Ten Lessons

Things I've learned my 3 days of substitute teaching.

1. I hate Middle School.

2. No amount of classroom management techniques can control a class lacking teacher management.

3. I hate 6th graders most.

4. I like that I don't have to go to the meetings.

5. It's super weird hearing the kids talk outside the classroom about "having a sub today"...and that being me.

6. I miss having my own classroom.

7. Over planning, although helpful, is sometimes stressful because I'm not sure what really needs to get done.

8. Agenda's are underused in classrooms.

9. Spelling counts.

10. Bring a book; you'll be bored for most of the period.

Watch Out People...the Morrell's Want to Go Photo Pro!

So...Kaylinn and I both share a common love and interest in photography. There is just so much that you can do with it and being that the rest of my family took the painting and artsy stuff, this is a great way for me to be artisitc. I just wanted to show off some pictures that we took or were taken of us by someone else that we have preofessionalized. With a little more practice I might seriously consider doing this as a side gig....


(Waterfall in Oregon)


(Wedding Before)


(Wedding After)


(Before)


(After)

Ok...so maybe not pro...but we think we can at least make our photos look pro....love it.

A new chapter

Lots of things have been going on in our little world over here. Thought I might take a moment to update you on a few things.

Our bathroom renovation project have been coming along nicely. We're happy to report that we now have a working toilet in the master bathroom, professionally installed by my man. We are taking on the great project of cleaning out the tile to prep it for grouting and sealing. And we are ready to install the vanity that has been sitting in our garage for the last 2 months. Very exciting. We are having the shower doors installed by real professionals which is sort of a luxury in this adventure and we hope we are stunned at their beauty like we were stunned at their price.

Mom is moved into her house; mostly. At least the boxes are in the garage and the beds are set up. My sister, bless her heart, spent the better part of her trip down here organizing closets and kitchens and rooms until she was blue in the face. Dave is here now redoing the electrical to meet the dreams of my mother. Hopefully the roof doesn't come down as her wishes seem a little bigger then they should be. But my brother is a genius so he'll make it work great I'm sure.

I have decided to finally leave the temp position I've been filling these past 6 months to go back to the classroom. I have been hired as a substitute in the district near my home and am hopeful the work is enough to keep me busy. Plus it will get my foot in the door at the district in hopes for a full time position next year. Fingers crossed.

My younger brother was diagnosed with leukemia just 2 days before his last semester of college was to start. He has been in the hospital in Salt Lake for the last week receiving treatments to stabilize his white blood cell count. Things are looking good as they make plans to return to the Bay Area for further treatments. That has been quite the speed bump in our family as we all feel like we've paid our cancer dues with Dad. I guess we were wrong.

I guess that's about it for now. Just busy with life which has been filled with good things. We really are so blessed.

Holiday Season

The holiday season is now over. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly it seems to end after weeks of anticipation. And the thought of returning back to work and 'life' is enough to suck the Christmas joy right out of you! So in a final effort to bask in the warmth of Christmas one last time, here is a little snip about how we spent the days.

We decided to stay home alone again this year. Santa's visit is always an interesting thing, for the 2 of us, who sleep in the same bed, but we managed to pretend we didn't know when he arrived. Even when he smashed a few things around in the dark. Mark was up bright and early like any school boy would.
Even our little tree seemed to brim with gifts. Included in the packages were new PJ's, Sunday shoes, a wheat grinder, tools, jewelry box, earrings, and the fabulous Juicer! Can you believe it? A little fact about me: I have been watching the Jack LeLalanne juicing infomercial for - I don't know - ages, only wishing I could juice someday. And now I have one. I immediately juiced everything in my fridge. And continue to do it. Delightful. The rest of the evening was spent just relaxing, watching movies, and lounging around. A perfectly merry Christmas.

Now it is a new year. Resolutions are flying wild as people prep up to be their best selves for the next 14 days. I have always loved goal setting and "resolutions" on a more frequent basis then I care to admit. Thus, New Years Resolutions are kind of a big deal to me. Granted, I only completed maybe 40% of last years resolves - I am committed to being better this year. Plus, I'm really excited about most of them which makes me think I'll be successful in completing them. I've listed a few here to satisfy your curiosity.

Grow a Fruit Tree-yes. And let the record show I set this goal BEFORE the juicer but now it makes the need that much greater. Who doesn't love fresh lemonade? Seriously.

100% Visiting Teaching-I can't say I'm the worst visiting teacher in the world, but I most definitely have room for improvement. This year I resolve to visit a few sisters in my ward each month without missing. Since I'll be in this area for a long while, I might as well stop playing the "in transit" card.

SF project-I can't disclose what this is here but lets just say I am super excited about it and have already started.

Participate in a physical activity-By this I mean be part of a group of people doing some sort of physical stuff. I really love running and have a lofty goal to run the Walt Disney World Marathon held every January. Anyway-a marathon-that's a physical activity. Or a volleyball league. I guess I have sort of accomplished this goal because I have signed up for a bi-weekly swimming class for the next 3 months. Signing up is one thing, but to complete it, that is another.

Lose Weight-Who doesn't make this goal right? The months before I met Mark I was in the best shape of my life. I was working out 5 days a week. Eating right. Taking care of my nails and hair. You know, the whole "attract a man" stuff. Now I am a little more behind then I wanted to be so a swift kick with a new year is just what I need.

Study the New Testament-So - announcement - I have had a church calling change. I'm now the Gospel Doctrine teacher. (what?) yes. Which is hugely intimidating and kind of makes me want to barf. That being said, I am really excited for the opportunity to actually study the New Testament. We've ordered a bunch of new study materials to assist in the endeavor. Although I'll miss the Young Women terribly, I embrace this change.

Finish the Bathroom-Ok, the house renovations projects are never ending. And probably all equal in size. But - this one is a little closer to being done then I ever thought possible. Check out our newly tiled bathroom! Yes ladies and gentlemen, these DIYers got the job done in just shy of 7 months. Now, it isn't finished yet. It lacks grouting, doors, a vanity, sinks, a toilet, paint, light fixtures, and all the knobs and buttons bathrooms require. But lets just focus on the tile right now. Its nice right!Ok. So there you go. We certainly look forward to 2011. We have great plans for the next 365 days and look forward to continuing to report to our imaginary readers.