An Adventure & Amanda

Rewind to about one-year ago: I was extremely stressed and confused about making a decision of where to complete my internship.  I had several great options before me and I made an extensive pros and cons list for the different districts.  My mind kept coming back to one district: Wasatch.  "But, but, it's FAR...and I don't know the schools as well and I don't know many of the other interns and, and..."  Needless to say, Wasatch was not my first choice originally. I spent a good portion of my time praying and studying the issue out in my mind and with my husband.  Although he also thought that Heber was far, every time I would discuss the weighty matter with him he would say: "it sounds like you already know where you need to be." So, Wasatch it was. Now, fast-forward to present day: Looking back recently on some of my intern experiences, I have felt an overwhelming sense of love.  Though teaching is the hardest thing I have ever had to do, I k...

I've started writing this post several times over but I just cannot seem to get the words out right.  I keep getting the feeling that this is something I need  to share.  With that said and although I am lacking eloquence, here goes nothing: I am competitive.  I did not realize this until last year when one of my absolute favorite professors spoke to our class about pride in the workplace.  He presented my new favorite quote: After hearing this quote I began to examine my relationships more closely, I realized that I would subconsciously put others down in an attempt to make myself seem "better."  As a result, this has had quite the adverse effects on my confidence.   For example, I have been trying to jump the wake for years on the wakeboard.  This past summer my younger  brother successfully jumped the wake and surpassed me in wakeboarding skills.  At first I was upset that I was no longer the top wakeboarder in the ...

I love teaching. I love my students.  I love eating lunch with them.  I love sitting with them on the bus.  I love playing with them at recess.  I love getting letters from them.  I love our conversations.  I love their toothless smiles.  I love their innocence.  I love their desire to do good. I love the way teaching makes me feel.  Yes, I come home exhausted and frustrated more than I should, but I love that I can spend my entire morning in tears and then walk into the school and feel like I am home.  I love the fact that I can be goofy and my students still love me for who I am.  I love the confidence I gain from teaching. I love that I can do hard things. <33 Amanda

Wait. What. Is it really November? October was such a blur, I feel like I skipped the month entirely. However, October was actually a really big month for Kyle and I... First of all, teaching is getting better.  I am only crying every few weeks and I am actually enjoying myself more than I thought I would!  I cannot express my gratitude for the people I work with and the students I teach. Second of all, I had my first ever fall break!  In order to make the most of it, I shamelessly avoided any and all work and escaped to Moab with the family.  You never know what is going to happen when all nine and a half of us get together.  Besides everyone contracting the flu, we explored various arches and rode bikes and ate too much yummy food. Family is good for the soul. Third of all, we have some exciting news... we... HAVE A LIFE AFTER COLLEGE! Details, details: Kyle has been big kid job hunting. First we thought we'd be in Amarillo, TX. ...

This post actually began a lot differently...with a lot more pessimism.  I will spare you the pain of listening to my pity party.  Instead, I have decided to count my blessings (all 17 of them).  You're welcome.  Five Week's Worth of Under-appreciated Blessings: 1. One school morning was particularly rough.  I cried up until two minutes before the bell rang.  I plastered a fake smile on my face and warmly welcomed my students to class.  As I was checking their morning work one student said: "Mrs. Lontine, I'm going to buy a Broncos shirt."  Me: "Like the Denver Broncos?" Student: "Yes, like the Denver Broncos football team!"  I don't know if my students are learning much, but at least they know which football team to cheer for. 2. Small success such as getting a student to come to school or teaching a math lesson where every one is actually paying attention.   3. Participating in the school walk-a-thon and having five s...

Soooooooo... I start teaching in four weeks.  The thought of twenty-one little children staring up at me and calling me teacher causes me to hyperventilate.  {WHAT IF...} <---- the question that Kyle has had to combat one too many times lately. Fact: I am not ready. In order to manage my stress, I have been praying for peace of mind.  Like really, really praying.  The answer to my prayer came in the form of the nicest elderly lady I have ever met and a series of events that played perfectly into what I needed. Allow me to elaborate: 1. In church I sat down in an empty row and then immediately felt like I needed to sit in the seat behind me. 2. I was friendly.  Sometimes I get uncomfortable and quiet (miracle, I know mom) when I am in new places.  Instead I turned to the woman next to me and said: "Hi, how are you doing today?" 3. She was so  kind.  It was like she had just been waiting for someone to ask her that question and then she...

Alright confession time:    I like Wisconsin. Okay, I'm so glad I finally got that off my chest.  I know the past few blog posts have consisted of sarcastic hints about how crazy life is in Wisconsin but today I realized I only have about 15 days left here and I honestly got a little teary-eyed. Aye well what changed? First: The people here are SO nice.  They would do anything for anyone.  I am constantly amazed at the generosity and love from the people in this area. Second: Summertime in Wisconsin is a dream.  It is 100% gorgeous.  At least once everyday I literally scream: "THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL."  And that's because it is. See for yourself: Third:  Being out here I've realized that I often take Utah for granted.  That said, I think it has been really good for Kyle and I to live away from everyone and everything for a while [[don't worry we still love you]].  By this I mean that we have been ...