23!

On the 13th I turned 23. To most of you it sounds young, but to me it sounds old. Probably because I'm starting to feel like the oldest on campus when I sit next to freshman in my math class who really do think I'm old.

Yesterday I woke up early to finish some homework and went to class. Three of my really good friends greeted me with a present and enough cookies for the entire class and led the class in singing Happy Birthday. (That's always kind of awkward) After Math methods, the three of us went to lunch at the new restaurant in town called Sammy's. None of us had been there before and we had a blast. It was fun because we rarely ever do anything outside of class together. I thoroughly enjoyed the battered fries. We ended the meal with pictures and a pumpkin cheesecake shake. Yum!

Melissa French, me, Rachel Taylor, and Alyssa Woolf

Six more weeks before we all go our separate ways!

I had math at 2:00 PM and an hour later was free for the day! When I arrived home some of my friends dropped by. I was given a delicious Birthday cake (Pat was excited because he didn't have to attempt to make one) and this very creative treat.

Rice Crispy cake on the bottom, kit-kats surrounding it, filled with m&m's.

Pat decided I didn't need to cook :) He even let me pick the restaurant! I of course picked Cafe Rio, much to his displeasure (it makes him sick) but he was a good sport. My mom came alone because my dad had a temple trip planned for his ward, and as Bishop he couldn't skip out. The three of us had fun with great food. We then headed back to the house, cut the cake and hung out for the night.

Family was very very generous with their gifts, thank you. I was given two tickets to see Les Miserables in SLC! Some cash to put towards clothing for student teaching ... skinny jeans aren't allowed.

Back in May for Mother's Day Pat and Pres gave me running shoes. I've had the same red and white adidas shoes since I was a sophomore in High School. I've put a lot of miles on those babies. Pat tells me it's time to get rid of them. So he surprised me with Nike's. Well, they fit really weird and I ended up sending them back. I hadn't thought much about it. Well, Pat took the time and effort to actually design me some shoes. Yes, that's right, that's how bad he dislikes my shoes. So here they are, I must admit they are really comfortable. I've never seen the zig-zag before, so they're fun.

He also gave me a new digital camera :) Our old one was trashed. He definitely spoiled me.

Then today, the 14th, was my day at the Middle School. I was correcting papers thirty minutes before school was let out, when one of the fifth graders asked to escort me up to the "hot seat." She linked her arm in mine and walked me up to the front of the room. As I glanced at the students they were deathly quiet and I saw 32 pairs of eyes excitedly staring back at me. I took a seat and what happened next was was so very sweet. I was given a book by my coordinating teacher called, The Lesson, A Fable of Hope, by Carol Lynn Pearson. A really amazing little book. All the students wrote inside. When I got home and opened it I couldn't help but cry. I didn't know they knew about Preslee, but so many of them wrote such sweet encouraging words to me. It was another humbling moment. They sang their fancy version of Happy Birthday to me, pulled out boxes of doughnuts and apple juice and I blew out candles. I was shocked when quite a few students brought up presents for me! I can't believe how sweet these kids are. I received homemade jam,treats, candles, personal cards, and a Cocoa Bean cupcake :) Mrs. T arranged the kids behind me and we took a couple group pictures. If you want to have fun celebrating your Birthday, do it with 32 fifth graders! I love being around kids, everything is so exciting to them. I've been blessed to be placed in such a great class, they honestly are the most well behaved group of students I've ever seen. Six weeks in and not one of them has taken me on.

Thanks again for all the sweet messages yesterday and today. We are still grateful for your support. Though it doesn't take the pain away, it's easier to carry the load with all of you behind us!:)