Lately...

It's been a while since my last blog, and a lot has been happening!

I completed my first practicum teaching experience at Nibley Park Elementary in Salt Lake.  In my Elementary Ed program we have an entire month each semester in which we do not have any classes, but are assigned a classroom in a school that we go to everyday.  It was such a great experience and I am so sad to be gone and having to go to regular classes again!  I got to do so many things and I learned so much about teaching.  My class was in the 2nd grade, and it really is a great grade to teach!

Here is a picture of all of us girls at Nibley Park Elementary!

During my practicum, I was living at home in Centerville to save a bunch of time on my commute, and so I got to spend a lot of time with these little cuties:

Then on Thanksgiving break my parents and I flew down to Mississippi to visit my brother, Travis, and sister-in-law, Nichole.  It was such a fun visit!  We went shopping a little on Black Friday, went out to dinner, saw movies, played scrabble, and most importantly I got to play with my niece and nephew, Maycie and Ross!

 Me slaving away over a hot stove on Thanksgiving!

 Dad with the Turkey...mmmmm

 Travis with his mashed potatoes!

 Here is what I made:  green bean casserole!  Doesn't it look delicious?

 A little shopping never hurt anyone!

If you are in need of a good laugh...

A girl in my major told me about this website.  Seriously, you gotta take a look, it is so funny!

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

Here's a little sneak peak of what's in store...

I Can't Wait!

This is gonna be great.  Here is a little preview of my new all-time favorite show...

GLEE!

Jane, Brooke, & Ali

You know, there is really no other relationship like the one a person has with their mom and with their sister.  I remember growing up and fighting all the time with my sister and my mom would say something to the effect that friends come and go, but my sister will always be there.  And I remember at the time thinking that was the dumbest thing ever.  But it is so true!

On Labor Day my mom, sister and I went to lunch and went shopping at the outlets in Park City.  It was such a fun day just hanging out with the girls, talking, trying on clothes together, and having fun.  I love all of my friends so much, and I think they are just great.  But there is no way I could function if I didn't have those girl days with my mom and sister!  They have always been there, and will always be there!

So I just wanted to say how lucky I am to have them!  Love you Mom and Brooke!

No Place Like Home

Yes, I am back.  I am glad to be home, but miss all my friends and fun of London.  It is so bittersweet!

I have started class again.  I am in my first Cohort of my El Ed program.  They split our class of 200 up into smaller groups depending on where we do our practicums (a month out of each semester we don't go to class but work in a school).  I am in the Urban Cohort, which is downtown Salt Lake in the Rose Park area and a little in Sugar House.  My cohort is the smallest, only 13 people!  So we have all of our classes together, and get to be real close!  I am loving it so far, and I can't wait until I get to do my practicum!

So I am back to real life again!  It feels so weird to be back in normal school again...I'll just have to adjust again!

Last Bit in London

My mom and I spent about 8 days in London after my program ended.  It was such a fun experience to be able to show her around all the places I went and some of my favorite things about where I lived for 2 months.  As she says, the roles have changed since last time we were in London.  This time I was holding her hand and dragging her around London to keep up with me instead of the other way around!

Sights of Suffolk

Norwich
Beautiful city.  We visited the castle, shopped around, ate sushi, had a fabulous time.

Edith Cavell Pub - we went there

Orford

Another beautiful city.  Went to the castle.  Ate at a pub.  Walked along the coast.  Saw the beautiful town.  

Tiny door!

This is the pub we ate at.