Fall Semester update thus far...

Ok, so I promised an update...

I'm taking 11 credit hours this semester, and I'm not gonna lie, it's got me a little stressed! :)

Part of the stress is coming from the fact that I have to do a lot of hours volunteering in an elementary school, and I work full time, which means I have to take time away from work to go to schools. I HAVE to have my car paid off in full by the end of next summer, because I'm going to have to quit work, and do school/student teaching full time. That is if I get into the program, which starts me on a-whole-nother topic...

I had to pay $130 to take this test that I have to pass in order to even apply for the teaching program. I was tested in reading, writing, and math. It was a computer based test, so I already know that I passed the reading and math portions, but I'm still waiting to hear about the writing portion, because I had to write an essay, and that had to be sent off and graded. Writing has ALWAYS been a struggle for me, so I'm nervous! This test is one of the last things that I need in order to send in my application to the teaching program, so I REALLY hope I pass...if not though, I'll try again next month. I still can't believe I had to pay so much! That school is sucking me dry! (Another reason I need money!) During the test though, I couldn't have my purse or my cell phone or anything but me in the room. I even had to turn my pockets inside out, so that they could see I had nothing in them...it was like some form of prison, seriously! :)

I've just worked really hard these last couple of years, and although I enjoy the people I work with, I really hate my job, and I really can't wait until I can do something that I'm going to enjoy more. Don't get me wrong, I know that as a teacher I'll have rough days, I worked for a year as an aide in a 3rd grade classroom, so I've experienced it first hand...the thing is though, that the good days overshadow the bad ones. I still remember the kids that I worked with...I still wonder how they are and what they're up to now. I love working with kids, and I really believe that I can make a difference as a teacher. I really believe this is something I'm good at, and will get better at over time.

Now on to the social aspect of my life...drum roll please...I joined an LDS sorority! One of my friends at work has been telling me to join one for the past two years now, but I just never got around to it. So far I've really enjoyed myself, and I'm really excited to get to know the girls. It's exactly what I need to meet new people, and it helps me to step away from school and work and actually do something social. I'm pretty excited about it!

I spent A LOT of time with my family last weekend, which for those of you who know me well, is one of my all time FAVORITE things to do!!!

Absolutely crazy...my oldest niece got baptized on Saturday!! My oldest brother baptized her, which gives my and that beautiful 8 year old another special bond...my oldest brother also baptized me! Did you know that? It's not because my dad couldn't, but when I turned 8, Trav was a Priest, and therefore was able to baptize, so my dad let Trav baptize me. He also baptized Jami. Anyway, for any of you who know my older brother well, you can imagine how TERRIFIED I was! LOL! He threatened to hold me under, as I'm sure any good 16 year old brother would do to his 8 year old sister. I remember finally though, my dad pulled me aside and explained to me that he was going to be one of the witnesses who made sure I went all the way under, then he said, "Do you think I'm going to stand there, and let Travis hold you under?" Anyway, as I watched my nieces baptism, I totally cried! She's so beautiful, and strong, and smart, and sweet, and it just makes me SO happy to see her on the right path to continuing to follow in our Father's footsteps, and the path that will lead us to be an eternal family!

Because of this as well, I got to spend the weekend with my very pregnant older sister, who came down from Oregon for the baptism. It was a lot of fun to see her big belly! Travis and Ryan of course, wouldn't let her forget how big her belly is...they were watching a football game (surprise surprise) and Crystal came and sat down on a chair next to Ryan, and he leaned forward because he "couldn't see past Crystal's big belly!" Travis asked her if she would have been mad if he called her a "fatty fatty two by four"... Aw man, you gotta love having brothers! :)
I'm excited to get this semester underway, because I know the busier I get, the faster the semester will fly by, and before you know it...Christmas break...Spring Semester...Summer Vacation of NO SCHOOL FOR KELLI...Quit work...Student teaching...graduation in Spring 2011!!!!!!!

Well, I still have to pass the writing portion of the test, and the waiting is KILLING me! Wish me luck!