My Soul Delighteth in Simple Pleasures

Hey everyone! I have been asked to speak at the Kent Stake Womens Conference on January 31st. I have been preparing and studying materials in order to do this. I have thought about all the small and simple things in my life that seem to make a difference. I am just curious as to what small and simple pleasures you are grateful for. Would love some feedback and insights! You guys are awesome!

Sister Julie B. Beck: Woman of God

I have had an amazing experience this past weekend. Sister Julie B. Beck, the Relief Society General President, visited the Seattle area. She spoke to just the sisters on Saturday night and then she spoke to everyone (both brothers and sisters) last night. Her husband, Ramon, tagged along with her and was also very inspiring. They make a great couple! Her overall message was to "live after the manner of happiness." Sometimes that is a hard thing to do. But, as we begin to recognize the blessings that we receive from being members of the church, it becomes a bit easier. She talked about the scope of the church and all the good that it does...humanitarian service, education, missionary work, temples, etc. She talked about questions that we all should ask ourselves as we strive to build the kingdom... *Whom do I serve and what do they have to do? Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. Moses 1:39. Make covenants and receive ordinances and help others to do the same. *How can I help? Believe, repent, teach, be an example, share the gospel, do temple work. *How am I going to know if I am doing a good job? Are you happy? Do you feel the spirit? Do you love who you are serving? *How am I going to go about doing the Lord's work? What are our specific responsibilities and callings that we need to magnify? Are we magnifying our discipleship? She also shared stories of faithful women from around the world. All very inspiring. I know that the Lord called Sister Beck to lead the women of the church at this time. She is a very inspired woman who speaks with boldness and who teaches by the spirit. It was awesome to listen to her this weekend! I am grateful!

Evergreen Boys and Girls State

The organization that sponsors our students so that they can attend

Evergreen Boys and Girls State held a dinner on Monday night

in order to honor our students that went.

The organization is the American Legion Auxiliary.

This is a photo of the two girls, Lina and Brandy,

that represented GKHS with their parents at the dinner.

Also in the picture is Riley.

He is one of the boys that represented GKHS at Boys State.

Proud to Represent! Brandy, Riley and Lina

One of my responsibilities as a counselor is to select and send junior students to represent GKHS at Boys and Girls State. This is an awesome experience for the kids as they come to understand more fully the parliamentary procedures and how the government operates. They also gain a greater appreciation for the men and women who are serving our country at this time. It instills within them a greater sense of patriotism. This past year we sent two boys to Evergreen Boys State and two girls to Evergreen Girls State. On Monday night, we got together with the other students in the area that represented their high schools and the students talked about their experiences. It was so much fun to hear about what they learned and the friendships that they formed. It took me back in time to when I went and represented Olympus High School at Girls State in Utah. Perhaps the funniest thing that was shared during the evening was that the boys passed a bill so that nobody in the state of Washington can ever drive a dragon drunk again. They also passed a bill that made JZ the best rapper of all time! Ha! Go figure...they are teenage boys after all! :)

A Beautiful Walk

The other night my roommate and I went on a walk around our neighborhood. I was able to capture a few beautiful sites on my new I Phone. (By the way, great purchase!) It was amazing to take this walk this particular day because in my morning drive to work I saw Mt. Rainier and was filled with a spirit of gratitude and love for my Heavenly Father and his beautiful creations. It is definitely a way that He shows us His great love. I am grateful! Enjoy the pictures!!!

Back to School!!!

I am about to begin my third year at Graham-Kapowsin High School. School will start officially on Tuesday, September 2nd...the day after Labor Day. I have already been back to the school and have been preparing for the past two weeks. I look forward to having the students come now...and my office is already to go! It is an amazing school and I absolutely LOVE my students! I am really looking forward to this year and what it has in store for me. GO EAGLES!!!

A Fun Visit from Lindsey Linton

Shortly after returning from my trip to Utah, my good friend, Lindsey Linton, came to visit with her friend, Spencer. We had a great time while they were here. I took them to my favorite spot in Washington...Point Defiance. We also enjoyed dinner on the waterfront in Tacoma at Katie Downs and took a drive to Eatonville for a yummy dinner at my favorite mom and pop's diner, Mountain Cafe. We also watched some of the Olympics...and wow! that Michael Phelps sure can swim!!! Anyway, it was fun having them here...they are trying to decide if they will make the move to join me here! I hope they do!!!

Ghetto Gals Reunion!!

It was so much fun to get together with the Ghetto Gals while I was in Utah. I LOVE these girls!!! We went and enjoyed dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and also enjoyed catching up with each other! It was way fun to hear about Katie Bell Smith and her darling little family...her little boy Jack is adorable!!! Plus, it was fun to hear about Jamie's boyfriend and how well things are going there. Erin was there with little Hanna...the first baby girl of the Ghetto Gals...and she is quite the little beauty, too! Melissa is working hard and supporting Josh through school for his MBA. Rochelle is gearing up to start another year teaching at Riverton High School. We missed our little Tara Sue who is now preparing to make the move from Boston to Boise. The Ghetto Gals are the best!!! I love these girls! Next year we need to plan another little vacation for sure!!! Last year they came to visit me in the Northwest...where will it be next year??? Boise to see Tara Sue??? Time will tell!