Thursday, March 29, 2012

Been thinking of these lyrics lately...

I heard this song on the radio for the first time a couple of weeks ago, and I loved it. The words continue to sing in my head, so I thought I would share them with you. Normally I don't seek out Jason Mraz's music, but here you go.

"I Won't Give Up"

Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Hmmm ...

When I look into your eyes
It's like watching the night sky
Or a beautiful sunrise
There's so much they hold
And just like them old stars
I see that you've come so far
To be right where you are
How old is your soul?

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

And when you're needing your space
To do some navigating
I'll be here patiently waiting
To see what you find

'Cause even the stars they burn
Some even fall to the earth
We've got a lot to learn
God knows we're worth it
No, I won't give up

I don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily
I'm here to stay and make the difference that I can make
Our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use
The tools and gifts we got yeah, we got a lot at stake
And in the end, you're still my friend at least we did intend
For us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn
We had to learn how to bend without the world caving in
I had to learn what I've got, and what I'm not
And who I am

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up
Still looking up.

I won't give up on us (no I'm not giving up)
God knows I'm tough enough (I am tough, I am loved)
We've got a lot to learn (we're alive, we are loved)
God knows we're worth it (and we're worth it)

I won't give up on us
Even if the skies get rough
I'm giving you all my love
I'm still looking up

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing...

I'm here waiting for my work day to really start and have a lot of thoughts running through my head.

The past few months have been full of sitting and thinking, waiting for answers, and wishes for things to change or to make sense.

- Waiting to hear how my grandma's chemo treatments are going.
- Waiting to hear how my mom's test results are going.
- Wishing things could have turned out better in regards to JJ.
- Waiting to hear back from someone who could join us for a benefit concert for the Stones.
- Wishing for peace.
- Sitting up late at night, waiting and wishing for sleep to come.
- Sitting deciding how to help plan Ben and Jacquelle's wedding.
- Waiting for people to make up their minds.
- Waiting and wishing for answers.
- Sitting making plans for my future.
- Waiting for parts of my future to unfold so I can better plan.
- Wishing I could achieve my goal to become debt free more quickly.

I know that I may not get many of these answers when I want them or how I want them, and I'm just being incredibly impatient. Through priesthood blessings I've been told that the Lord is aware of the thoughts and pains of my heart, and that in His own time things will work.

In the mean time, I'm still hurting, sitting, waiting, wishing, for something to suddenly make sense. Thanks for your patience with me.

While I'm still hurting, I'll still be a little crazy. But, as I've said before, I try to only surround myself with awesome people, and they usually know how to help me feel better and learn the patience I need.

I know this is kind of a downer - post, and I apologize. I just needed to get a few things off of my chest. Thanks.

Friday, March 16, 2012

PolitiBlog Post #1 - Introduction and Sex Education in Schools

I'm going to straight up here. I am not the smartest woman on the planet. I know that and have accepted it.

But I do know one thing - I know enough that I can make an informed decision through study and discerning a situation.

As the presidential elections are quickly approaching I have been listening to the views of people I know, love, respect, and other things. Some I agree with, some I don't.

I am definitely okay with other people having opinions that differ from mine. If there were no other opinions life would be quite dull. I love a healthy conversation where I have the opportunity to state my opinion and hear someone else's. What a wonderful society we live in where this is possible.

Please, as you read this, if you feel the need to share your opinion please keep it clean and respectful. I do not post rude things on your posts I see on facebook or your personal blogs, so please refrain from doing that to me and anyone who comments on a possible thread.

On the Subject of Sex Education in Schools

I'm going to tell you a secret - I never attended the sex education portion of my high school health class.

*GASP*

And you know what? I turned out just fine. Why? Because I was taught about it at home.

I firmly believe that our children have no better place to learn than in their homes. Teachers are not hired to be parents. As a teacher, I have been thought of as a babysitter and a mom for other peoples' children. I was hired to teach band. That's all. Health teachers are supposed to teach students about a healthy lifestyle. That's all.

I think that our state legislators were doing their job - representing the people of Utah. Many Utah parents are teaching abstinence only in their homes. I can't imagine what an attack it would be for me to teach my child abstinence and then for that child to learn all about things I had no control over at home.

That may make me sound like a control freak, but I don't think so. It keeps my child from being confused if he/she learns things from one source and then can ask questions. All of the views of all of the people who could be teaching my child are different. I want mine to get one and then be able to ask me questions and do his or her own research (through studying books and articles with me and my spouse) and see for his or herself the dangers of unprotected sex.

If your school districts and legislators have decided to remove curriculum from certain subjects, don't throw a fit about it. Take the initiative, become informed and educated on the subject, and teach your children yourself.

The only 100% guarantee that someone will not become pregnant or get an STD is abstinence. If you would like to dispute that then go ahead. But if you really understand contraceptives, you will know that I speak the truth.

If you think your children will still experiment with sex in their younger years, you take the initiative and teach them about contraception. Teach them the benefits and the side effects. Help to make them as well rounded and understanding of an individual as you can. Because that is your calling in life. Teacher of your own children.

I feel there is no greater calling in life than being a parent. Please, if you plan to be a parent, take it seriously and teach your children the things you want them to know.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Last Night

What a long but rewarding day yesterday was!!

I spent several hours at school yesterday with some of my favorite people - my students. Truly, they are my reason to wake up in the morning. They are learning and growing so much it's amazing!

I think one of the most rewarding comments I have ever received came from one of my boys last night. This is a student that doesn't try in any class, and until recently didn't even try in mine. He told me that I was his favorite teacher. I am so grateful that I am teaching the subject that I am, that can really change lives. Because he likes band, he is now starting to turn his work in, in one class, because he knows if he doesn't do well in that particular class he can't come to band. YAY!

Another wonderful part of yesterday was our band concert. Our students have been working VERY hard since the beginning of February, and it really paid off. They played beautifully and put their little hearts and souls into everything.

They also really want to help Melissa, and that is the last miracle of last night. We had a little table set up to collect donations for her, where 2 students and another faculty member stayed. The parents of APA collectively donated almost $1240.00. INCREDIBLE! I am grateful for their example to me.

We are continuing fund raising efforts on their behalf. If you wish to donate, let me know, and I can send you some places to go or some people to contact.