Book Review: DAISY

Remember when I wrote this review about the book OLIVIA by Julie Wright? Well, the second book in the Newport Ladies Book Club series is finally out and I devoured it. Almost literally, but then I ate a snack while reading instead. Ha.

Need a reminder of how the series works? Just click here.

DAISY is an incredible story of a forty-six year old woman who cannot wait to "check 'motherhood' off her list of things to do". However, life never goes the way we expect it to and this is something Daisy remembers very soon as her plan for herself and her future changes. She is forced to reevaluate her past and humble herself to accept the help of women she hardly knows, but comes to love and depend on. Daisy's involvement in a local bookclub helps her form friendships and gather the courage to keep going on even when the rest of her life changes drastically and those she thought she could depend on leave her.

Well-written and bursting with emotion, the author takes the reader on Daisy's journey to find a way to cope with the changes happening in her life. This book contained a story the likes of which I did not imagine, but one that I found myself unable to put down as I became involved in Daisy's struggles and triumphs. It was a fantastic read that reminded me that life is full of beautiful things.

I especially loved reading this book after having read OLIVIA - seeing the insights into other characters and getting more of the story was incredible. I absolutely cannot wait to read the other two books in the series (PAIGE and ATHENA) and find out how they fit into the mesh. It is more fun than I imagined.

Happy reading!

You can purchase DAISY by clicking on any of the following links:

Amazon Kindle Edition

Amazon Paperback

Goodreads

Deseret Book

Seagull Book

Barnes and Noble

Remember, the books do not need to be read in any order, so if you get this one but haven't read OLIVIA yet, that's just fine! Just start reading!!

My Mother-in-law

My mother-in-law passed away last year after a long battle with cancer. I wish I could have spent more time with her, but she is never far from my thoughts and I look forward to getting to know her later. Thank goodness life never ends because it is going to be marvelous.

Yesterday was my mother-in-law's earth birthday. My sisters-in-law wrote beautiful thoughts here, here, and here. To these awesome women, thank you for helping me get to know your awesome mom a little more. Also. We are hoping to come visit you soon because we miss all of you.

I am grateful for love, light, knowledge, and strength. I am grateful that because of Jesus Christ we may all live again. I am grateful for my family and that they will be with me forever; that those I didn't get to know as well as I would have liked - or those that I haven't seen in a long while - will be waiting for me with open arms so that I can visit with them again. I don't just hope it will happen, I know it will. And I'm grateful for that, too.

For the next 5 weeks...

I will be teaching Kindergarten.

I will be learning patience in a classroom of 14 boys and 7 girls. Yikes.

I will be reading with one boy who reads better than my high-group of first grade readers from March.

I will be teaching two boys to count to 30 and not skip numbers.

I will be getting to know the school that will be my home in the fall.

I will be writing lesson plans like a mad-lady.
I will be making more aprons (hopefully - 8 finished!)

I will be balancing work, school, and lovin' husband at home.

I will be falling in love with 21 five-year olds.

It will be a good time.

Today (Tuesday Apr 24)

Bryce Canyon 2008

I begin my student teaching experience. I will be at the elementary school I'm teaching at in the fall, except I'm going to be in a morning Kindergarten classroom. I'm really nervous and really excited. I will be here for the next six weeks until school gets out on May 25th. Here we go!

husband loves mini-golfing

Can you tell?? Happy Monday!

Belated Birthday Presents

I finally got to use the money that I got for my birthday. I'm so so excited. A girl named Kaycie writes a blog called Redhead Memories. It is super cute and recently she decided to do a closet sale. I've been eyeing a couple of websites lately looking for the perfect dress/skirt to buy with the remainder of the money I've been holding on to since February. Well, I decided that I would check out the sale and left with the determination to convince husband that I deserved a few extra dollars to buy the two items I want. I'll show you them when they come, because he said yes! Hooray!

And thanks to Kaycie!!

And happy weekend to all of you! Next week begins Student Teaching for me. AHHH! But I'm excited.

Cold Stone Party

For our first celebration of my completion of college and Daniel's completion of the school year, we went to Cold Stone and got some delicious ice cream. The best part? We DIDN'T HAVE TO PAY.

At this point I would like to give a shout out to my bro-in-law Matthew far away in Argentina : "Thanks for the Starving Student Card, Matt! You're the best!" (starving student card got us buy one get one free)

Also, I would like to give a shout out to my grandma & grandpa not-so-far away in Orem : "Thanks for the Easter Cold Stone Gift Card! We love you!" (gift card got us the one we had to buy for free [to us] )

We love ice cream. It was a beautiful welcoming to summer and no school. And then I made an apron.

Side one:

Side two:

I would love to know what you think about these lovelies. Leave a comment below and let me know!

What I did yesterday

Aside from reading two books at the same time - well, not literally, but husband is reading one of the books I am reading and so we have to share, so I started a second book to keep me happy - I made something exciting. Let me show you:

It started with a lot of fabric choices:

Then I picked two different fabrics to actually use:

Then I made a pocket and put a bow on it:

Then I made some straps (three to be exact):

Then I had an apron!

Well, not quite that fast, but you get the picture. I'm going to make two more (hopefully) today. I'm having a little more fun than I should and have come up with some great big ideas for my sewing wall (just a wall, I don't have enough room for a room, but a wall is good). Now I just need someone to buy me a fabric rack and small bookshelf. Any takers?

Just kidding.... But really.

Singing Children

You guys. This video is awesome. Seriously.

In other news - I'm finished with school! ...weird... and fantastic... And to celebrate, I am going to make aprons. Yes. Aprons. I'll show you them later.

Finals & Blogs

Today I am taking not one, not two, but FIVE finals. That's right. Two in the testing center (my last testing center experience ever yay!), one online, and two that are scheduled. After that, I am done with finals forever. Crazy. Unless I get a masters or something...which won't happen for awhile...

So, I have decided to share a three of the blogs that I am loving right now. The flow of inspiration & hope from these incredible individuals is outstanding. I think you'll like them, too.

Stephanie Nielson's blog (mommy, mormon, burn victim) :

 the nienie dialogues

A blog dedicated to one man's journey to do one act of kindness daily :

 366 Random Acts of Kindness

A blog written by the sister of one of my closest friends :

 bullets and pink bracelets



Life is what you make it

I have noticed lately a character trait developing within myself that I really like. I have come to realize over the last few months that life is what you make it. I feel kind of silly saying that because it is one of those cheesy lines that you see floating around on Facebook every now and then. But looking back over my high school and college career and seeing all of the growing that I have done and all the wonderful influences that have made me the person I am today, I am beginning to see that the cheesy lines are often the most true.

Here's the thing. I've mentioned before how much I have come to dread going to classes because of the complaining and back-talking that is done there. It was brought to my attention recently by a talk I had with a friend that I have gained more from this semester than any othere because of the concious effort that I made to remain positive. Granted, I don't have many friends from this semester because I (unwisely) avoided most of the girls when possible. However. I loved this semester of classes. I learned more than I ever have and was able to see the value in the assignments we had to do. It has been remarkable.

Here's the other thing. I was talking with one of my close friends a while ago about Snow College. We were roommates there and we absolutely loved it. We talked about how we still haven't met anyone that didn't love it there, and the one or two people we have heard didn't like it spent all their time cooped up their rooms playing video games or spending their time in other unwise ways. I thought about this when a girl I know asked me why I loved Snow College so much and tell everyone I meet that they should go there. I told her that I lived my life at Snow to the fullest. I have no regrets about what I did or said or who I interacted with. Yes, I did stupid things and said stupid things and hung out with some not-so-smart people. But for the first time in my life, I felt like I could be the person I wanted to be and made an effort everyday to be happy and have fun. I am sure that I would have absolutely hated Snow if I hadn't made an effort to participate in school and have a true and live experience there. And I believe that is how it can be at any time in any place of our lives.

Life is what you make it. Life at Snow College was fantastic because I wanted it to be and I worked to make sure that it was so. That doesn't mean it was easy or perfect and I never cried myself to sleep. That means that I got out of the experience what I put into it and gained some of the fondest memories I'll ever have. This semester at BYU I really wanted to have a good experience and learn how to be a good teacher. It was not easy and I complained more than I care to admit. But I made an effort to have a good experience and do what I was required to do with the vision of where I was going in my head and now I can look back and say that I enjoyed it. I actually loved going to BYU this semester - something I unfortunately cannot say about semesters previous. I finally learned that I have control over my life and how I perceive it. My life is what I make it.

Now, especially for my husband and family members that read this : I will still be grumpy some days. I will still complain about people or assignments or work. BUT. I am making an effort to live life to its fullest and get the most of the experience. That means bad and pain and sadness to go with the good and pleasure and happiness. And in the end, a life well lived.

So. I will quote Mary Oliver and ask you to: Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

Happy weekend.

Apparently I am super-motivated this week

I say that because for the first time probably ever - I have finished a majority of my final projects up to five days before they are due. Crazy! But I feel very good about myself. So this must be a good thing, right? And hey - what better way to finish up my last semester as a college student than on a high note and doing well and getting things done ahead of time? So great. Oh so very great.

P.S. Have I mentioned that I LOVE spring? Hence all of the flowering trees & shrubs being featured on my blog right now. So it goes. Because I love it!

Just keep swimming

When husband and I sat down to plan our week, it seemed as though it would be fairly laid-back. I was really excited for a slow week to prepare for finals coming up. Unfortunately, this week has been anything but slow. Granted, I don't have to go to classes - but I have a number of final projects that are HUGE and looming in the not-to-distant future. Fortunately, I have already completed two (the ones that are due today) and that makes me feel great. Unfortunately, I have two more due Monday morning and the last due next Wednesday. Plus all the finals I have to take next Monday & Tuesday and working three nights this week.

BLAH!

But... We are swimming. Just swimming along and enjoying the water.

Call me crazy...

but I want finals to start this week. I wish I wish I wish that finals would start a week early this year. Why? Because next week I don't have any classes - just a great big huge long break until finals start on Saturday. I wish they would have started two days ago Saturday and that I could be taking finals today. As it is, I have a week to de-stress, finish my final projects, and forget all my content knowledge. Though I feel better thinking that I won't really forget everything because I practiced it all sememster... right? Well, except for some of the random things that we will be tested on from our readings in the book that actually didn't happen in the classroom. *sigh* So is life.

But I still want finals to happen this week. Crazy or not.

Happy Easter!

We had a very happy Easter surprise this weekend when we walked out the door and saw our friends had bloomed:

We have some lovely daffodils, too, but these little beauties bloomed on Easter so I feel especially happy for them.

Click here to see some awesome Easter hope & beauty about Jesus Christ and His love for us.

Click here to read a moving story that some of you may have heard before, but still makes me cry anyway. Congratulations on your new baby, Stephanie!

Happy Easter. :)

Saying Goodbye

Wednesday was the last day of the practicum.

That means it was my last day in the first grade classroom I've been teaching in for 7 weeks.

The means that I was ridiculously sad about it. And might have even cried a little. Or a lot.

I got some awesomely nice letters from the students - which was great.

And my sweet mentor teacher gave me a new picture book that I love.

But I am still sad.

How is it that children can make you love them after only 20 days?! I wish I understood it.

Unfortunately I don't and so I am left with letters, lesson plans, a picture book, and some chocolate.

I love you dear little 1st graders! I will miss you terribly and remember you always. Thanks for letting me be your teacher and for teaching me about teaching, love, and learning. You're the absolute best.

xoxo

Mrs. Jackson

(or Jaxton - depending on which kid you're talking to)

This is what happens when Daniel sets the table

Isn't it lovely? Hahaha.
And sorry the picture is sideways.
And disclaimer: this isn't how he always does it - just tonight. But I loved it.

Also happiness:
Husband and I hold hands all during dinner. How?
Husband eats left-handed. Awesome.

Our Next Adventure

Some of you may remember that back in January, I was majorly nervous and worked up and stressed. It was at that time that I decided at that time that I would apply to do an internship in the Fall of 2012. It has been a long time since then, and I finally had the interview on Monday.

First I picked the district I wanted to work in - I had my choice of either Nebo (south of Provo) or Alpine (north or Provo). I picked Nebo because that is where I am currently teaching and I love it there. A lot a lot. Besides, there aren't many differences between the two districts otherwise. So, Monday morning I drove to the district office in Spanish Fork for my interview. On the way, I sang songs to keep me from getting too nervous - which really helped, for those who are interested to know.

I got to the district office and met up with one of my supervisors who was there to introduce me to my interviewers and help me stay calm. It was actually great to see her - I got to ask her some questions about my class that was struggling that morning and it definitely helped me to stay calm. Then I went in for the interview. The process was very simple, really - the room was divided in two. I met first with one group of principals and facilitators on one side, then I went to the other side and met with the other principals and facilitators. I felt very nervous - two interviews in one shot - but the individuals asking the questions were great and put me at ease right away.

The very last question that both groups asked was this: "We have interviewed a lot of students today and we are going to be interviewing a lot more. What is going to make you stand out in our minds so we will remember you?" I had my answer very well-prepared and I was excited to give it. It was something like this: "When I was 17 years old, all of my childhood dreams came true when I got to play Belle in my high school's production of 'Beauty and the Beast'. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done and definitely one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. And it was a dream come true for me."

The first group of principals laughed and congratulated me and told me thank you very much, you may leave.

The second group of principals got very excited and asked me to sing for them. I said no. They said please. I explained that I wasn't sure that I ought to. They got very serious and said "sing". I was quite unprepared, but grateful that I had sung in the car on the way over. Seriously - that was my first thought. Then I took a deep breath, sat up straighter, swallowed a couple times, and...

I sang the first song from 'Beauty and the Beast' - the one that goes "little town, it's a quiet village..." etc.

True story.

I sang for them.

And they clapped. And I said thank you. And they said thank you. And I left.

My supervisor was waiting outside and asked why they had clapped. I told her I sang for them and she laughed at me and told me I was very brave. I grabbed my candy bar (they had one for all the girls who interviewed) and left, called Daniel on my drive back to the school, and proceeded to freak out for the rest of the day.

At least until 4:30 when I got the call from a very nice man from Orchard Hills elementary telling me he is the principal of that school and would love to offer me an internship beginning in the fall.

Then all my worries about singing faded away and I am just ecstatic beyond belief.

However... I am curious... Was the principal from Orchard Hills in the first or second group? And if in the second group - what did he think of my 'courage' to sing? Maybe I'll ask him. Or maybe I won't.

Monkey Bread

Monkey Bread

Recipe from Sunburst Daycare & Mom Pearson

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup margarine or butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 cup sugar

2 Tbs cinammon

3 cans of biscuits

PREPARATION:

Part One - Mix cinammon and 1/2 cup sugar. Open cans of biscuits and cut each biscuit in half. Coat thoroughly with cinammon-sugar mix (we shake them in a bag). Drop pieces into greased bunt pan.

Part Two - Boil 1/2 cup margarine, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Pour mixture over biscuits. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Cool & dump out onto a plate.

Enjoy!

butter, sugar, and sugar

biscuits

bicsuits in the sugar

biscuits after shaking

biscuits dropped in the pan

biscuits with the sugar/butter mixture poured over top

(we did only 2 cans instead of 3 - that's why our biscuits are swimming)

dumped out monkey bread - if we hadn't waited so long to dump it I would

have taken a picture of it's beautiful bunt-pan form, but... oh well

General Conference Weekend

I love Conference weekend. I always leave feeling so inspired and knowing that my Heavenly Father loves me. It's my favorite weekend of the year. Two of my favorite talks are here and here. There was another one I loved (Elder Ballard, anyone?) but it hasn't been posted online yet, so I will just have to link it up later.

I am interviewing for an intership today. Wish me luck. I should know tonight where I got placed (I refuse to think if - that seems self-defeating. I will get it. I will.) I will let you all know tomorrow... or the next day... Depending on when I get my homework done.

Love and Happy Monday to all.