__gender issues __ethnicity issues
__death & dying __sports
__book club __writers group
__ecology __tutoring

My first choice would have to be a book club since I love to read and inspire to help young people develop a love for it too. My second choice would be ethniticy issues since I feel passionate about helping all students with their cultural identity and acceptance of others different than them. My third choice would be ecology because I love our planet and animals and would love to help others have respect for our Earth and its inhabitants.

6. Have you ever taken art lessons or attended art classes outside of school? Tell about your artistic talent and/or interests:

Actually I took many years of art both in high school and college. My parents home is filled with my sketches and paintings. I even have a few here. I believe in the saying that if you don't practice a talent you will lose it because I have not drawn or painted in years and I don't think I could anymore. I do still have a interest and respect for art in all its varieties and admire those who exercise their artistic talents.

7. Have you ever taken music lessons or belonged to musical groups outside of school? Tell about your musical talent and/or interests:

I took piano lessons for a few years when I was younger and also played the violin through Jr High. I actually finally achieved first chair in the 7th grade which was a big accomplishment for me. I have also been a part of many choral groups and have enjoyed singing all of my life. One of my biggest regrets is that I have not challenged any of my children to pursue musical abilities other than a year or so of piano and guitar lessons. Music is a wonderful aspiration to participate in.

8. Have you ever taken dance lessons or belonged to dance groups? Tell about your dance talent and/or interests:

I was priviledged to be able to be a part of the high school cheer/dance team and we spent many hours practicing and performing dances at school athletic events. I also took some dance classes at BYU and UVCC right after graduating from high school. Other than that I have not really been involved with a dance program other than some dance classes for my daughters several years ago.

9. Have you ever taken drama classes or performed in a theater production? Tell about your theater talents and/or interests:

During high school I was involved with a few productions but no big parts. In college I took a few classes in theater and drama. I feel like it is a very beneficial activity but have not had a lot of involvement in theater. I am interested in learning more about it and using dramatic elements in my classroom.

10. What have I not asked you, that you would like me to know about you?

Well that it kind of a tough question to answer but I will give it a try. I love horses and bought my own horse when I was 16. I earned the money selling baked goods downtown. I grew up having gone to 4 different grade schools and 3 different secondary schools, so we moved around a bit. I love being a mom and being a homemaker but I am also excited to be a school teacher. I used to teach my younger siblings school all the time when I was young and my parents told me I really taught my younger sister to read when I was in first grade and she in kindergarten. I came home everyday and re-taught her what I had learned that day in school. To this day she is an avid reader, even more than I am. I love to travel and would really like to see the world, but unfortunately I am kinda scared to fly so this dream is a little difficult. I have wanted to go to New Zealand for a very long time but my fear of flying has kept me home. Now that my son is serving a mission there, I am going to overcome it and go back with him when he comes home.