The Walkers

See that? That's an empty classroom. An empty classroom that will remain empty until August 19th. What bliss is mine.

Okay, so I feel guilty for being so mean about my students last week. Everybody has their days right? Well, Friday was mine. And although I like to make fun of my students for silly things like spelling errors (“theretining” = threatening) and a complete lack of motivation, I really do love them. I love those “light bulb moments” when a kid finally gets a concept and his whole countenance changes. He’s so proud of himself and I’m so proud of him. I love it when a girl really connects with the literature because she relates to a character. (This happens every spring with Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream .) I love it when my students pass the UBSCT. I love it when the rowdy boys make their computers talk, and I love that I have to pretend to be offended at the inappropriate robot-voice innuendo. I love watching my sophomores mature throughout the year. I love it when the boys and girls actually sit next to each other and have real conversations. (No flirting, no texting, really talkin...

I have this Teachers’ Phrase Stamp that I inherited from my desk’s previous owner. There are twelve phrases on the stamp, so I can be lazy and stamp instructions on my students’ papers like, “Very Good” or “Improving” or “Watch Punctuation” or “See Me”. But I never use it. It feels too impersonal. However, after grading term papers over the last couple of days, realizing that only a handful of my students actually did the project correctly (even though we’ve been working on it for two months), and losing all hope for America’s future, I’m considering getting my own phrase stamp made. Here are my twelve phrases: 1. What is wrong with you? 2. Repeat elementary school. 3. Why can’t you follow simple instructions? 4. At least you got your name right. 5. Who taught you how to spell? 6. Seriously!?? 7. So…I guess you’re staying in Payson forever, then? 8. Dumbass. 9. Hope you like hairnets. 10. I blame your parents. 11. Does this B.S. work with your other teachers? 12. You have now failed my...

...and I've never been more proud. She's 90th percentile in height, weight, and head size. At least she's proportionate.

Okay, maybe not literally. But I've definitely come to appreciate its hypnotic capabilities. Here are some photos from our trip to Vegas last weekend with the Bradfords. Obviously I had the camera. I'll say this much; I'm never staying on the strip again (...something about the Rio's new "Brazilian" pool tipped the scale). Can you tell how psyched Brad is to be carrying Kaiya around the outlet mall kangaroo-style? (Or how psyched he is to be at the outlet mall altogether?) And of course, Kaiya hated her first aquatic experience. But hello? How cute is her swimsuit?!

This was the first time we put Kaiya in her exersaucer and the first time she really laughed uncontrollably. This was Kaiya's first Easter. (I have yet to take pictures of her in her pretty dress... I'll get to it.) I love this picture because a) the Bumbo is funny, b) Kaiya has drool all down her onesie, and c) she looks like a Kempton. This was Kaiya's first trip to Washington (we went last week for spring break) and her first bath from Dee Dee. Look how happy she is!! This is her "what the hell?" face. So funny. Matt is so cute with his neices and nephew.... all babies love Matt! This picture is just pretty. And last night Kaiya had her first rice cereal meal. I think she only successfully swallowed one bite. I gave up and just mixed some in with her bottle.

Those of you who have been lucky enough to see me first thing in the morning, during allergy season, know that I can’t see you. My eyes get so puffy that it looks like I’ve been beaten by a Chinaman. And then got turned into a Chinaman. It takes a good half-hour for the swelling and irritation to go down enough for me to put my contacts in without crying. Anyway, I woke up late this morning and had ten minutes to get Kaiya and myself ready. I had to take her to Grandma’s house in Spanish Fork and be to work by 7:30. I forewent my shower, hurried and got dressed, threw my glasses on, woke my daughter up, and figured I’d do my makeup in the car. Clearly, I didn’t think that one through. How do you put on makeup while wearing glasses? I ended up applying makeup in a moving vehicle without the benefit of clear vision. (At least I dropped off my baby first.) I realized my stupidity mid-foundation and put my glasses back on. Good thing I didn’t hit any of those blurry areas with lights in fr...