For all of you who think I'm cool enough to "blog stalk"

I'm starting to realize I will never be a good blogger! I'm going to take that a good talent! Some of you spend so much time on here... part of me is a little jealous! I'm lucky if I look at peoples blogs once a month!

Now, what do you want to know?! haha

I don't have anything amazing to write about! Here I go... rewind...

I just looked at Julie and Adams blog about Second Graders voting! I have to go off of that. For the past week or two, my kids have been learning about voting, presidents, etc. It has been hysterical to see how the kids react to each others political views... more like to each other parents views. All of my students were very opinionated about should be elected. Tuesday and Wednesday, I had a few tearful students and several little arguments broke out on the playground related to the results. Kids were cheering candidates names and making comments like these:
"McCain is a christian"
"Obama will take away taxes"
I tried to stay away from the sensitivity of the election. I had to laugh at the materials I was given to teach the 2008 election. It was very much geared towards republicans. One of the pages for the kids was all the information on McCain and the Obama information had to be researched.

I have never felt so sick regrading an election! It was a nerve racking day waiting to see if 102 passed and who our president would be.


11/4 : On Tuesday, I went with Randa to her ward's enrichment activity. It was so awesome to be a family ward setting!!! They provided food and awesome thoughts of gratitude! I'm so glad I got to go. It helped me get into the "thankful" mode for November!

11/2 : WALK NOW for Autism! The family clan joined Braden on a walk at Tempe Town Lake to support Autism! It is our 3rd year participating. It is always a fun event. It is the only time I ever remember my family exercising together! This year they had the normal 3 mile walk and a 1 mile walk. When we got the spot to decide to take a short or normal route- tension arose! Needless to say, the healthy people won we walked 3 miles.
That night, I got my mom is ride her bike for the first time! I asked her to go with me thinking she would say no and guess what she said sure! We started down the street and I told her to turn so we could leave our neighborhood... she flipped! That's when the interesting things starting flying out of her mouth! I don't know how but I convinced her to go with me to Kyle and Valerie's. We went there and they were gone! She was very unhappy- she was hoping for a ride home in the truck! We rode back completing our 3 mile ride. She was sore as can be... I don't know if I will be able to get her back on that bike again!


10/31: HALLOWEEN or FALL CELEBRATION ;)
At school, my kiddos dressed up for a costume parade. It was fun to let the kids wear their costumes and get the holiday started! Kindergarten through 3 grade walked around the soccer fields while the older kids cheered us on. I had several parents come in to watch and parade and to help with our class festivities! My MOM even came! I was so excited! It was the first time she had met my students. She helped the kids make flubber while other parents assisted with different centers. The kids had a blast, maybe too much fun because my classroom is still a mess!!!

For Dinner, the fam came over for our traditional Chili and Tricker Treating! I have the best nephews and nieces ever!!! It is always so much fun to see them!





I'm out of time! I've gotta go back to work for our Falcon Festival! I will update more this weekend!

September 4th!

I bought a new car yesterday! I decided after years of driving my white beater, I needed to upgrade! I feel a lot safer now! Jason took me to test drive some cars because I didn’t want to do with car salesmen! Jason use to sell cars and this was his classic saying, “I’m a car salesman, I can’t lie!” Anyway, he helped me find a car I liked and a great deal too! We worked with another friend of ours Dave and he hooked me up with a sweet ride! Shout out to LeSueur Car Company www.usedvwaudi.com!

I got a VW Passat! It is very nice and super fun to drive!
It even has a sun roof! High rollin’!

I can drive more than a few miles and not worry about my car overheating! EVEN better, I can drive down the freeway without holding my window up! My old car the drivers window, liked to slide into the door as I drove! You didn’t even need keys to get in! Just your hand to get the window open!



Since I made this purchase, the parents think I should pay all kinds of bills haha! YAY right! I’m saving my pennies! Dad thinks now that I bought a car, I have more money. Doesn’t work that way! Mom found out about Dad wanting money from me for my cell phone (I grateful I’m spoiled :)) and thinks she needs it more and that I should pay rent haha... the perks of living at home! They are not going to see my $$$ anytime soon. :)

This past weekend, was super eventful! I was suppose to go with my family to our cabin in Payson instead I stayed in Gilbert and i'm glad I did!


I went to the ASU football game on Saturday night! GO DEVILS! We creamed the Lumberjacks!



For you married girls and anyone else who cares- there is a new hunk...! Another long distance situation! But he is Tall, Dark, and Handsome!
Call me for details... I’m not sure where it’s going to go!

Visits from friends: I’m so excited for when Katie and Erich move back in December!!! This weekend, Katie and Erich came for a visit! It was super fun hanging out at Katie’s parents with some of the crew! We thought about going to the lake on Labor Day and decided not to go when the boat owner, Walter, realized that it was a holiday! It would have been packed! We will have to go in April, May, June ish!

Crafty:
Two weeks ago, I got together with some fun girlies for Super Saturday Crafts! I love Sister Bryson’s craft days! Haha Go Julie! Here is a picture of the awesome frame, Julie taught us to make! Many of you will see these as your Christmas present :)!!!


-PICTURE TO COME-, I left my camera at work!

All of the girls who come to the craft days are usually married. “My husband ...”, “I have to go I told my hubby I wouldn’t be gone long...”, and “I husbands going to die when he sees one more craft in these colors!...”
I love spending time with the married girls! I’m sure they crack up listening to my random dating stories and the joys of singles ward! Yippee!!!

On the Farm: My class is doing great! Everything is how I expected so far. I’m really having fun! I enjoy all 26 of kiddos! I have 15 boys and 11 girls! The boys have all discovered how to make farting noises with their arms! I don’t know how my mom raised 4 boys! All of the students love to talk! They are getting the hang of when it’s okay to talk and when it’s not. I had a formal walk through evaluation on Wednesday. My principal came in and watched me teach a lesson for about 20 minutes. I didn’t know he was coming. It worked out fine. We were reading an awesome book “How I Became a Pirate”. If you have kids, read it to them! After we read the book, each student created a treasure map! We have been talking about geography: mapping. On Thursday, they wrote pirate stories! The stories and maps turned out awesome! I will post pictures some day.

This weekend, I have the luck of staying at school! Friday night from 4-8 and Saturday 8-4. I have classes at my school for the extra money. :) Every little bit counts. We have a goal of increasing writing, we have to do workshops of 15 hours and do extra writing activities in our classrooms. Then, I earn a tiny bit extra in December and May. YAHOO!


In memory of my incredible Uncle Tony:

Last week, I went to a funeral of one of my dear uncles. As soon as I found out of his death, I called his daughter to see how she was doing. I keep my emotions in until I hung up the phone with her. I lost it! I can’t imagine what life must be like for her and her family without their father, papa, and my aunts husband. I had the opportunity to work at my cousin’s house all summer watching her kids. While I was there about once or twice a week, my Uncle Tony and Aunt Jae Dee would drop by to spoil their grandkids. I got so use to seeing them so often I took for granted the time we spent together. Growing up, big holidays were usually when I saw aunts and uncles. We always do the typical big hug... no cheek squeezing :). Since I saw my uncle Tony so much this summer, I didn’t always get or give those big hugs! I just want one more big Uncle Tony hug!!! I can hear his voice in my head and I’m so grateful for the knowledge I have of knowing I can see him again someday! It was one of the hardest funerals I have ever attended. Tony is my Dad’s first sibling to pass. I have never seen my Dad or his siblings so down and broken. The day was long but filled with great tributes and time together as a family.
Thank you for all who listened and supported me last week!

I love my family so much! I have an amazing extended family. I am so lucky to have great parents and loving brothers! My brothers crack me up, all 4 of them constantly try to protect me. I don’t know what I would do without my close knit family!

Week 3 into TEACHING!

Week 3 into TEACHING!



I have never been good about keeping this blog updated... that statement is going to become more apparent soon! I deeply apologize to family and friends who have tried to keep in touch. It's not that I'm ignoring you... I just can't think past work these days! I'm working on balance who knows if I will figure that out!

My class:

They are all just like me, THEY LOVE TO TALK!

On Meet the Teacher Night, I was ready for sweet shy students to walk through the doors... I got 2 shy kiddos and 24 party animals! I enjoyed meeting the parents and students.

The first few days of school were better than I could have asked for. The kids weren’t quite, reserved, or teacher pleasers. We had great discussions but I couldn’t wait for the next week.

The second week, we had more structure doing several subjects not just get to know you activities. We read and did activities related to Flat Stanley! It was a blast! The kids are so excited to send of their Flat Stanleys. We still had lots of talking so my table groups, changed a bit. I had 5 table groups and 4 islands for the extreme talkers and disrupters. Week 2 was great!

Week 3... I let my students move back into table groups, I destroyed the islands. Today the kiddos were super talkative. My principal dropped in... I was doing everything I needed to do but my classroom was a mess. I have piles of papers stacked around that need to be inputed into SnapGrades or graded. I am going to go extra early tomorrow so I can be better organized for the rest of the week. I have been doing pretty much everything on my own. I’m so grateful for my student teaching experience otherwise I would have no resources or ideas! My student teaching mentor is still so helpful to me!

On Wednesday, my students’ parents come in for Curriculum night. I’m not nervous but not really thrilled to have to speak to all of them either. I have all my curriculum information ready... I just hope it all makes sense to them. After Curriculum night, I will regain my 4 islands and keep my small table groups.
I have had some very interesting experiences at my school. My mentor has sent over several students to sit at my tables because they were disturbing her class or not doing work. Luckily, these students are angels in my classroom! I have yet to send any of my students to another classroom or to the office.


Check out this cool book rack I found in the class by the building managers office. It said "Take if needed". I love it!



Everything is going great!

I love my job! I really do!

I just need to work on a few things, preparation, energy, and organization!


The last two weekends, I have gone to my cabin in Payson. It is so relaxing to grade papers in the mountains laying out by the pool! I don't know what I'll do when its to cold to do that! :)

Hope everyone is doing well! Keep in touch! I will try better to respond to emails, voicemails, text messages, etc.

Guys and Gals! Check this out!

One of my super awesome friends who I met in College and we were inseparable for many semesters, is now doing hair! I go to her all the time! She is talented and does a GREAT job!!! Check out her hair blog... Don't hesitate to call her!

http://brittanyshaircare.blogspot.com/

First day back!

Today was my first day as a certified teacher! I went to training meetings with other teachers new to the Gilbert District! I'm excited for the next week or so to keep working in my classroom! I'm grateful for all of you who have offered to help! I wish I had more time to spend in there so you could help! I will keep everyone posted.

RFG girls... Still so sorry! As soon as I find time, you will get millions of emails and a DVD of our photos.

Flip Flop

Retreat for Girls!

HULA HOTTIES!!!!

YAY for RFG at USU! I LOVE YOU GIRLS!

WE LOVE KATIE and the rest of the SMITH FAMILY!

I'm so sorry! I know I told you all I would email you 2 weeks ago! ooops! Today, I will send out an email of everyone addresses and contact information. I hope you are all doing great! I miss each of your beautiful faces! Enjoy the rest of your summer!!! Keep in touch!


Love,

Flipper Flopper

July is almost over!

I start my FIRST EVER real professional job on Monday! I have a week of training and soon I'll be teaching Monday through Friday! I'M SO EXCITED! I worked on my classroom this week... Still plenty to do but go to my Miss Hendrickson blog to see pictures if your interested.

My Birthday! 7-1-08! 22!

My Classroom!



Lilly is the best teacher ever! :) "SIT DOWN, everyone listen I AM THE TEACHER! "

Just skimming through some blogs while the kiddos I watch are taking naps! I’m glad I’m not the only one who hasn’t updated lately! Life has been great and very busy!

June:
· Got my keys to my classroom!
· Moved things into my classroom with the help of my home teachers Scott and Houston! They offered to help so I took them up on it! I bet they won’t offer again. They couldn’t believe how much stuff I had! I told them not to marry a teacher! (Because of the stuff and the time commitment)
· Shopped and Shopped for more teaching stuff!
· Spend many late nights out with friends! Several Bike Rides!!
· HOBBY LOBBY! Opened in Mesa. Went several times with Julie Bryson and Randa (& baby Tegan)
· Lunch dates
· Ponder the idea of buying a car…
· Wedding receptions
· Worked way too much… babysat almost everyday and house sat 3 weekends!
· Tried to lay out but that only happened maybe once!
· Joined Gold Canyon Candle, Buy candles they are amazing!

July:
· Turned 22! AH!
· Party at Dave & Busters!
· Still pondering the idea of buying a car… this time I’m thinking either a Lexus IS or a Honda Accord.
· Went to the Lake!!! 3rd and 4th of July, super fun! There were about 14 of us, a nice boat, and two jet skis! I was only sore for a week after : )
· Had some GC candle parties!
· Traveled to Utah! (yay plane rides!)
· Visited with Grandma and Grandpa Lundahl
· Went to church with Grandpa Lundahl in a nursing home, sad day but awesome experience!
· Retreat for Girls: I was a counselor two ten awesome “Hula Hotties”. Listened to great speakers, ate tons of food, did all kinds of great activities! Spend time with fun counselors and amazing directors!!! Huge THANKS to the Smith Family!!!
· House sat
· Still working…. Friday the 18th is my last day with my cousins kids. Sad to leave them, they are super cute. But I’m so excited to start teaching!
· Decorating my classroom very soon!
· Katie Krietemeyer turned 21!!!
· Randa Canter and Ashley Arrington turn 22 really soon!
· Happy Birthday, Girlies!!!

Hope this entertains a few of you! :)

Go Falcons!

Good morning Family and Friends!

GUESS WHAT!!!!

Since March, I have had a contract with Gilbert Public Schools to teach for the 2008- 2009 school year. After a few interviews at different schools, I just found out where I'm going to be teaching! I'm so excited and wanted to share my great news with all of you!

Are you ready...
Finley Farms Elementary School!!!
2nd Grade! Yahoo!
(It's only half a mile from my house :) )

I had an awesome experience at Ashland Ranch Elementary School student teaching 2nd grade with Kym Di Giulio. I enjoyed being there with all of the excellent staff. I'm thrilled to be teaching second grade! Kym has shared so many incredible ideas and great resources with me! I know I have been prepared by my awesome teachers! Especially, Jen my incredible student teaching supervisor!

Thanks for all of your amazing thoughts and ideas! I'm also very thankful for all your love and support! I couldn't have done it without each of you! :)

June 9th

Hey Everyone!

I'm still waiting to see where I will be teaching in August! Hopefully, I will know within the next few weeks. Thanks for all your love and support! I update my blog for my students more than I do this one... misshendrickson.blogspot.com

Summer is flying by! Watching the kiddos keeps me busy. I enjoy spending time with the cousins. However, I'm looking forward to decorating, planning, and all the good things that go into teaching!

Last night, Kyle, Valerie, Lillian, and Landon came over for dinner at my mom's house. Valerie and I went on a cleaning rampage! We tried to get rid of stuff but my mom wasn't too happy about that. After we ate dinner, Kyle and my mom were looking at hotels online so Val and I took over the house. We rearranged the family room and got rid of some junk! :) Val was worried that mom was going to "beat" us when she saw what we did. As we moved things around we whispered and giggled. We hoped Kyle could keep mom entertained long enough for us to finish what we started. Lillian kept running into "Grandma" and telling her what we were doing. Needless to say, Valerie and I were very slap happy by the end of our adventure. It became a night of teasing and bugging our mom.

I went home with Kyle and Valerie to pick up my radical beach cruiser I had left at their house. Valerie drove the bike and I back to my moms. When I got home, I was so wired so I went on a bike ride with a friend to Freestone. We always find ourselves there to cruise down the hills. If anyone has a bike or wants to borrow one, call me! I'm all about riding! I'm still a rollerblading nerd so if you rather blade I'm down with that too!

Hope everyone is enjoying the hot summer! :) 21 days until the BIG 22!!!

I just found out Julie (Fuller) Bryson has a blog! Check it out ;) http://jasonandjuliebryson.blogspot.com/

Blogging...

I'm not good at remembering to blog! One of my friends, Taylor, told me I'm not allowed to blog until I'm married. Oh well... Here we go!

I'm still waiting to find out about jobs. I shouldn't be worried but I am. I have had my contract since March... but I don't know what school yet. At least, I know it will be in Gilbert Public Schools. Julie Pearson has a position at a school I interview with... I would love to teach with Julie! :) When I find out where I'll let you all know.

Summer! YAY!

I went and saw my 2nd graders and Mrs. Di Giulio Monday and Wednesday. It's hard to say good bye! I had fun celebrating the end of the year with them! On Wednesday, I had Landon (9 month old nephew) and the kids were all wanting to play with him. I was a totally distraction. :)

Wednesday, was my last day watching Kyle and Val's Kiddos. I love watching them but 20 dollars a day... please. :)

The highlight or most hilarious part of watching Lillian and Landon was on Tuesday. I get to their house and Lillian isn't dressed, hair knotted... I go to dress her and the clothes, I had bought the week before were ruined... Kyle must have washed yellow carpis with dark colors... they are no longer a cute yellow. I look at her thinking oh man, we have to do something about this. Then I ask her to get shoes... she does... I look at myself and the mirror and thought gross, why didn't I wake up earlier to get ready? So Lilly isn't looking so cute and neither am I. Landon looked great but when I put him in his car seat he stuck out 5 inches and it wouldn't buckle! So I thought, Lilly and I look like White Trash and Landon is sitting in White Trash... I knew I needed to go to Wal Mart, most would say we would have fit right in, but I was so embarrassed! We went to my house, Grandma's, and I got ready. Went to Wal Mart to buy new clothes and on the way there Lillian was in tears because her shoes were too small. So she walked through Wal Mart shoeless... I had no idea it was so hard to buy tennis shoes for children. And they are so expensive! Landon's car seat... the one we went to get... it was on sale, but they only had for girls! Pink with flowers! I knew Kyle would kill me if his tough son was buckled in all pretty and pink. Anyway it was a long day, we got Lillian new clothes but no shoes and no car seat. Now they are left to someone else... If anyone wants to watch them this summer, Let me know :).

My cousin, Marci, called and was looking for someone to watch her kids... I promised myself I was going to be selfish and enjoy my summer and NOT WORK. However, that quickly changed.
I don't know it I was ever taught to say NO when it comes to helping someone out or babysitting! I thought this chapter of my life was done but it's BACK.
I don't mind. The kids are adorable. Reese is 2 1/2 her twin brothers, Grayson and Hudson are 4 MONTHS old!

All I can say is.... I won't be having kids of my own for several years!
This weekend my family was all going to our house in Payson but with this yucky rainy/ snowy weather, I think I might stay home. The plan was to play at the clubhouse, lay by the pool, hit up some tennis, ride bikes, etc. Anything to get out of the hot heat... but it's not hot here this weekend. It's rainy and humid. I just wanna curl up and read or watch movies!

Graduations:
Nick graduated yesterday from Corona Del Sol. It was nuts! It rained so the ceremony got spilt into 3rd and students/parents each had a time slot. Nick was the latest time at 9 we got there stood in the rain for 15 minutes... stayed in the rain while the group before us left... ran inside sat down and the ceremony was rushed. I feel bad for everyone who had to graduate yesterday with the rain! Everyone was drenched so most people are going to look awful in their pictures! Oh... on top of that... Nick only was allowed to have 3 tickets for the ceremony. So I went with my mom and dad. Trying to play the role of the child, I didn't think to be responsible. We get there and my dad says wheres your camera? haha I didn't bring one because I wanted to be the child... He forgot his. POOR NICK! All his pictures are lame cell phone shots. I wish I would have had a camera.

Nick is so tall! Like who knows... 6"3 -6"5 ish. He sat on the aisle and when it was time to toss the cap. He stood up and chucked it all the way to the back of the auditorium. Oh ya... if I die soon it's because I was stuck in a molding school... with even more water of the carpets yesterday due to the rain. Hope they aren't planning on holding summer school. One of the schools clubs raised thousands to fix the CO2 levels of the campus haha... aka replace carpets and air systems, etc. Then the principal stood up to say she had the best high school in the east valley.... haha


Hope you all have a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Interview #1 and #2!

Last night, I had an interview for a second grade teaching position in Gilbert. The interview went well. The school is doing interviews all week. I will know by Friday either way. I would love to work at this school!

I have an interview tomorrow morning with a different school. I'm not sure what grades they have open. It is alittle bit of a drive from my house. We'll see how it goes! :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Today, at church some of the men spoke about women and motherhood. They all did awesome! Four of the guys even sang to us! It was precious! The song was called Mother's Love. I'm not sure who wrote it but it was amazing! I'm so grateful for my Mom and all the other women and Moms who have been in my life. The last few months I have also had the chance to be around some of my friends who have recently become mothers. YOU GALS ARE INCREDIBLE! They are all wonderful examples to me!

For Mother's Day, I got my Mom (sick :() But I bought her a sweet beach cruiser! It's PINK! Who knows if she will ride it, but hey it ROCKS! My brother and sister in law delivered it tonight! I think she was pretty surprised! I have one just like hers if anyone wants to go for a ride, I'm down! :)

ASU GRAD 2008!

YAY! GO DEVILS! I am done with school at ASU! I'll be teaching in Gilbert starting in August! (TOMORROW I have an interview with a school in Gilbert for a second grade position! I would love to work at this school! I'll keep you posted.) I will probably step back in to the college scene in Jan. for my masters. Thank you to everyone who came to my graduation ceremony and party. I have the best family and friends ever! I had so much fun with my school buds at my ceremony! I got sick on Thursday and missed the big ASU ceremony. On Friday, Julie Pearson took care of me and helped me through the education ceremony. Thanks Julie! Four years goes by so fast! I'm so excited for the new journey, I have ahead! I will be calling everyone who is around to help me decorate my classroom, speak to my kiddos about their jobs, and anything else I can think of. :)

Lara Morgan is NOW Lara Broadbent!

I haven't blogged on here in a long time... I made a blog to keep my students posted on my job status. I have been updating that one, you can check it out if you want. http://www.misshendrickson.blogspot.com/ I want to catch everyone up on my weekend! There were 3 important events I want to share so I'm going to do them in 3 separate posts! :)

Lara (Morgan) and Tyler Broadbent are now officially married!

I'm so excited that Lara and Tyler tied the knot! They are an adorable couple! I missed seeing them come out of the temple but I'm sure it was wonderful! On Friday night, they had a beautiful reception at the Broadbents house! It was alot of fun! I got sick the day before so I wasn't very helpful at the reception. It's hard for me to just sit back and watch. :) Katie (Auga) Krietemeyer and Jen Cordon flew in to be bridesmaids along with all the sisters. I was thrilled to have the girls in town! I have missed Katie so much!

We had a GIRLY PARTY on Tuesday at Dave and Buster's for Lara. It was a blast! We all had matching shirts that said "Oh Girls Just Wanna Have Fun"!!! That's all we wanted was to have some fun with Lara! Her Mom, Mother in Law, Sisters, and some friends gathered to eat and play! Although, Lara was the one we tried to honor: the nieces, nephews, sons, and daughters were the stars of the show. The kids had a blast playing together and running around pretending to play games, smart moms!

The Best Part of all of this: I got to see LARA!

I'm so excited for Retreat for Girls! I found out a few weeks ago that my group is related to the Apia Samoa Temple. Our group name is going to be the "Hula Hotties". I kept my same nickname, Flip Flop! It will be so much for to be with some of the returning counselors. I'm also looking forward to meeting the new counselors! Last year, I had an awesome groups of 12 year old girls! I'm sure this year will be great too! If you know of anyone 11 almost 12 - 15 send them to Retreatforgirls.com It is an incredible program!

Bloggin Time!

Here I am joining the blogging trend! Hopefully, I will find time to
update this ocassionally!