Mr. Fish!

Within the last week, we have a new special friend joined to our little Warburton ranks. He is all black and has somewhat of a gullet. I was hoping for a netherland dwarf, but instead we got a 2 yr old mix--so he has a tiny head and rather large body. He's really friendly and has quite a different personality than our previous Duke. He has really big eyes, so deems his name---Fish. 

I'm hoping to reward my students for good behavior with a Reading Day with Fish. I have to work with him a little more before he's ready to be around 25 6/7 yr olds...at once. But we will see what happens. :)

....Oh and oddly enough, he likes to jump up and off of the couch, like a dog.

Exhaustion!

What a week! In a nut shell... Nate was sick with a cold, I had a long seminar right after a day of student teaching, I prepped and taught 2-3 lessons, AND taught my first grade class for the whole day when my teacher was absent. If you haven't guessed yet by the title... I'm exhausted. I have yet to grasp that teacher stamina that can keep you going throughout the whole day no matter what happens, rain or shine.
Last night after a long day, Nate and I went to his sister's place to hang out with his family. His older brother Jake was in town to surprise his parents. It was a fun night filled with Wipeout, Bigs 2 (baseball), and Just Dance, including a number beautifully performed by 4 of the 5 Warburton siblings that were there. It was epic! :) I struggled to be any fun due to my exhaustion. I was entertained by everything that was going on, but my body was so tired... I wasn't really all there, just observant. I'm exhausted and I've only been doing student teaching for 2 weeks.

Only 12 weeks to go....

Difference in Perspective

I've been reading a book by Emily Freeman, Love Life and See Good Days. The first chapter talks about having a change of perspective. I suggest everyone to read this book.

Several times things seem like they are going terribly wrong, but if you change your perspective it can always be better. She tells a story of Jesus where his disciples had traveled far to hear him speak. There was no place to eat within three days and he didn't want to have them faint if he had them fast, so he decided to feed them. BUT there were 7 loaves of bread and a few fishes for 4,000 people. He brake and was able to feed everyone with some to spare. Later that day, his apostles realized they had forgotten the leftover pieces of bread while on the boat. They found a loaf of bread on the boat, but it wouldn't be enough for everyone. They  began to discuss among themselves as to how they would split it, when the Savior said, "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees." In other words, do not doubt and tempt the Lord as the Pharisees did. They continued to discuss the dividing of the bread, coming to a conclusion when he asked, "Why reason ye because ye have no bread? Have ye eyes, see ye not?" The disciples had lost their focus. They had forgotten the lord's ability to perform miracles. He changed their perspective by reminding them of what he had done earlier that day and another time when he fed 5,000 with 5 loaves. He later asked "How is it that ye do not understand?" Christ was right there! And they forgot about the miracles he could do if they would just ask and have faith. They were so concerned with this one loaf of bread, they had forgotten about the goodness right before them, that Christ could fulfill their every need if they would just ask. Often times in our lives, we worry about the little things in our lives that are going wrong. When all we have to do, instead of complaining and trying to figure out the best option for us to do, we just have to ask in faith for help. Change your perspective and open your eyes to miracle before you. I'm not saying it's always easy to do, but it can be done in faith.
She later gives 3 of her own experiences as to how to change your perspective.

1. If you can't see clearly, pray for help and wait for the light to come. See things in a different light, Christ's light.
2. Laughter is healing. Know when you've made a mistake and laugh, it'll help you get through hard times.
3. See what is good in what would usually be disagreeable. Like dandelions. Instead of weeds, think of them each as an opportunity to make a wish. Discern the good in every situation.

I really enjoyed this chapter and hope to be able to change my perspective when things are rough, that I may see good days. Everything is not always as it seems. Something is always to be learned. Good can always be found at times where it seems impossible. All it takes is a change of perspective and faith. I want to always see good days. Again, I suggest everyone to read this book. I feel that the author was truly enlightened to write this uplifting book.

Week One of Student Teaching

I made it! It was a bit of a challenge getting back in the game, but I faired okay. I'm grateful for the opportunity to be at the elementary school that I am at. The teachers are amazing! Everyone puts forth more than the bare minimum amount of time to make sure that their students excel.  The school has a united faculty where everyone is on the same page and communicates with one another really well. Each grade leveled teacher is together with other teachers of their grade for the curriculum map. My teacher goes the extra mile to ensure that her students understand how to read and write well. It's really time-consuming and a lot of hard work, but she does it because she cares. For those of you who don't know, my elementary school is a Title 1 school, meaning: that at least 75% of students get free or reduced lunch because of poverty. If these students can't read or write, it's going to be extremely hard for them to get out of poverty. The valiant efforts of these teachers are ultimately rewarding and validated in the long run.
The first few days I didn't really know what I was doing. She was really focused on getting her kids up to par that some of the management procedures weren't always explained to me. So.. I struggled with showing my teacher authority because of it. I've also been working with the older grades in the last two practicum experiences, so now that I'm with first graders, the developmental differences are astounding--still getting used to it. Lots of "teacher, teacher, teacher!" and "teacher, so and so did this..."
All in all it was a good week and I learned a lot. I'm excited to continue to learn how to be a great teacher.

The Day of S!

First I must point out the SNOW! It's been a really strange winter with the lack of snow. The only time it did snow was when I didn't want it to...on our wedding day. But waking up to this surprise was quite wonderful to see.

We had the great opportunity to go skeet SHOOTING with our friends Aaron and Kenz Anderson and their puppy, Aggie.

Nate looked SO SEXY!

We went to one of the boys' friend's shooting range up the mountain, just north of Garland. It was soo-- windy and chilly, I couldn't believe it! After arranging the metal targets in the shooting range, we shot 22's and Larry's 22 revolver. 

 Nate loaded a lot of the guns for us to use

 I love this pose for some reason, even though the gun blends in with his coat

 Aggie

Both Kenz and Aaron are really good at shooting the revolver and the 22's, from the single shot to the pump and lever action. I'm not as outdoorsy as these two are, but I did try. In my book, that's gotta count for something. I did manage to hit two targets with the pistol and a few with the 22. Nate and Aaron also tried to shoot the pistol like gun slingers of the ol' west, where one hand consistently cocks the gun and the other pulls the trigger. It's not as easy as it looks. 

 We ran out of bullets and then drove up the mountain a little further to do some shooting with the SHOTGUNS. I'm okay with the 22's and the revolver, but with the shotguns, I am terrible! First, I shot with Nate's 12 gauge and it's not only different shooting wise than the 22's, it's also a lot heavier than the other guns we used. Later I switched to one of Aaron's 12 gauges and it was a little easier, but I still struggled...my arms aren't very long. Every time someone would shoot a pigeon, Aggie would run down the hill to get it (not that she always got it) but the process was fun to watch. In the future, when the boys go duck hunting, she'll be a good hunting dog. Unfortunately, more often than not, she also brought back horse turd. Lol.

Kenz is a natural!

Eventually Kenz and I started to get cold with the wind chill, so we packed up and headed back to Larry and Barbara's house where food and hot chocolate were waiting for us.

Later that day, I worked my last SHIFT at Pita Pit. In some ways, I'm going to miss working there, but at the same time, I know it's time for me to move on. I start my student teaching on Monday and there were some inconsistencies that I couldn't deal with anymore. When I got off, I arrived home to find that Nate cleaned our whole apartment. SURPRISE! The floors were vacuumed, the dishes were clean and put away, the desk was cleared, organized our junk drawer and made chocolate chip cookies. What a SWEETHEART!!!! Love him! All in all, it ended up to be a fun and great SATURDAY!

Birthday Celebrations!

January 6th is my best friend, Tania's birthday. Of course, naturally, I wanted to celebrate it with her in some form. So Friday night, Nate and I drove to Salt Lake to have dinner with her and her family. We ate at Johnny Carino's. We waited for our reservation for about 1/2 an hour, but it was well worth it. We were given bread and oil as a complimentary appetizer while we decided what to eat.

I got chicken scallopini and man, it was AMAZING! Nate got lasagna and soup.

While waiting for our food, I decided it was an optimum time to give Tania her gift. I found this glass 'krafty box' at Hobby Lobby and with all of the scrapbook stuff surrounding the aisle, I couldn't resist. Inside is a crafty piece of scrapbook paper that has to flowers and a picture of the two of us. The saying says, "more than friends...sisters. Which I strongly feel is true as we have come to be so close over the years, no matter where we are in our lives or what we're up to.

Tania and I have been friends since our sophomore year of high school around this time of year. I don't exactly remember how we became so close, but we did and I'm so grateful for it. We've been there for each other through thick and thin, from family trials to dating. I love her like a sister and always will. She's helped me in so many ways to becoming a better person, including my goals and testimony of the gospel. Also, she's a large part of the reason that I got my associate's degree in high school. I probably wouldn't have done it without her influence and motivation. It was a good birthday celebration and I'm happy to have spent it with the Knights with Nate.

Happy Birthday Tania!!!

First Day of the NEW YEAR

With it being a holiday, Nate only had to go into work for two hours and I didn't have to work until noon. Meaning...we got to sleep in together! :) Nate made waffles with orange juice for breakfast. We watched some cartoons and then got ready for the day. Nate dropped me off at Pita Pit and then went on some errands before going to work. He came to pick me up and offered me to drive the car. I was a little confused because Nate is usually the one that drives. I like driving, but he prefers to out of the two of us, so I let him. I got into my car to find that not only had it been vacuumed on the inside, the consul and steering wheel had been scrubbed clean. It looked AMAZING! He spent over two hours just cleaning out the interior of my car. What a sweetheart!! AND he's all mine.. ;)
We drove around town returning some gifts from our wedding and then headed home. Nate remembered that my car's right front tire needed to be changed just as we pulled in. So I got out and made him dinner while he went to get it fixed. Unfortunately, I had a flat tire with a slow air leak and... by driving on it, I bent the frame on accident. But other than that it's all good. We cleaned our apartment together for awhile and then Nate played a Star Wars game on the Xbox while I dined in with chili and chips.Yum! It was fun to watch him get into the game as a Sith warrior. We soon found ourselves playing the Xbox Kinect Just Dance 3. I had to change into something light really quick, since there was going to be some hardcore dancing. When I came out, this is what I found....

Lol. He definitely has his own style... It was really fun to spend time together playing on our Xbox. Loved it! We finished the night by watching some Cosby and the comedian Bill Envall on Netflix.

Clean, Clean, Clean

New Year's weekend started off with a crazy Friday afternoon. I woke up late... and spent the rest of the afternoon cleaning our apartment, laundry, wrapping a wedding gift for Nate's cousin, making dinner and packing for the weekend. I picked up Nate from work around 6 to head south for the weekend. We ate dinner, got gas and stopped in Kaysville for Dan's reception. It was beautifully decorated and Karli looked amazing! For those of you who don't know, Dan is Nate's closest cousin. They are only two days apart in age and Dan doesn't let Nate forget it even if Nate is taller. ;) silly boys.

We're so excited for Karli and Dan. They looked really happy. Congratulations you two! Welcome to the marriage bandwagon. :)

Dan did good about NOT getting cake on her dress... unlike someone I know and love...;)

They threw the bouquet and even had dancing. (I miss it a lot, so it was nice of Nate to let us stay to dance a few songs) After the wedding festivities, we drove down to my parents place to help in cleaning out the last little bit of the basement for Mike and Jess.

SATURDAY
Early Saturday morning, Nate and I went to the Jordan River Temple to do endowments. We were a little late in getting there, but in the end it didn't matter. I was surprised to run into my friends' parents while there who were volunteering as temple workers. It was really cool! It felt really good to go, even though I messed things up and wandered around like a chicken with it's head cut off. I didn't really know what to do, but luckily for me, those that work at the temple are more than happy to help with what you need or where to go. When we got back to my parents' house, immediately it was time to go to work. Nate helped clean out the downstairs kitchen and pack up boxes to go to our storage unit with Mike and Boomer. Jess and I worked on organizing our food storage. Jess went through all of the food to see what was expired and what was still good. I spent most of the time cleaning out the furnace room. There was so much dust!!!! It was ridiculous. This is the finished product.

By 2:00 it was time to call a lunch break with grilled cheese sandwiches. After an hour or two of lounging around and eating lunch, we packed up the remaining storage boxes and headed  over to pack it in. Jess and I spent most of the time being the entertainment while the men hammered nails, lifted heavy boxes up a ladder and built a whole new shelf. Lol. We soon found better use of ourselves by going back to the house to make soup for dinner and entertain Chloe. We started to watch Despicable Me before the guys got home.
Around 10pm, Mike was having pretty bad asthma attacks so my dad, Jess and Mike went to the hospital to see what was wrong. Nate and I cuddled up on the couch and took a little nap while we waited for them to return. Before we knew it the new year was upon us as we watched the ball drop in Times Square.

Happy New Year!!!! 

At the strike of midnight we did our first kiss as husband and wife. Jess, Mike and Dad got home just after we went to bed around 1 am. Nate was really tired, he fell asleep quickly. 

SUNDAY

Nate and I got up and dressed early to go to a missionary farewell for a dear friend of mine from high school. Wilenys gave a GREAT talk with a good message. She talked about the 2 most important principles of the gospel: faith and repentance. I know she'll be a great missionary. She's very personable and nice to everyone she meets. San Diego will be lucky to have her. :) Afterward, everyone was ushered out into the lobby and my, oh my did I see a LOT of friends from high school; I even saw Tyrel! It was good to catch up with everyone. Nate and I headed back to my parents where we socialized with Jess and Mike for a bit and waited for my parents and Boomer to get back from church. We ate dinner and lounged around for a bit before heading back up to Logan. It was a good weekend and I'm glad we spent it with my family.

Double Date

Wednesday, December 28th, Nate and I enjoyed a dinner date with Emily and Rob. They came up to Logan for a Cache Valley Getaway for a few days and called us up to have dinner with them. They had a certificate for us to use and another one for themselves from a different place. We ate out at Firehouse Pizza. YUMMY! We had foccacia bread for an appetizer. I got pasta while Nate got a little pizza with jalapenos. And afterward we each got a Fhzookie for dessert. It was delicious and just the right amount of food. All for $4 bucks.

It was good to have a quiet dinner with the some of the new in laws. It was full of laughter and good conversation. Thanks for inviting us, Em and Rob, it was great!