I decided to make graphs for my students today. It will all take a while since a good major of it involves previous scores from past shows. They seem to think they are not good enough so it is time to give them a visual representation of how well they have been doing even though Saturday was rough for them (they got seventh, almost eighth place out of ten groups). I am planning on taking pictures of the score sheets and posting their progress here in the near future (before April 4th). Maybe I can snag a copy of their final performance in April to show everyone what their show is!
Until then off to bed.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Why Them?
I have had such an interesting morning. I have cried several times just thinking about the events that I am about to describe. As many of you know, I co-direct colorguard at Springville High School and am a consultant/technic supervisor and American Leadership Academy (ALA). ALA has tried their hardest to pay me. I asked to share a bus with them back in January and they said I either get paid or my kids ride for free. If I had gone through the Nebo school district for buses, both Lindsay and I would not get paid. So, I decided it would be a good trade. I teach and my kids get to competitions (while still getting paid at Springville). So, every competition, my girls get ready, meet at Springville, load the bus and take off with me usually following them in my car behind them. At 1am this morning, I received a frantic text message from the director AND bus driver at ALA...she broke her ankle and can't drive the bus again until...NEXT WEEK. So, I am now thinking "okay, I will just head on over to the district office and request a bus" which is exactly what I did. Little did I know you need to give a weeks notice to get a FREE bus. If I wanted to get a bus for my kids today for the Saturday competition, we would have to fork over over $1,000 (this is to get someone last minute, pay for gas AND mileage, pay the driver, a service fee, a late fee, pay for bus maintenance, as well as a few other little fees). Well, that plan fell by the wayside. Plan B was to get parent to drive the 2 hours and 15 minutes to Garland, Utah, but none were too keen on that idea so that got shoot down very quickly. Now, I wait...wait for a phone call from the Maple Mountain High School and Payson High School director telling me whether or not we can share a bus. If nothing pans out, we have to pay a $150 fee, withdraw from the competition and cannot compete in State Championships in April. Now, I am still looking for a way to get my kids to the competition. All this made me ask the question...why them?
My kids have had a successfully rough year. I know that doesn't make sense so let me explain. When the winter season started in November, Lindsay and I had so many goals for our girls. We had asked them if they wanted a very easy, simple show which would give them the opportunity to stay safe and be about mediocre in the circuit or risk a lot and have a difficult show and possibly do well. They choose the later and had their show staged in under four hours. Since then they have had such success getting their show on the floor. However, that is not to say there haven't been bumps along the way. They are never given ample gym time, the district refuses to fund a team that has not come home with a championship medal, and every coach at Springville High School has made sure or road to success has not come easily. We even had one girl quit and have spent the last week furiously re-staging their show and giving them harder work. Everything that could go wrong with the program has and does. I cry all the time for them hoping that one of these days, they get the break they need. I am hoping to get them out of sixth place and into the fifth place slot this Saturday but we shall see how that works. I always ask why them, because they work so hard to get what they want and deserve...respect from their own school, a chance to prove themselves to the district, funding and a day where they don't need to fret about transportation.
I love those girls to death and would do anything for them. All nine of them are MINE AND LINDSAY'S kids. We stand up for them, show them how to be successful and in return that respect and love us and give us there all.
I love being a teacher...even if they have some disappointments in their journey.
My kids have had a successfully rough year. I know that doesn't make sense so let me explain. When the winter season started in November, Lindsay and I had so many goals for our girls. We had asked them if they wanted a very easy, simple show which would give them the opportunity to stay safe and be about mediocre in the circuit or risk a lot and have a difficult show and possibly do well. They choose the later and had their show staged in under four hours. Since then they have had such success getting their show on the floor. However, that is not to say there haven't been bumps along the way. They are never given ample gym time, the district refuses to fund a team that has not come home with a championship medal, and every coach at Springville High School has made sure or road to success has not come easily. We even had one girl quit and have spent the last week furiously re-staging their show and giving them harder work. Everything that could go wrong with the program has and does. I cry all the time for them hoping that one of these days, they get the break they need. I am hoping to get them out of sixth place and into the fifth place slot this Saturday but we shall see how that works. I always ask why them, because they work so hard to get what they want and deserve...respect from their own school, a chance to prove themselves to the district, funding and a day where they don't need to fret about transportation.
I love those girls to death and would do anything for them. All nine of them are MINE AND LINDSAY'S kids. We stand up for them, show them how to be successful and in return that respect and love us and give us there all.
I love being a teacher...even if they have some disappointments in their journey.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
"As For Me and My House..."
I decided to take a short break from writing out the first 36 elements on flash cards to write about something that has been on my mind since this morning. I went to institute were I am enrolled in History of the LDS Church. We were covering the year 1837 which was a year of trouble for the church. Our class learned that Joseph Smith had a lot of people angry at him. To make a long story short many people blamed their economic troubles on Joseph and not themselves. My institute teacher noted that the world today is in a similar situation. When President Boyd K. Packer came out with his recent talk, much of the Homosexual community and it's supporters along with some church members felt that he was wrong. Then my teacher asked the question of all questions..."Are you going to be the people in the temple who saw angels and manifest that the church is true but Joseph Smith has fallen and the people of the world who calm President Packer is wrong, or are you going to follow the Lord? Because the Lord never takes back what He intends to say. He uses the prophet and apostle to share His teachings and He never excuses what He says. I know all of you will face the time when you stand by the prophet because that is what the Lord says or to stand by your friends because they are offended. So, whom will you choose? Whom will you serve?" After class I approached my institute teacher and said "Brother B, I am facing this right now. Although I could never understand what it feels like to have al your friends abandon you like Joseph Smith did, I know the feeling of losing a friend because I choose to serve the Lord." He then looked at me and asked how? So, I will tell everyone how...
Back when Prop 8 was a huge deal, I had a bunch of my friends ask me to join them for a march on temple square. This march (or demonstration if you want to call it that) was to ask the church to not support such a decision. I asked all my friends to leave me out of it since it was for California voters and I need not to vote on it. When it did pass I had many friends become very enraged that I would not pick a side and could not understand how a religion group such as the Mormons could do such a thing. Luckily, I do my research before voting and found out that only 5% of the voters were, in fact, Mormon. A good majority were Catholic. I pointed this out to several friends and soon, thanks to my research, they calmed down and instead focused their efforts on other things. I thought I was in the clear and did not need to defend or explain myself to them. Then, a few years later, President Packer gave his talk and let me tell you, my phone was receiving text message after text message with friends asking how could I support such an intolerant, unsupportive and fallen church. I even had one friend send a text that went something like this...
Friend: I am going to tell you right now...I am angry that you are turning your back on people that care about you.
Me: I care about you so much and love you. We will not stop being friends.
Friend: Not if I have anything to say about this...
Me: ???
Friend: It's me or God and choose wisely because this may be the last conversation we have.
Me: I am amazed and appalled that you would make me choose. You are my friend and should know me well enough to know that if God asked me to leave everything behind and disappear for a while with nothing, I would. I choose God. I love you and I know you are angry but if you can't support me in that decision, we must not be friends then.
I never received an answer back from him. I have seen him around and make special efforts to smile and say hi. After this conversation, I had about 20 other friends delete me from their phones and facebook. The time was now. I had to choose whom I would serve. I cried the entire week knowing what was to come. In the months that followed, more and more dear and close friends of mine asked me to choose them or God and every single one of them left. I have not heard from most of them since that time. In total, I have had over 40 friends leave.
Now, I told this story to my institute teacher not to show that I am some great follower of the Lord, because I am honestly not that great. Everyday, I have doubts, everyday I cry thinking how difficult this task will be, but everyday I receive strength knowing things will work out in the end. My institute teacher then said, "My dear sweet friend. At 23, you should not have had to face such a decision, but I stand by you and your decision. You have my word. May God bless you for this sacrifice. Now, go to your next class. I am sure God is so proud of you!"
I don't know about the dealings of God and how everything will work but this decision is one I have made. I don't tell anyone this story to have a pity party or to show that I am a faithful follower. Instead, it is more of a reality. What I call the Great Division is starting. Christ is coming and everything is going to get much harder before it gets any easier, but "...as for me and my house, I will serve the Lord!"
Back when Prop 8 was a huge deal, I had a bunch of my friends ask me to join them for a march on temple square. This march (or demonstration if you want to call it that) was to ask the church to not support such a decision. I asked all my friends to leave me out of it since it was for California voters and I need not to vote on it. When it did pass I had many friends become very enraged that I would not pick a side and could not understand how a religion group such as the Mormons could do such a thing. Luckily, I do my research before voting and found out that only 5% of the voters were, in fact, Mormon. A good majority were Catholic. I pointed this out to several friends and soon, thanks to my research, they calmed down and instead focused their efforts on other things. I thought I was in the clear and did not need to defend or explain myself to them. Then, a few years later, President Packer gave his talk and let me tell you, my phone was receiving text message after text message with friends asking how could I support such an intolerant, unsupportive and fallen church. I even had one friend send a text that went something like this...
Friend: I am going to tell you right now...I am angry that you are turning your back on people that care about you.
Me: I care about you so much and love you. We will not stop being friends.
Friend: Not if I have anything to say about this...
Me: ???
Friend: It's me or God and choose wisely because this may be the last conversation we have.
Me: I am amazed and appalled that you would make me choose. You are my friend and should know me well enough to know that if God asked me to leave everything behind and disappear for a while with nothing, I would. I choose God. I love you and I know you are angry but if you can't support me in that decision, we must not be friends then.
I never received an answer back from him. I have seen him around and make special efforts to smile and say hi. After this conversation, I had about 20 other friends delete me from their phones and facebook. The time was now. I had to choose whom I would serve. I cried the entire week knowing what was to come. In the months that followed, more and more dear and close friends of mine asked me to choose them or God and every single one of them left. I have not heard from most of them since that time. In total, I have had over 40 friends leave.
Now, I told this story to my institute teacher not to show that I am some great follower of the Lord, because I am honestly not that great. Everyday, I have doubts, everyday I cry thinking how difficult this task will be, but everyday I receive strength knowing things will work out in the end. My institute teacher then said, "My dear sweet friend. At 23, you should not have had to face such a decision, but I stand by you and your decision. You have my word. May God bless you for this sacrifice. Now, go to your next class. I am sure God is so proud of you!"
I don't know about the dealings of God and how everything will work but this decision is one I have made. I don't tell anyone this story to have a pity party or to show that I am a faithful follower. Instead, it is more of a reality. What I call the Great Division is starting. Christ is coming and everything is going to get much harder before it gets any easier, but "...as for me and my house, I will serve the Lord!"
Thursday, February 3, 2011
God's Precious Gifts!
I was reading facebook the other day and noticed a status my sister wrote. Long story short, my niece (due June 7th) has clubbed feet. That is when I realized something. One precious little soul from God was loved the moment my sister found out she was pregnant. Then when the rest of the family found out she had more love and support. She will have her great-grandparents to constantly coo over her, both sides of grandparents (first granddaughter for both sides, second grandchild for Kory's side) numerous aunts and uncles (not to mention great aunts and uncles since I know Aunt Pam and Aunt Marie will probably fight over her! Good thing Aunt Lindsay lives in California so all Cali visits get to be with just Aunt Lindsay) as well as many cousins and friends. This little gift from God will have a trial the moment she is born and yes it could effect her walking. But I haven't met her yet and love my little niece regardless of what will happen to her. It makes me think of God and all His children. I am not even the child's mother and I feel so much love for this baby girl. Yet God has billions (maybe even trillions) of children He loves so deeply no matter what trials they face. No one knows the severity of her condition yet every one of us can't wait to meet her and will be overwhelmed as we all make room for this little one in our hearts. Maybe a few dance lessons from Aunt Kristen will make her a prima ballerina!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Another missing Heather moment...
I read a friends blog today about how she had a terrible 2009 because of the death of a family member. Then she described this family member as her hero. Heather is my hero. I cried when reading this friend's blog because it reminded me of October 2009 when I had received the news about Heather's final heroic act...the day she sacrificed herself to save everyone else's life...and it worked. It was a bittersweet night. I was about to go to bed when a good friend of mine called and told me I was not allowed to be alone when I heard the news he was about to give me. I told him I was a lone and my roommates were out. He proceeded to tell me of Heather's passing. I had never made it to Salt Lake City so fast in my entire life. I rarely speed but I am pretty sure I was going over 90 to get to Salt Lake City. Aside from Cory and Chase, I needed to also check on her roommate, Melodie, who, aside from her family knew Heather best. Everything after that was such a whirlwind.
I do believe that I will see Heather again. In fact, I know for sure I will. But I have a problem with having to be left behind. For Heather it will be no time before we are re-unite. For me, it will be a while. I was at Judge's Evaluation show on Saturday and everytime I saw someone perform, especially my kidlets, I wanted to cry. It would be my first year getting back into full-time teaching without her constant advice and guidance. Yet, I felt proud knowing what I had accomplished and knowing I made these accomplishments with others who knew Heather! I am very good at holding back the tears and pains in front of my students, but once I left American Fork, I lost it. I wanted to have the opportunity to call Heather and ask "so what did you think?" or "did you like it?" or even "what can I do better?" I woke up this morning to teach at Springville and knew I would teach dance basics. Even though I know I can do it, I have doubts. The whole time I kept asking "can I do this without her here?'" I texted Susan who was Heather's other best friend telling her about my thoughts to which she said, "of course you can. She taught you how now she is waiting for you to try...and she is rooting for you 100% of the way!"
I made the decision yesterday to wear a bit of red to ever competition in honor of Heather which is all great too for my Springville kids whose school colors are blue and red!
To my dear Heather, thank you for saying I was your hero when you have always and forever will be mine. Thank you for giving me the strength to make it through my doubtful moments and giving me the courage to go after my dreams. I love you and miss you deeply everyday, but especially when I want...no...need to get your imput and I can't.
Just another missing Heather moment. I'll be alright. I promise.
Now for some Heather quotes to cheer people up!:
"Always do gooder than your wellest time!"
"Did you ever know, you are my hero?"
"I better see 'Hi Mom' written at the bottom of your shoe!"
"Because I knew you I have been change for good." (This one is from her favorite song in the musical Wicked).
"Come here my ADD children!"
"I'd tell you I love you with all my heart but my butt is better so I love you with all my butt!" (hahaha...whenever I think of this one I always laugh!)
"I don't like to be mean but shut up...awe now you made me say the 's' word."
"I am so S-M-R-T, smart!"
...and my favorite quote not by Heather but from the Bible and shown with her picture the first marching band competition after her death at BYU...
"greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends."
Love and miss you Heather!
1976-2009
I do believe that I will see Heather again. In fact, I know for sure I will. But I have a problem with having to be left behind. For Heather it will be no time before we are re-unite. For me, it will be a while. I was at Judge's Evaluation show on Saturday and everytime I saw someone perform, especially my kidlets, I wanted to cry. It would be my first year getting back into full-time teaching without her constant advice and guidance. Yet, I felt proud knowing what I had accomplished and knowing I made these accomplishments with others who knew Heather! I am very good at holding back the tears and pains in front of my students, but once I left American Fork, I lost it. I wanted to have the opportunity to call Heather and ask "so what did you think?" or "did you like it?" or even "what can I do better?" I woke up this morning to teach at Springville and knew I would teach dance basics. Even though I know I can do it, I have doubts. The whole time I kept asking "can I do this without her here?'" I texted Susan who was Heather's other best friend telling her about my thoughts to which she said, "of course you can. She taught you how now she is waiting for you to try...and she is rooting for you 100% of the way!"
I made the decision yesterday to wear a bit of red to ever competition in honor of Heather which is all great too for my Springville kids whose school colors are blue and red!
To my dear Heather, thank you for saying I was your hero when you have always and forever will be mine. Thank you for giving me the strength to make it through my doubtful moments and giving me the courage to go after my dreams. I love you and miss you deeply everyday, but especially when I want...no...need to get your imput and I can't.
Just another missing Heather moment. I'll be alright. I promise.
Now for some Heather quotes to cheer people up!:
"Always do gooder than your wellest time!"
"Did you ever know, you are my hero?"
"I better see 'Hi Mom' written at the bottom of your shoe!"
"Because I knew you I have been change for good." (This one is from her favorite song in the musical Wicked).
"Come here my ADD children!"
"I'd tell you I love you with all my heart but my butt is better so I love you with all my butt!" (hahaha...whenever I think of this one I always laugh!)
"I don't like to be mean but shut up...awe now you made me say the 's' word."
"I am so S-M-R-T, smart!"
...and my favorite quote not by Heather but from the Bible and shown with her picture the first marching band competition after her death at BYU...
"greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends."
Love and miss you Heather!
1976-2009
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Evaluation
Yesterday was a very big and busy day for my career and for my students. As many of you know, I teach dance and colorguard at Springville High School and American Leadership Academy in Spanish Fork. Every January, the Utah Winterguard Circuit host a Judge's Evaluation show. It allows all the groups in the circuit to perform in front of the judge's and receive feedback for their program and their show. It is also a chance for us instructors to see how we can improve our teaching styles and what needs to be focused on for the year. Both groups did great, but I am most proud of Springville. When they finished performing, the judge's were in a debate as to where to put them (which division they should be placed in. Two judges debated Scholastic Regional A and two debated Scholastic Regional AA. One of the judges that debated Scholastic Regional AA was for the sole purpose that we did not have flags done or the appropriate costumes (they are not finished yet). He then proceeded to explain that when he say the costumes and flags that he could have a better understanding of what we were trying to achieve. I told him about the ideas and he was overall impressed and noted that that will help us move up. Eventually, everyone decided to put Springville in the lowest class for the time being but are predicting great things at the next performance in two weeks (February 5th). I am excited to see how everything turns out.
I found out some information the other day that changes everything and not necessarily in a bad way. I just have to readjust my timeline for my life goals. I can't say anything yet but everything will be revealed in time!
Until next time...ciao!
Kristen
I found out some information the other day that changes everything and not necessarily in a bad way. I just have to readjust my timeline for my life goals. I can't say anything yet but everything will be revealed in time!
Until next time...ciao!
Kristen
Friday, January 14, 2011
Story of My Life
Britt and I went to the dollar theatre to watch a movie and I say this quote in on of the pre-show advertisements...
"I'm not a perfectionist. I am a rightist. I work on a project until it is right then I move on."
Britt then looked at me and said "Yeah. I'll believe that when I see it."
Story of my life. So, I am not a perfectionist...I am a rightist
"I'm not a perfectionist. I am a rightist. I work on a project until it is right then I move on."
Britt then looked at me and said "Yeah. I'll believe that when I see it."
Story of my life. So, I am not a perfectionist...I am a rightist
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