An Adventure & Amanda

It has recently occurred to me that in my short life I have been a daughter, a granddaughter, a niece, a sister, a wife, and an aunt. While living with roommates, I was always a little jealous of the fact that my roommate Kylie was an aunt.  I wanted to be an aunt and not just any aunt, I wanted to be a cool aunt like Kylie!  I was excited that I got to become an aunt by default after I married Kyle.  Then a few weeks ago my sister had her baby. I am now blessed to have the absolute cutest niece and nephew. I love these two little babies and I am already planning our sleepovers together. <33 Amanda

Katharine approaches me during morning reading time: "Is tomorrow really your last day?"  I sigh and then nod yes- "but don't remind me I'm starting to get really sad."  Throughout the rest of the day I receive approximately 10 notes from various students that all say, "I will miss you so so so much."  Jeremiah even draws a giant heart on the board dedicated to me. Later, after being begged to eat lunch with them, I squeeze between their little bodies at the table and listen to them chatter.  "Mrs. Lontine this" and "Mrs. Lontine that,"  listening to them all tell me their stories at one time is quite the task.  Their bright minds never cease to amaze me though.  I never regret eating with the children and although practicum has been filled with some terribly hard days, I would not trade them for the world. I love all 18 of those students ((even on days when they make me rethink my desire to teach)).  They know how to just l...

For some reason my self-confidence has been less-than-perfect lately.  I sometimes feel like I am not a good wife or that I do not have many talents.  So how can I feel bad for "bragging" especially when I feel like I finally succeed at something ? Real-talk though: I AM GOOD AT TEACHING.  Not even just good- I am AMAZING.  My life calling is to be a teacher.  I get kids.  Don't get me wrong though, teaching is HARD .  I have never been so exhausted (hence the reason I have been MIA) but teaching is also one of the most rewarding careers. For example// getting hug-tackled when leaving for the day, receiving approximately 10,000 love notes in one week, making a fool of myself while singing but seeing the students' faces light up, getting beat at a basketball game by three second grade boys, and a student asking if he could come hang out with me this weekend.   I am so blessed to be a teacher.  It has been a humbling experience.  I wo...

What's this recent obsession with zombies? I don't know. But. I. love. it. For us it started with the Walking Dead- a realistic TV show about a Zombie Apocalypse. Nerdy, I know. We used to watch in forts with the wolf-pack but in recent years our Sunday evening viewing parties have mutated to involve the Hockey team ((plus or minus a few gems)).  This summer Kyle finally got caught up and also became OBSESSED . Anyways, zombie killing season is back in full swing. Here is how we've been preparing for the potential outbreak: Practicing shooting Living up the good times with family/friends Every so often we get really into Walking Dead Sundays by making zombie fingers out of hot dogs, stringing caution tape across the entire living room, making signs and putting on fake blood: This week the MVP goes out to Kyle for being such a good sport: R.I.P. Kyle In the meantime I hope you all are staying safe from the zombie infestati...

Whether by a since desire to know or out of common courtesy, I am always asked: "So what's new with you!?"  I never know what to say because, honestly, I do not think my life is extremely exciting.  But for those of you who sincerely want to know "what's new with me," this is my best attempt at an imaginative re-telling of my recent happenings. 1. Education Enthusiast     This semester to prepare me for Student Teaching/Internship (which I begin next Fall), I have to complete a practicum in grades K-2.  This means that I go into the classroom everyday for a month and teach a little  bit.  Before this happens, however, there has been lots of preparation in my courses!      I now have perfect teacher handwriting, and can keep a decent Running Record (the ultimate multi-tasking challenge).  In addition, I have had the opportunity to observe at an Elementary School.  Every time I go into a school I am reminded of my passion ...

10. There is something there for everyone.  I think it is a blessing that though they are talking to millions of people, their talks can be exactly what I needed to hear. 9. You will find answers to questions.  I usually listen to conference with a question or with some type of guidance I am seeking.  By listening carefully to talks I have always, always, always  found the answers. 8. If you are feeling like your life is in a rut, conference will give you a sense of renewal to live life better (and happier too). 7. Our world is ever changing which means that we need specific direction for the problems we encounter today. 6. I find that because of number 7, we can confront today's challenges with God's help which essentially means that we can find peace. 5. With the help of the prophets and apostles, we can uphold moral standards and avoid degradation of values. 4. Conference encourages unity in our society.  This means that we all carry the same beliefs. ...

I think that I am at war with myself in the sense that my body is rejecting me.   As explained via twitter: The past few months I have: had surgery on my thyroid thrown up so much I thought I was dying gotten shingles had a bladder infection experienced a severe sore throat (cause still under investigation) and am currently battling a cold. Visits to doctor's offices and a variety of medication is growing monotonous.  While I am thankful that my conditions are not worse, part of me is tired of constantly feeling less than well.   Some inspiration to help get anyone else struggling by: Also, due to the nature of my school assignments, I have recently grown very fond of some particular poetry pieces.  If you are looking for some light, but delightful reading see below. He Wishes for the Cloths of Heaven Had I the heaven's embroidered cloths, Enwrought with golden and silver light, The blue and the dim and the dark cloths O...

When I moved to Colorado I was nine years old.  I was nervous to be in a different school and a new neighborhood.  I felt like I didn't know anyone- because, well I didn't!  One of the ladies in our ward, told me about this girl named Sydney Camilletti who was my age and who I should get to know. Well, a few days later at the park I meet this said Sydney.  I distinctly remember she was playing on the monkey bars with her cousins when we were introduced.  Sydney was so kind and invited me to play.  I got her phone number and we arranged a play date for the next day!   I think it's safe to say that Sydney and I became instant best friends.  We found out that we were born exactly a week apart, had an obsession with Harry Potter, loved to be outside, and shared other girly dreams. Literally, Sydney was my first friend I made in Colorado and 12 years later she is still my best friend! Okay. Can we just talk about how much I absolutely ...