I feel like I have always loved music. I played clarinet for many years and did gymnastics and colorguard to recorded music. Listening for the beat comes naturally. I find myself walking or running to the beat if I am listening to music. It drives me crazy (and I honestly don't understand how people don't get it) when people can't conduct the music on beat. When listening to music, I honestly pay more attention to the beat than the lyrics. The beat is so important!
Today, I heard a new beat. It was not a loud beat, but it was very strong.
Typically, I am the one that can't keep exciting news in. This time it was my mom that was about the break. It's just when we have exciting news, we want to share it with the world (even if they don't care)! I did crack and told a few people, but Baby Barlow is coming in March! We are super excited! Please forgive me if I did not tell you personally. I love you all, but time is limited these days! Now you understand my lack of blogging and extreme fatigue!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tired, but Alive...
This summer, I had lots of fun adventures. After each one, I felt exhausted and needed some time to recuperate. I thought I was tired, but I know better now. To me, getting up before 9:00 during the summer meant I wasn't well rested. Or, going to bed after 11 automatically meant I would be tired the next day. Let me just tell you, I was living the life of luxury. Now, I can officially say I am tired.
We have been in school for a week and it feels like Bus 20 hit me and all the children trampled over me. I am pooped. Taking last year off and just subbing was a vacation. I got to school 10 minutes before it started and left 30 minutes after it was out. I always left empty handed with no homework. Now it is a totally different story! I get to school 30 minutes before it starts, stay hours after it gets out, and always bring home work to do. I forgot how you wake up in the middle of the night thinking about lesson plans or individual kids. I forgot how it takes ALL of your energy to teach them how to act at school and keep their attention. Or just keeping that one child on task. I forgot how exhausting it all is.
I am hoping that as soon as I teach them the basics and they get into a routine, it will get better. I really am excited for my class and I am excited to be teaching again. I love seeing the growth each child makes and the influence you can have on their lives.
Here's to a sleepless, but happy Amber!
We have been in school for a week and it feels like Bus 20 hit me and all the children trampled over me. I am pooped. Taking last year off and just subbing was a vacation. I got to school 10 minutes before it started and left 30 minutes after it was out. I always left empty handed with no homework. Now it is a totally different story! I get to school 30 minutes before it starts, stay hours after it gets out, and always bring home work to do. I forgot how you wake up in the middle of the night thinking about lesson plans or individual kids. I forgot how it takes ALL of your energy to teach them how to act at school and keep their attention. Or just keeping that one child on task. I forgot how exhausting it all is.
I am hoping that as soon as I teach them the basics and they get into a routine, it will get better. I really am excited for my class and I am excited to be teaching again. I love seeing the growth each child makes and the influence you can have on their lives.
Here's to a sleepless, but happy Amber!
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Is This Real Life?
Travis and I love to quote one liners from "David after Dentist." This one line has been going through my head all day. I feel like I am living in a dream and I am going to wake up any minute.
My life just went from relaxed to CRAZY!!! Let me tell you about yesterday to help you understand. I woke up a little earlier than usual because I was going over to watch one of my friends' kids while she went to the doctor. As I was doing my hair, I got a call from the District office that I subbed for last year. I figured she was just returning my call about getting my stuff in for this year. Instead, she said, "There is potentially a kindergarten position opening up in the district. I was wondering if you would be interested." I thought yes, I thought no, I was excited, I was stressed, I had a million thoughts running through my head. Instead of expressing those, I asked which school because we have moved and two of the schools are pretty far away. She said she wasn't sure yet and asked where I subbed a lot last year. I told her Brantwood. It was by far my favorite school! She said she would call back that afternoon to let me know for sure and what school.
I freaked out a little, called Travis, called my mom, prayed and finally decided I would take it if they did decide to hire another teacher. As I was eating lunch, I got a call back. She said in fact that they did need and additional teacher and...it would be at Brantwood!!!! She barely got everything out before I said "YES!!" She replied that it was great and the first work day is Friday. FRIDAY!!! As in I have 2 days before official work starts!! AHHHH!!
I went in to Brantwood that afternoon to talk to the principal. He gave me the rundown, the custodian told me the hours she would be there, I talked to one of the other kindergarten teachers and my mind almost exploded! I am not one bit nervous about starting school because I know all the teachers, I know the school routines and most of all, the other 2 kindergarten teachers are amazing and will help me through everything!
I went home that night and loaded up all my school things. This morning, Mrs. Violet helped me unload everything and organize my classroom. She spent most of the day helping me instead of fixing her classroom. I am at a very comfortable place in my progress thanks to her. What took me a couple weeks to do in Utah only took me a day here. I was on superspeed mode. My favorite part was that Mrs. Violet (or Mr. Borchers, I am not sure which) sent out an email letting everyone know that I was going to be there this year. Every single teacher that was there today came by to congratulate me a let me know how excited they were for me and to offer help. I am seriously at the most amazing school, with the most amazing teachers. I loved it last year, but I already love it more this year. I am seriously so lucky to have this opportunity.
I also have the most amazing friends ever! I know I say that all the time, but I really do! I told 2 people yesterday that I got the job and I can't even count how many people called me today to say congrats and offer to help (since the kids come Tuesday!!). I just feel so blessed all around.
So, I guess I don't have any more excuses of life not being interesting enough to blog about. Now you will get to hear all my "kids say the darnest things" stories. I am so excited for this new adventure!
My life just went from relaxed to CRAZY!!! Let me tell you about yesterday to help you understand. I woke up a little earlier than usual because I was going over to watch one of my friends' kids while she went to the doctor. As I was doing my hair, I got a call from the District office that I subbed for last year. I figured she was just returning my call about getting my stuff in for this year. Instead, she said, "There is potentially a kindergarten position opening up in the district. I was wondering if you would be interested." I thought yes, I thought no, I was excited, I was stressed, I had a million thoughts running through my head. Instead of expressing those, I asked which school because we have moved and two of the schools are pretty far away. She said she wasn't sure yet and asked where I subbed a lot last year. I told her Brantwood. It was by far my favorite school! She said she would call back that afternoon to let me know for sure and what school.
I freaked out a little, called Travis, called my mom, prayed and finally decided I would take it if they did decide to hire another teacher. As I was eating lunch, I got a call back. She said in fact that they did need and additional teacher and...it would be at Brantwood!!!! She barely got everything out before I said "YES!!" She replied that it was great and the first work day is Friday. FRIDAY!!! As in I have 2 days before official work starts!! AHHHH!!
I went in to Brantwood that afternoon to talk to the principal. He gave me the rundown, the custodian told me the hours she would be there, I talked to one of the other kindergarten teachers and my mind almost exploded! I am not one bit nervous about starting school because I know all the teachers, I know the school routines and most of all, the other 2 kindergarten teachers are amazing and will help me through everything!
I went home that night and loaded up all my school things. This morning, Mrs. Violet helped me unload everything and organize my classroom. She spent most of the day helping me instead of fixing her classroom. I am at a very comfortable place in my progress thanks to her. What took me a couple weeks to do in Utah only took me a day here. I was on superspeed mode. My favorite part was that Mrs. Violet (or Mr. Borchers, I am not sure which) sent out an email letting everyone know that I was going to be there this year. Every single teacher that was there today came by to congratulate me a let me know how excited they were for me and to offer help. I am seriously at the most amazing school, with the most amazing teachers. I loved it last year, but I already love it more this year. I am seriously so lucky to have this opportunity.
I also have the most amazing friends ever! I know I say that all the time, but I really do! I told 2 people yesterday that I got the job and I can't even count how many people called me today to say congrats and offer to help (since the kids come Tuesday!!). I just feel so blessed all around.
So, I guess I don't have any more excuses of life not being interesting enough to blog about. Now you will get to hear all my "kids say the darnest things" stories. I am so excited for this new adventure!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Random Ramblings
Seriously, I can't get over how much I love this weather! I was mowing the grass yesterday and cool gusts of wind kept sweeping through. I realized that I think I love this weather so much is because it reminds my of my first transfer in Canada. I was in Ottawa and fall was just around the corner. The weather here is similar to Ottawa but it gets waaaay colder there in the winter. I guess it is the slight humidity and crisp air. I am loving it! We haven't turned on the ac in days.
On a different thought, I had a funny experience the other day. I went to sign up for a library card since I am in a book club. I filled out the paperwork and the lady at the counter said, "before I can give this to you, I just want to make sure that you are over 18." I chuckled and said, "yes, I am 26." The lady was shocked. Haha. It made my day! I may feel old at times, but at least I apparently look young.
Tonight we are having some people to watch a movie outside while the weather is perfect! I need to go make some snacks. I will try to get some pictures if it isn't too dark.
On a different thought, I had a funny experience the other day. I went to sign up for a library card since I am in a book club. I filled out the paperwork and the lady at the counter said, "before I can give this to you, I just want to make sure that you are over 18." I chuckled and said, "yes, I am 26." The lady was shocked. Haha. It made my day! I may feel old at times, but at least I apparently look young.
Tonight we are having some people to watch a movie outside while the weather is perfect! I need to go make some snacks. I will try to get some pictures if it isn't too dark.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Fall
The past couple of days I have been getting really excited for fall! I love the crisp air, getting curled up under a blanket, hot chocolate, football, the colors and scents of fall and so much more. I think that fall reminds me of being surrounded by family and friends because of all the holidays!
I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday to get a Styrofoam wreath to start a Halloween wreath and I couldn't help but go down the Fall decor isle. I guess fall is just a comfort season in my head. It was all I could do not to pick up several items to bring home with me. I need to get a candle or new scentsy scent so my house can smell like fall.
This morning as I was laying in bed, I just sat and listened to the thunder and rain outside (another reason I love fall!). On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this week, the highs are in the 70s. So maybe Fall is closer than we think!
I went to Hobby Lobby yesterday to get a Styrofoam wreath to start a Halloween wreath and I couldn't help but go down the Fall decor isle. I guess fall is just a comfort season in my head. It was all I could do not to pick up several items to bring home with me. I need to get a candle or new scentsy scent so my house can smell like fall.
This morning as I was laying in bed, I just sat and listened to the thunder and rain outside (another reason I love fall!). On Friday, Saturday and Sunday of this week, the highs are in the 70s. So maybe Fall is closer than we think!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Spoiled
I have been spoiled in many ways lately. I have been spoiled this summer with fun activities, friends and family. Because of this, I now feel like I have nothing to blog about because I am just back to normal life. Maybe I should do the photo-a-day to get me back to blogging about the simple things.
Travis has also been doing a lot of spoiling me lately. He isn't putting a ton of pressure on me to be super productive right now. Instead he is letting me enjoy these last couple of weeks before school starts again. When he gets home, he asks me how my day was instead of "what did you do today." I have even gotten into the habit of sleeping in. For now it is great, but it will be hard to adjust back to an early schedule.
Not only has Travis been letting me relax, but he has been doing a lot of cooking! Sunday he let me talk on the phone to my family while he fixed a delicious dinner! I sure am lucky to be married to him!
So, my goal is to refocus my thoughts to enjoy all the little things again. I have just had an adventure filled summer that I need to remember all the small things too.
Travis has also been doing a lot of spoiling me lately. He isn't putting a ton of pressure on me to be super productive right now. Instead he is letting me enjoy these last couple of weeks before school starts again. When he gets home, he asks me how my day was instead of "what did you do today." I have even gotten into the habit of sleeping in. For now it is great, but it will be hard to adjust back to an early schedule.
Not only has Travis been letting me relax, but he has been doing a lot of cooking! Sunday he let me talk on the phone to my family while he fixed a delicious dinner! I sure am lucky to be married to him!
Steak, corn, baked potato with bacon, french bread and strawberry pie for dessert!
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Utah
After exploring Mount Rushmore, we made our way to Utah. Let me tell you, there is nothing in Wyoming. I thought Kansas was bad! We did have a small adventure in Wyoming though. (mom don't read this part) As we were driving down a long, barren road, Travis decided to see if he could get up to a certain speed. Well, as he was accelerating, all of the sudden we heard this psshhhh noise. I was pretty sure that we had popped a tire. Travis pulled over as I looked around to see nothing but fields for MILES in each direction. Luckily the tire was ok. We looked under the car and a piece of the plastic guard had fallen down and was scraping the ground. I was beyond relieved. Travis stuck it back up as a temporary fix until we could find some civilization. I looked up auto stores as he was driving. There weren't any nearby so Travis stopped at the first house we saw. Luckily the guy there knew about cars and had a wide and nice variety of tools. Travis just took off the rest of the guard and said he would fix it when we got home. So, no accidents this trip but we still had some car troubles.
On Monday, we spent the day visiting Travis' Uncle Gordon. He took us around the farm that Travis' Dad grew up on and the house he grew up in. Then we went to Uncle Gordon's hide away. I seriously think he is a grown up version of Travis. He loves outdoors and adventures. His hide-away was just a bunch of land that he made exciting by putting in Ziplines, shooting/bow targets, a giant slip-n-slide, a lake with a huge ramp and trampoline to jump off of and so much more. Travis was in heaven. The whole morning he kept commenting on how he would love this simple lifestyle of spending your time outdoors and riding around on four wheelers. I am definitely more of a city girl. I need stores and friends close by! Before leaving Lewiston, we stopped by Travis' dad's and sister's grave.
That evening we drove down to Provo to meet up with old friends and roommates. I went and hung out with the Mullen's before going to Cafe Rio to meet up with everyone else. I seriously love Jessica so much. We met in 2004 and have been best friends ever since! She is fabulous in every sense of the word!
Tuesday we went and visited more friends before checking for the family reunion. I didn't get to see everyone that I wanted to, but it was good to see the ones that we did.
Barlow family reunions are way different than Broadhead reunions. We don't really have a schedule, everyone does their own thing, most people just sit on the beach and read or talk. The Barlows plan activities and there is always something going on. Travis and I were in charge of chaperoning the teens at Boondocks where we played lazer tag, went on bumper boats and raced in go carts. They went on a hike, did tons of crafts, had a play put on by the little girls, the teens had a mario cart tournament, the men had a wii dance off (hilarious!), we went on a BYU scavenger hunt, and had a talent show. It was a blast!
We checked out early Saturday and began our long drive back home. We stopped in Denver to see Travis' best friend Jared and his adorable family! I love them! Then we continued our drive straight through the night. We got home and zonked out for a couple hours before eating dinner and going back to bed. I haven't been that tired in forever!
Although I have loved all of these trips, I am glad to be back home. Travis and I were talking and I realized how much I love my life! Just one year ago, I remember sulking around about not having a job, not having any friends and feeling like I had no purpose. To contrast that to today, I LOVE my life! I have tons of amazing friends that have truly helped me out! I love going to classes at the gym with everyone, I love craft nights, I love visiting random friends, I love going shopping/to lunch/to get pedicures with my friends, I love seeing everyone each Sunday, I love going to play groups, I even joined a book club because of the people that go. Basically, I just love all my friends! I love being able to see all these lovely ladies on a regular basis. They all set such a good example for me. I am not ready for school to start back because I won't see everyone as often. For now, I am going to enjoy these next few weeks of freedom.
On Monday, we spent the day visiting Travis' Uncle Gordon. He took us around the farm that Travis' Dad grew up on and the house he grew up in. Then we went to Uncle Gordon's hide away. I seriously think he is a grown up version of Travis. He loves outdoors and adventures. His hide-away was just a bunch of land that he made exciting by putting in Ziplines, shooting/bow targets, a giant slip-n-slide, a lake with a huge ramp and trampoline to jump off of and so much more. Travis was in heaven. The whole morning he kept commenting on how he would love this simple lifestyle of spending your time outdoors and riding around on four wheelers. I am definitely more of a city girl. I need stores and friends close by! Before leaving Lewiston, we stopped by Travis' dad's and sister's grave.
Tuesday we went and visited more friends before checking for the family reunion. I didn't get to see everyone that I wanted to, but it was good to see the ones that we did.
Barlow family reunions are way different than Broadhead reunions. We don't really have a schedule, everyone does their own thing, most people just sit on the beach and read or talk. The Barlows plan activities and there is always something going on. Travis and I were in charge of chaperoning the teens at Boondocks where we played lazer tag, went on bumper boats and raced in go carts. They went on a hike, did tons of crafts, had a play put on by the little girls, the teens had a mario cart tournament, the men had a wii dance off (hilarious!), we went on a BYU scavenger hunt, and had a talent show. It was a blast!
Most of the group at BYU!
Although I have loved all of these trips, I am glad to be back home. Travis and I were talking and I realized how much I love my life! Just one year ago, I remember sulking around about not having a job, not having any friends and feeling like I had no purpose. To contrast that to today, I LOVE my life! I have tons of amazing friends that have truly helped me out! I love going to classes at the gym with everyone, I love craft nights, I love visiting random friends, I love going shopping/to lunch/to get pedicures with my friends, I love seeing everyone each Sunday, I love going to play groups, I even joined a book club because of the people that go. Basically, I just love all my friends! I love being able to see all these lovely ladies on a regular basis. They all set such a good example for me. I am not ready for school to start back because I won't see everyone as often. For now, I am going to enjoy these next few weeks of freedom.
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