Sara Rae's Happenings

Last Single Night

2009-06-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Here we are on our last single night. Gary and I spent it setting up for the reception and then relaxing in Karly's hot tub. Karly, Brent, and Alan were also there for the fun for stringing lights and then the final R&R before the BIG day!

With This new big change in my life comes a new change in the blogger world. I have started a new blog (garyandsara.blogspot.com) to catalog our life together. It's still very new and not put together all the way but I will soon be deleting this blog so come check it out!

Happy Birthday to Mom, Happy Wedding to Me!!

2009-06-07T07:31:00.001-07:00

As You become a mom, you always put your kids first. When they are sick you drop everything and take them to the doctor. When they are on a sports team you turn into soccer mom. And when they are getting married, you give up your birthday to let them have their bridal shower.

Knowing this, we (the fam) decided to do something nice for mom before her birthday even got here. So on Thursday, we got together with Bonnie Abel (master gardener) and gave mom a facelift for her backyard. We hacked away at the bushes that had survived the long loveless years and planted new flowers and bushes of all sorts and sizes. By the end we had that place looking mighty fine.

Grandma Jo and Grandpa Pete never fail to lend a helping hand.

workin', workin', workin'

Photo op: The whole planting crew.

and here it is. I didn't quite think fast enough to get good before pictures. You will just have to believe me when I say, "What an improvement!"

----------BRIDAL SHOWER----------

The bridal shower out at the Abel's property was a complete success. We had some of the BEST food (including cold cereal, one of my favorites), Good friends, and fun! Lots of catching up with old friends and lots of good presents. It is so great to know that I am loved and have the support of everyone around me.

Many were the practical gifts I recieved to help Gary and I start our new life!

Also in the ranks were those of the just for fun variety;)

These Pictures may have needed to be at the top and maybe switched around, but this is my enthrolled audience as I told the thrilling story of how I met my soon to be Hubby! It's a good one:)!!!!

Hurray for handy Grandpas!!

2009-06-05T10:02:00.000-07:00

For my moms birthday this year, a couple of us (Grandma Jo, Grandpa Pete, Brandon, Dad, Bonnie and I) got together to fix up the backyard. My mom had been wanting to plant and clean back there for a while and so yesterday while she was at work we did it all for her. It turned out great (more on this to come later)!

Since my WONDERFUL grandparents were down here anyway, they looked at my bed that has been giving me problems for a while now. Every time I come to visit I dread sleeping in that thing. The mattress is fine but the bed bows something terrible in the middle (Chubby McChub here) haha. So My grandpa had a look at it and before he left- fixed!! The real test however was to be last night when I slept on it. So far so good. I had a wonderful nights rest. Thanks grandpa!!

Back Breakin Work:)

2009-06-04T08:29:00.000-07:00

For the past 2 days I have been going out to the Abel's Property and working with Bonnie to get everything ready for the wedding. It has been great to be outside. I will tell you one thing though, I am not in shape for manual labor. I have been planting and weeding and trimming and sweeping.

Off And Away!!

2009-05-31T06:09:00.000-07:00

Farewell Utah, Good bye friends. Next time I see you I will be MARRIED!! I am flying to California for the last couple days (yes days!! 12 to be exact) of planning and waiting. Gary doesn't come in till Wednesday night so I will miss him but it will be good to spend these last few single days with our family. I have been fretting that when I get to California the music won't work or the video won't play and the originals will be forever stuck in UTAH!! But I think I have triple covered my bases and am ready for a stress free flight. I also got my apartment most of the way packed. Thanks Grays for helping me move! And since I hate to blog without pictures, here is the sneak preview of the wedding hair.

No More Pencils, No More Books, No More Teachers Dirty Looks

2009-05-30T06:57:00.000-07:00

Team Roskelley is no more:( It was a sad day at school but I had a strong sense of accomplishment. I made it!!! My first year and I am still alive. I had a great class this year and we all learned a lot. I love all those kids. I am now spoiled for the rest of my teaching days.

This is where it all started. An empty classroom and a new set of curtains. Now the room is bare and put up for the summer. I can't say I was sad for too long however. I get married in 13 days!!!! I am glad to be able to focus on that. I love my job and I am glad to be at Sego Lily and teaching with my friends.

MAN SHOWER!!

2009-05-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is the second post for one day but I had some catching up to do.
This is all the sweet stuff Gary got at his neighborhood man shower. The way a man shower works is different then the normal wedding shower because I got to go. It is a chance for the people close to Gary to meet the new wife and for him to get some of the stuff he would be excited about unwrapping. Thanks to all who came it was fun.

Poor Gary had hay fever that day so bad he could bearly even see. He was a trooper and toughed it out though. Love you Gar!

We Can't Wait To Move In

2009-05-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

We finally bought one. Gary and I were just getting some ice cream on a Saturday afternoon and decided to stop in at Knights furniture and mattress outlet in Orem. We walked around for only 5 min and found the perfect one. Simple but classy, we love it. We are SO SO SO excited to move into our new place together. Unfortunately we can't move in until after I leave for California so Gary has to do all the moving. Did I say unfortunately? I meant WOOHOO!! haha Sorry Gar.

P.S. ONLY 17 MORE DAYS!!!!

Bedroom Sets

2009-05-03T06:34:00.000-07:00

Gary and I want to buy a bedroom set for our new house. We have looked at a couple of places but I was hoping all of my fellow bloggers could give us some pointers! Where else can we look? What is a good price? Where can I find the best deals or sales?

This top set is from Bassel and a bit pricy.

We liked this black set with the different color top on the dresser. We also liked the 4 poster. Plus this was the least inexpensive.

This last set was middle of the road in price and the one we liked the best so far. It has a nice color to the wood and cute stamped copper detail.

Isn't Gary such a good helper! haha he makes a beautiful Vana!

When we were shopping the sun was shining and it was pouring! This is the beautiful rainbow we saw as we came out of the last store.

Bridal Shower Fun!

2009-04-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Gary's sister Jaycie and I had a double bridal shower this last Saturday and It turned out great. My soon to be sister-in-law Jenn and Aunt Becky through a great bash for us both.

I got some great stuff and I got to meet a few more of my soon-to-be family members.

My favorite part however was that my mom and grandma could fly out and spend the weekend with me. My grandma gave me a beautiful handmade quilt that has quite a story behind it. As you can tell from the pictures, I got a little teary-eyed.

Engagement Pictures

2009-04-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

Our pictures are done!! I have been waiting and waiting but they are done now and I LOVE them. We are so happy with how they turned out. If you want to check them out go to...

www.rustybucketphotography.com

I Love to See the Temple...

2009-04-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

I'll go inside someday:) Yep today!!! Gary flew out from Utah to go to the temple with me. It was a wonderful experience.

I am SO SO SO glad that Gary could make it out for my 1st time through the Temple. He is such a good supporter in all that I do. I LOVE HIM!! We can't wait to be married in June.

Karly was able to make it also. She came by after work just as we were coming out. It was a great friendly face to see on such an important day.

The temple is great!! Everyone Go:)

Bridal Shower Numero Uno:)

2009-04-16T23:22:00.000-07:00

So excited to get to my bridal shower!!!

We were taking all kinds of pictures before the shower and I was getting tired of smiling. however, I had a whole night of smiling ahead of me:)

This is my cute cousin Eden. Her Mom the soon to be only Sarah Roskelley picked out the cute mason jars and lids for the lemonade.

In true Sara fashion, we had ice cream sundaes as the food for the shower.

Mmm Mmm.... GOOD!

Opening presents was my favorite part. Oh besides seeing all my family:)
Thanks everyone!!!

This was an awesome present made by my Aunt Carolyn and my cousins Petra, Katie, and Allie. It was a recipe book with all the Roskelley secrets complete with cute pictures of the food and those in the family who make it.

After the presents had all been opened, I flitted around to all the different groups talking and took a picture with them. This way I can remember who came.

To sum it up, my bridal shower was GREAT! I got to see a lot of people while I am in town, eat some good food, and open a lot of presents that Gary and I will love to have in our new home. Thanks again to everyone who came. I am looking forward to the bridal shower with the Utah folk when I get back.

Spring Break

2009-04-12T11:15:00.001-07:00

I am home for spring break and getting ready for a long weekend of planning. The best part however is that the whole family is here! Brandon and I both have spring break this week so it works out perfectly. When Gary gets here on Friday it will be complete:) More planning news to com in a bit.

Something New

2009-03-20T15:21:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you but I am tired of looking at Mexico pictures when I open my blog. I loved Mexico but I have got to see something new up here. I feel like I am SO busy and at the same time I feel that I have nothing to write. I suppose the biggest things in my life right now are...
1) Planning a wedding from 653 miles away.
and
2) Winding up my 1st year as a teacher.

Wedding plans are coming along well. I am in the process of completing many many projects but feel that I never really finish anything. I have ordered proofs for my invitations, set up an appointment to have engagement pictures taken, bought a dress and am in the process of having it altered. I am also on the internet constantly looking for ideas or good deals. I have one bridesmaid with a dress and still two more to find clothes for. I am still looking for ideas on decorating the property and am contemplating having rectangular tables instead of round ones. I am always open for suggestions, and I love hearing about new ideas. I am sure there is more but those are the things on my mind now.

School is also coming along well. I can't believe that my 1st full year is almost over. I have become so attached to these kids that it is going to be really hard to see them go. This week has been teacher appreciation week and I have come to find that I appreciate my students and their parents as much as they appreciate me. Since this is my first year, I am always trying new things, switching it up, and moving things around. My students are so good to just go with the flow and trust that I know what I am doing even when I feel like I don't. I love my job. There are days I might not jump up and down about it but I can't think of anything better. I love when they come in smiling. I love to see them succeed. I love that they are fun!

More Mexico!

2009-02-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

Just in case you couldn't get enough, here is some more!

Mexico!!!

2009-02-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have taken so long to post about my Mexico trip. I started out with such good intentions. As you know I got all the lead in and then got sidetracked. Here it is now. These are a few of my favorites.

Dinner the first night with the whole gang. It was my first experience of Mexico. All of us were fed for only $35.00 or so.

Aren't we just cute:) This is at the top of a villa next to our condo.

We LOVED walking on the beach!!

Here's the Grays.

Both Gary and I packed for Mexico in hopes of 80 degree weather. Well, that's not quite how it was. The weather was wonderful and we still got plenty of sun but most of the time you needed a hoodie. This is me wearing a hoodie I had to buy at the dirt mall and Gary wearing his brother Brent's sweatshirt.

The Hoover Dam

2009-02-09T17:46:00.001-08:00

I have never been to the Hoover Dam at least not that I can remember. It was a good time despite all the rain. We got out of the car, enjoyed the sites, and even danced around a bit. Then we ran for cover!!!

I decided just now that I am only going to write a few details about my Mexico adventure. When I click on a blog, I love to look at all the pictures, but if the posts are too long I find myself just skimming through and not really reading. So I will keep the pictures coming and the posts short:)

On Our Way to Mexico!!

2009-02-09T16:53:00.000-08:00

I was invited to go down to Mexico with Gary and his family. Our 1st stop was St. George. We are looking forward to a whole 10 days of fun in the sun!!

"I'm in Love and I don't care who knows it!"

2009-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

I'm Engaged, I am Engaged!! Gary and I are going to be married on June 12th 2009 in the Oakland Temple. WE ARE SO EXCITED!! As some of you already know, my parent flew out from California to meet Gary's family. Well they got way more then they bargained for. This is how it all happened. Friday night the parents flew in and stopped by my classroom to pick me up from work. Later we went out to dinner and just enjoyed being all together. Saturday morning Gary came over and had "the talk" with my dad while my mom and I got ready for the day. When all of that was done we planned to go to breakfast. Before we made it out the door however Gary pulled me back into my bedroom and purposed. I kept saying "right here, right now?" But it was perfect. Gary made it all work. He knew that I wanted my parents to be a part of everything and he knew I wanted that ring:). So we were both shaking with so much excitment that we could bearly get the ring on. We hugged and kissed or course but then I got to run out of my room and be excited with my mom and dad.

As for the rest of the weekend, we didn't waste any time. My mom and I went shopping for a dress (which we found) and got a pretty good idea of what I wanted for invitations. We also spent the weekend calling people and telling them the good news. I am so excited to marry Gary Gray and I am SO happy that things have just falling right into place.

Oh, I almost forgot the last great part. The Meeting of the Families. I thought it was such a great idea for my parents to come and meet Gary's family. They have accepted me as one of their own already and are some of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. The Roskelley's and the Gray's all went out to eat on Saturday night and I think everyone felt it went really well. I know I did. Well it must have cause we all hung out again on Sunday night before my parents had to ship off.

What a blessing it is to be a part of these two families. Man did I hit the jackpot!

p.s. I am full swing into all the planning and I can't get my mind off it. I would love to hear all of your suggestions of how to have a wonderful wedding day.

Happy Birthday To Me!!

2009-01-21T16:55:00.000-08:00

Ok it's not really me birthday. Mine is in May:) but it was Kyra's birthday (a fellow 3rd grade teacher). She was turning 50 and her room mothers decorated not only her room but the entire hallway leading to her room with black balloons, happy 50th posters and 'getting old' caution tape. Because of all the decorations, my kids came in that morning with "Who the hecks birthday is it?" (We are still working on the grammar portion of 3rd grade:) ). I got so tired of answering this same question time after time that I decided to have a little fun. I started telling the kids that is was my birthday and a few of them just said, "Oh, happy birthday." Most are pretty sharp though and instantly started to argue the point.

Student: "NO way are you fifty!"

Me: Are you sure?

Student: "You are only like nineteen."

Me: "I am way older then nineteen"

Student: "Ok maybe like twenty."

This is the 3rd grade team partying it up on our lunch break

and this is my HUGE piece of cake they cut for me while I was using the restroom;)

Snowboarding in '09

2009-01-02T20:06:00.000-08:00

We bought sandwiches before we left.

I couldn't decide whether I wanted to ride regular of goofy so I made Gary change my bindings twice while on the mountain. He was a good sport and did it with a smile. Gotta love him.

These are the other guys that came with us. From left to right, Brent (Gary's brother), Jake and Lance (friends).

Towards the end of the day this is how I spent most of my time (Video to follow).

There were SO SO many people up at Sundance. I welcomed the wait in line so that I could give my sore legs a rest.

This is just one of my better runs down the hill:) I promise I know how to snowboard but sometimes you just need to get to the bottom!

HUGE ICICLES!!!

2009-01-01T19:06:00.000-08:00

Gary and I stopped by my classroom to get some work done before school starts. When we arrived we found the biggest icicles I have ever seen!!

Gary loves his "new" killer shirt that Grandma Jo and Grandpa Pete gave him for Christmas.

Walking on Ice

2008-12-31T19:20:00.000-08:00

I GOT NEW BOOTS FOR CHRISTMAS!!! Gary remembered that I loved these boots while shopping one day so he got them for me for Christmas. I wanted to try them out so we went for a walk on Utah Lake. Yep ON Utah Lake! THEY ARE WARM!! Perfect for living in this frozen wasteland called Utah.

Just testing the ice. Saftey First!

Gary proving the strength of the ice.

Yep, It's safe.

Gary being Gary

It was freezing!

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T22:04:00.001-08:00

Christmas in Auburn was great.

First Christmas Gift

2008-12-24T12:02:00.001-08:00

Karly and I exchanged gifts earlier then usual this year and I love my new presents. What do you think?

Last Date Before Christmas Break

2008-12-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

Since I was leaving for a week Gary and I decided to go on a fun date before I left. We started with a delicious meal at Texas Road House. I have to say that the rolls and cinnamon butter are to die for. Then we walked around temple square. It was FREEZING!! We got hot chocolate to warm us up and it made all the difference. The last stop was of course Leatherby's!! Gary is so great! I had a wonderful time.

Christmas Is Fast Approaching

2008-12-14T20:29:00.000-08:00

Provo Night Out

2008-12-11T11:17:00.000-08:00

Gary and I, Gary's parents, Brent and the Harris family all had a fun night on the town. We went down to Provo to watch the Christmas nativity, Pose in front of a camel, and look in shop windows.

An Auburn Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T18:57:00.000-08:00

Gary and I drove out to California for Thanksgiving and we had a great time! We didn't get to stay long but we packed our three days with fun, food, and family.

Sara And Gary

2008-11-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

Yes his name really is Gary Gray

Surprise

2008-11-17T11:01:00.001-08:00

This Saturday Gary and I attended a surprise birthday party for Gary's mom Jayne. Gary's sister-in-law Jenn planned the whole thing and it was one of the BEST surprise parties I have ever been to!! There must have been over 60 people who came to celebrate with Jayne. We were all supposesd to dress up and meet as Los Hermanos at 6. Gary and I were running a little late and at 6 we pulled up to his house so that he could change into his nice clothes before we went. Jayne was still at the house so Gary and I had to make up the tall tail of going to Leatherby's instead of out to dinner with them. Gary changes quik as a flash and we were off, somewhat relieved that at least we knew we were ahead of the birthday girl.
It is always fun to see how people react to surprises. Jaynes reaction was the best!! She look bewildered, caught on, teared up, and then went on to jump up and down like she had just won the Price is Right. It was priceless.

Preview to Fright Night

2008-10-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Cruella De Vil
Cruella De Vil
If she doesn't scare you
No evil thing will!

I attended the Gray family Halloween party on the Tuesday before Halloween. There was great fun, good food, and lots of goofy games to be played. Plus I got to try out my sweet costume before the real deal.

Gary helping me get ready

Gary was a Hobo for Halloween.
I couldn't convince him to be a
Dalmation.

Les Miserables

2008-10-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

Recently I was invited, by the Gray family, to drive down to St. George to see the play Les Miserables at the Tuacahn Theater. I never knew a play would make my cry, but I wept enough tears to give life to the dessert! Ok maybe that is a little dramatic, but the play and the whole trip, really was amazing! We drove down on Saturday morning with great haste, and old man Gray was caught speeding. Luckily, the fates smiled on us and we we were given but a warning from a kind hearted officer. We we cramped as we drove? And did the noise of the interstate ring in our ears? No and then Yes. For the car we rode in was the ample size of a Yukon Denali, but the hum of the wheels on the road roared like a lion. Have you ever heard of hearding turtles? "Mother, what are those little fences for?" Inquired Brent. The reply came, "They are for the turtles, so they don't cross the road."

We arrived just in time to relax for a time, grab a bite to eat, and head to the play. The dessert came to life that night. Everything from horses to cannon fire was present on the stage and never was there a more enthusiastic applause had as the play closed out that very night. My hands still hurt from clapping. If ever you get the chance to see this wonderful masterpiece, make haste and say my name at the door to get a free snow cone:)

The drive down. In the very back is Gary and I. Up front is Andrea (Brent's date), Brent (Gary's brother), Jaycie (Gary's sister).

Pit stop to gas up.

Not sure what's happenin here.
Trying to impress Gary. Ha

Arriving at the house. FINALLY!!

Dinner at Iggy's before the play.
On the right there are Gary's parents,
Jayne and Ralph

At the Tuachn Theater.
We don't know those two front and center.

Gary trying to steal the show:)

We were told to look like we were enjoying
ourselves while we prepared dinner on Sunday
before we left. (candid shots)

More fun buttering the bread.

Just plain fun!

New Illness Found In Miss Roskelley's 3rd Grade

2008-10-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

For reading time this last week my class was reading the book Ramona Forever By: Beverly Cleary. It is a story about the life of a girl named Ramona Quimby. One of the chapters we read talked about the Quimby family getting a new baby. Ramona was worried about what the new baby would be like and who would have to share their room with her. After the baby is born the family all goes to the hospital to visit and see the new bundle of joy. Romona however is too young to visit the maternity ward and is left in the lobby to wait while her older sister and father go on ahead. While in the lobby Ramona starts feeling sick. She thinks she is catching some sort of disease from the hospital. She is feeling her forehead and itching all over. Finally a doctor sees her, runs some tests and diagnosis her to have siblingitis for which she needs a prescription of attention. As my class and I were reading this, I was thinking this sounded pretty cute. No one in my class even cracked a smile. So I asked "Who knows what siblingitis is?" A bunch of hands flew up and this is what the responses were: "Siblingitis is where you have a really really bad cold." Says Kate "I am just guessing but I think siblingitis is when you have all the symptoms of a cold but you are not contagious." Says Tyler "No. Siblingitis is the opposite of that, it's when your REALLY contagious but you don't even know you are sick!" Argues Courtney.

I was dying at this point!! I had to tell them. so I asked "Does anyone know what the word sibling means?" At the same time most of the class went "OOOHHHH." and started to laugh. We then talked about how sometimes in stories we put -itis at the ends of words to make them sound like real illnesses. So we had some fun with this and the kids started shouting out things like "I have math-itis!" and "I have spelling-itis!" By the end I think everyone understood but I am sure someone went home that night worrying that they may one day get sibling-itis.

Picture Day Blues

2008-10-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

Well Thursday was picture day at Sego Lily Elementary. I had sent home fliers a week earlier to remind the parents to have their kids looking spiffy for the big day, but who's job was it to remind me?? Since I was left to fend for myself, i completely forgot. The only thing that saved me was that it was also parent-teacher conference night and I couldn't show up to work looking like a total bum. I went down to the cafeteria and smiled big for my 1st school picture as an adult. And I will have you all know that as a teacher you get a free jumbo package of pictures. WooHoo! Since I have no kids that attend the school, the jumbo pack of pictures will all be of yours truly. You can all expect your very own picture of me in the mail shortly! :)

Keep An Eye Out For More Curtains

2008-09-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

I got another shipment of curtains in the mail from my wonderful grandmother and she has outdone herself!! I am not going to give them away just yet but when the time comes I will post pictures of them. I already told my kids all about them and I also made it into a game. I told them that new curtains would be coming soon and if when I put them up they notice and secretly tell me, they will get a treat! It should be fun and then the fun curtains will not go unnoticed!!

Team Roskelley is Really #1

2008-09-27T10:11:00.000-07:00

Maybe it is because they knew I was a new teacher, or maybe I just lucked out but my 3rd grade class (team Roskelley) is definitely the place to be at Sego Lily Elementary! The kids in room 28 are a dream come true. oh they have their moments, don't get me wrong but overall they are well behaved, polite, cute, and most importantly FUN!! I often find myself joking around with them and forgetting that I am supposed to be the adult in the room:) but we work hard so we can play hard!!

In Miss Roskelley's room you can earn teacher points as a class. You earn these by doing an activity quietly without being told. If I get a good report from another teacher that the class behaved well. If as a class you handle a situation particularly well (like I have to leave the room to talk to another teacher briefly and when I come back you are all working), and much more. You can never earn a teacher point unless the whole class was involved and you can also loose teacher points if things get carried away. After you earn 15 points we all get to have a party.

Last week my kids were getting close to earning their 15 teacher points and kicked it into extra good behavior to get the last ones. Finally they did it!! We got to vote on what kind of party we wanted to have and the winner by a land slide was ROOT BEER FLOATS!! I couldn't have been happier!! (I told you they were cool). So I bought all the stuff the night before and was so excited for our party the next day. Well the next day came and it started off on the wrong foot. I slept through my alarm for the 1st time in ages and on top of that I had come down with a horrid cold and felt like an elephant was sitting on my head. I couldn't call in sick. IT WAS OUR ROOT BEER FLOAT PARTY!! So I threw on some clothes and headed out. My kids noticed right away that I was not feeling well so they were perfectly quiet all day and ran around getting me tissues and my water bottle when I needed them:). When it was time for the root beer floats the kids again all sat quietly finishing up their work, they ALL said thank you individually as I handed them a cup. Then they said thank you again as a class when they were all done. I wanted to bring them treats everyday!! Maybe that is what they were after (they are pretty sharp)!

Another example of the fun things that go on in room 28 happened a few days ago during math. Tanner is the class clown and very outspoken. He is always cracking jokes and everyone loves him. He gets his work done and his jokes are never mocking or hurtful so for the most part I just laugh at him along with the class. On this day we were playing a rounding memory game on our Smartboard. Everyone wanted a turn and every hand was raised. I noticed lately that I have a tendency, when this is the case, to only call on the boys in the class. So today I was only calling on the girls. Tanner was weaving his hand and cracking jokes left and right. Finally after I ignored his hand for several turns he calls out "Miss Roskelley, you NEVER pick me!!" I responded with "Well Tanner if you sit quietly and raise your hand then maybe you will get a turn." So he actually did. He sat there silently with his hand raised for 5 more turns (he must have really wanted to play). So I said "OK, tanner:)" As I said this he jumped up and yelled hurray!! The rest of the class chimed in with a cheer also. Tanner then ran to the front high-fiving everyone who was sitting in the aisle. He found a match and then ran back to his seat high-fiving everyone again. At lunch that same day the teacher across the hall made a comment about how fun it sounded in my class. Really it was nothing I did. I just got a really great bunch of kids!!

The Rest of the Classroom

2008-08-31T12:03:00.001-07:00

The Pictures are all kinda dark but i hope they are good enough to see. This first one is taken from the back of the room. My desk is there on the right and my sweet smartboard is in the left.

Here is the team puzzle that the kids and I made on the first day of school. I just wrote team in sharpie and then cute it up to look like puzzle pieces. Each puzzle piece had a little bit of team on it. The kids took their individual puzzle piece and decorated it however they wanted. Then as we taped the puzzle together we talked about how each of us bring something different but together we make an awesome team.

OOO AHH!!
I was so sad when I first walked into this tiny portabel but I did the best I could to spruce it up and I think it is starting to grow on me.

So many desks and so little room but, we are one cozy team:)

Curtains That Make The Whole Room

2008-08-31T11:21:00.000-07:00

I want to give a special THANK YOU to my Grandma Jo who made curtains for my new classroom. Since I decided on a sports theme, I needed the curtains to match and so I enlisted my very talented grandma to help make cute sporty curtains to replace the old faded blue ones I had before. All I told her was that the colors I used to decorate were red, yellow, blue, and green. She picked the perfect material and whipped them up in a jiffy. Now the room is looking good!! I have already had several compliments by other teachers and parents who think they are as fabulous as I do. Thanks again grandma for all of your help!

HOOF HEARTED!!

2008-08-24T21:29:00.000-07:00

UVU softball is about to begin, only this time, without the stud Roskelley in their ranks. I knew this time would come eventually. Actually I have been looking forward to it for about 3 and a half years!! :) But now that the time has finally come i find myself feeling a little lost. Softball has been such a big part of my life I don't know what I would do without it. SO, I have decided that I am not quite ready to hang up the cleats yet. I have joined a slow pitch league in Pleasant Grove on a team that my cousin Wally Roskelley has put together. We have games on Wednesday nights and I am loving the all games no practice aspect of the team already. The league started 2 weeks ago and our first couple showings were shaky but with each game we play we show vast improvements!! I love being a part of this new team. If you are ever in PG on a wednesday night be sure to stop by for all the action a night can hold. You will see Hoof Hearted #4 proudly taking the field.

A Game Of Memory Anyone??

2008-07-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Here is a fun little game... leave a comment on my blog of a memory that you and I have had together. It doesn't matter if you've known me for a short time or a long time, anything that you remember! Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It is pretty funny to read the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you are playing and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. On your mark... get set... blog those memories!

And The Winner Is...

2008-07-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sports Theme!!

I want to thank those of you who participated in this election ( although there were only 3 of you.) As for the rest, I am very disappointed with the lack of votes I received:) Keep watching for more updates on the classroom.

VOTE NOW--On a New Theme For My Classroom!

2008-07-23T13:13:00.000-07:00

As I am beginning to setup my new 3rd grade classroom I decided that I wanted to change my class theme from frog (what it was last year) to something NEW and EXCITING!! I have a couple of choices in mind but I am having the hardest time deciding on just one. I need everyones help!!! I am going to put down my ideas as well as my top 2. To place your vote and/or suggestions just leave a comment and I will tally them up. The start of school is fast approaching and so I need this to be a quick process if possible. Try to imagine you are again 10 years old and about to start school. Let your imagination run away with you:)

Theme: Sports

Ideas: Team Roskelley, teamwork, be a team player, MVP (star student), take pictures of the kids and make individual baseball cards

Theme: Western

Ideas: Roskelley's Roundup!, wanted posters, horses, take turns being the shariffs deputy.

Theme: Pirates

Ideas: Try each day to not walk the plank:), take pictures with eye patches, the reading center could be the mermaid lagoon or a hidden cove, each treasure points.

Theme: Hollywood

Ideas: Everyone is a star!!, hall of fame, photo shoots.

Theme: Rock and Roll

Ideas: Make American Idol cards for each child, wear sunglasses, Rock Star of the week, Greatest hits (student work), reading center could be the VIP lounge.

VOTE NOW!!!

CHEWING GUM--I love it and I hate it!

2008-07-23T01:11:00.001-07:00

Q: What is worst then stepping in gum?
A: Unexpectedly putting your hand in it!!

This is exactly what happened to me today. I can almost always be found with gum in my car or gum in my purse. More often then not in both. All of it un-chewed of course. It was a rather warm day today and so at about 3ish when I drove to Lehi to unload some more of my school things, the gum hiding under a bucket of crayons had become quite playable. It was the last thing I grabbed out of the car luckily because as soon as I did a great big string of gum trailed behind leaving both my hand and the blanket in the back of the car very sticky. The origin of this gum is still unknown but I have cause to think that it may have come from the packing blanket put in my car by my mother. She doesn't chew gum but the blanket first came from my brothers truck. As you can tell some sleuthing has to be done to find the culprit. One thing can be sure, the gum did not come from me!:)

Coldplay in concert- Well worth the money

2008-07-22T06:39:00.000-07:00

First Here's a little background:
Coldplay are an alternate rock band formed in London, England in 1997. the group comprises vocalist/pianist/guitarist Chris Martin, lead guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman, and drummer/multi-instumentalist Will Champion. Coldplay have sold 33.9 million albums, and are also known for their hit singles, such as "Yellow", "The Scientist", "Speed of Sound, "Fix You", "Viva la Vida" and the Grammy Award-winning "Clocks".

I have Coldplay on my iPod and I listen to them every now and again but I have never been a die hard fan. When the Abel's had an extra ticket they were looking to sell I had to really debat whether or not the 85 bucks was really worth it. I could go listen to their music at home or even in my car for free. BUT... What the heck, I decided I would take a chance on it being worth it. After all, I always have fun when hanging out with the Abel clan, I like the music, and I had nothing else to do that night!

The day of the concert came and I was getting pretty excited to drive down to San Jose for the event. To make a very wordy story short, I got a phone call in the morning of the concert telling me that all the Abel's were backing out except for the one already down in San Fransico and even she was thinking about bailing. Disappointed? Yes! but, I already had a ticket and I did have a ride down there still so i didn't let it get me down, I went anyways. (I also called up Lindsey, the waivoring Abel, and threatened her into coming?)

The ride down to the concert was about 2 hours of fun. No really, it was a lot of fun. I rode down with Annett Udahl, her niece Meagan, and her daughter Matti. We laughed all the way down and I even ended up with a new friend via text message (Meagan has an older brother who is my age). So after they plotted to set me up we finally arrived at the HP Pavillion Center. As you can see by the picture we had pretty good seats:)

Ok, so I made that up. This was more like our seats. I wasn't able to get any pictures myself but, if I had, this is what one of the pictures might have looked like. Like any concert it was dark and loud! This was only my second concert so I am no seasoned pro. So far I haven't really made the concert sound that fun. Dark and loud, thats the best I can do?? You will just have to trust me that it was a great time! And my new favorite song is Viva la Vida!

4th of July Fun!

2008-07-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

As is the recent tradition my family and I spent this years July 4th in Ashland Oregon with the Abel family and friends. We were able to spend 3 days in Oregon which gave us just enough time to make some good memories:) My highlights of this years Independence Celebrations are...

Mints on my pillow (We always stay with the Abel's grandma Bounds and this year upon arriving we found mints on our pillows)
As always... the 4th of July parade!!
The naked lady on roller blades who rolled down the street before the parade started. (she was also announcing her presence by blowing a horn, good thing or I might have missed it!)
Watching the big fireworks in the church parking lot.
Hiking to the top of pilot rock. (this hike included walking straight up a mountain and then climbing up steep mountain boulders. We were sweaty and out of breath when we reached the top but we were proud of our accomplishment. That is until a Man in flip flops and 2 children under the age of 10 came trotting up right behind us:). The view was amazing and made the whole trip worth it.)
floating in the lake on a blown-up raft.
macaroni salad
Walking through Lithia park
Good company

The Graduates!

2008-06-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

Since Brandon and I are about 4 years apart in age we are always graduating at the same time. I used to tell everyone that I felt bad for Brandon because I kinda stole his thunder each time. When I graduated from the 8th grade I had a big party with friends and family to celebrate but Brandon was still too young in school to care. When it was time for Brandon to graduate from the 8th grade it was like, that's nice Brandon but Sara is graduating from High School! Then it was time for Brandon to graduate from High School and it was like, that's nice Brandon but Sara just graduated from College! After attending Brandon's graduation party and watching as he opened all of his cards I decided he is not so hard off after all:)!

I don't really know what my mom and dad will do after all the kids are gone. There doesn't appear to be any signs of empty nest syndrome but there are also 2 German Shepard's who inhabit our house so it will still be far from empty even after the 2 of us leave.

The 2008 Viper!!

2008-06-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

So I have been getting a lot of grief on the choice of my new car. Although I love the car I picked, the general consensus of everyone else is that it is "A TEACHER CAR!!!" Therefore I have just recently traded in my new 2008 Honda CRV for the new 2008 Dodge Viper! I was surprised to find that my car payment is about the same. Plus is comes in my favorite color! I don't really know how I will fit all of my art projects, papers to grade, or anything besides myself but man is it fast! If anyone wants to go for a joy ride call me up:)

If You Are Going To Be A Teacher, You Have To Get A Teacher Car!!!

2008-05-25T09:56:00.000-07:00

Picture this...
My alarm goes off at 6:50am and I roll out of bed, eat breakfast and through on my clothes for work. I grab my big teacher bag full of graded papers and my purse before I rush out the door. The driveway is icy so I slide to my car door. I grab the handle and give it a tug only to realize that It is not going to budge. My fingers are stiff as I fumble for my keys. I thought I unlocked the door but maybe not. I turn the key again and give the door another tug. No luck. So I run around to the passenger side and voila, door opens! I through my bags inside and reach over to get the ice scraper. I run around the car to start scrapping the windows and I think "oh I should have the car running so it will be warm when I get in." I run back around to the passenger side and reach over to turn the car on. Then it is back to scrapping. Finally I have the car all cleaned off so I climb in the passenger door and shimmy my way across the center consul. I drive to work, park and as I start to climb back over the seat to get out I see two of my co-workers peeking in at me. I climb out straighten myself and say "Good Morning" as I run into the building.

Now anyone who knew the old Kia Optima knows that I was itching for an upgrade. My plan was to drive the Optima back to California after school let out and sell it ASAP. Then I would take the money I got from the sale and purchase a car there in Cali. My parents had agreed to help me out with a loan to get a car I really liked and so all I had to do was live with the Optima for a few more weeks. Don't get me wrong the Optima was a good car as far as getting me from place to place. I didn't even come close to loving it but I was OK with driving it until I could get my sweet new ride:) That was until... the door latch broke and I was no longer able to enter the car from the drivers side. I was just glad I was able to be the comic relief for my co-workers at school!!

When my family came out for Graduation they came to understand why I had been complaining about my car. My mom had a rash on her arms from climbing into the car from the passenger side. After my last softball game I came to learn that my father had been looking at the local car dealerships. I hadn't been expecting to purchase a brand new car but was pretty excited about the news. My dad had looked at a couple good cars and so the whole family went to look this time and even take a few out for test drives. I had narrowed my options down to a few but we still couldn't get the price we were looking for so after 4 hours of car shopping we went home to sleep on it. The next day we again drug the whole family out to look at cars again. Grandma Jo was an especially good sport sitting in the car to wait for the whole ordeal to be over. Brandon threw in his opinions here and there and was the official space tester (what with his long legs and all). My mom was moral support and a voice of reason and my dad of course was the business manager (wheeler and dealer). Buying a new car was not the best experience but driving my new Glacier Blue 2008 Honda CRV off the lot, PRICELESS!! I love love love my new car and it fits my new teacher persona perfectly.

I MADE IT!!

2008-05-12T13:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe I am a college graduate! I must say it doesn't feel any different. for most people graduation means that they are through with school. As for me, graduation means going back to the 3rd grade:) On April 25th I walked across the stage and moved my tassel to symbolize that I will turn from student to teacher.

Graduation was a great experience but the best part was that my family and friends were all there to support me. There are pictures of my friends from school who also graduated in elementary education. After spending everyday for 2 years together we all became quite close. There are also pictures of my family who flew out from California for the occasion.

After 2 long ceremonies and all the pictures, it was time to get some grub:) All the family and some friends got together for a picnic lunch in the park. I am so glad to have such wonderful people in my life and I want them to know that I couldn't have done it without them!!

My Last Athletics Banquet

2008-04-15T20:07:00.000-07:00

Every year all the athletes gather together and have a big awards banquet. The past 3 years have been sit down dinners with a little awards ceremony. This year the soon to be UVU pulled out all the stops. Our awards banquet was set up like the Grammys. There were rows and rows of formal dressed athletes listening to our peers and coaches tell silly jokes from a teleprompter. When an award was announced the nominees were shown on a big screen in the middle and two smaller plasma flat screens on the sides. There were round lighted steps to walk up and receive your award, a spotlight, and the UVU royalty to present each plague. Not having a sit down dinner was regrettable but they made up with it by having comedians perform between some of the awards and a couple chocolate fountains at the end.

Unfortunately I was not nominated for any of the awards this year and so I never won. I did however get to go up on stage to receive my senior blanket for graduating. I took lots and lots of pictures with full intention to blog them. I was so sad when I got home and as I tried to transfer the pictures to my computer found them to be missing. To this day it is still a mystery as to where those pictures have gone. Overall the athletics banquet was a big success and it was kinda nice to shake things up for my last one.

My Very Own Classroom

2008-04-07T22:36:00.000-07:00

After going to school to be a teacher for 4 years I finally have my own classroom. I completed my student teaching at Scera Park Elementary in Orem. I spent 10 weeks in a first grade classroom there and I thought I was so busy trying to keep up with all that had to be done to make a classroom run. Little did I know, there was much more work ahead. I was almost to the end of my student teaching when a rumor started to circulate the teachers lounge about one of my fellow first grade teachers leaving mid-year. She had just gotten engaged and rumor had it that instead of finishing out the year she was moving to Arizona to plan the wedding. I didn' t think much about this until the principal approached me in the teacher work room and asked if I would meet with him after school. Well to make a long story short I was offered a job as the long-term substitute for that same first grade class that was losing their teacher. I was overwhelmed and excited all at once. I was to start my new job on March 5th.

I had ONE weekend to set up my entire classroom. The whole school chipped in to help. The office ladies helped me punch out, laminate and cut bulletin board sets, My cooperating teacher and new friend Janeal Nuttall put many many hours into helping staple and cut and glue and copy items for my new room. Kyle put in tons of man hours and man power to get my room looking sharp and everyone who saw me in the halls wished me good luck. I probably spent 15 hours that weekend getting everything ready for my new kids. luckily THEY LOVED IT!! My theme was frogs and my students were all Hoppy to see their new and improved room:)

Blog-o-sphere, Here I Come!

2008-04-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Blog!! These last few years of college I have laughed, I have cried, I have learned, I have danced, I have made jokes, I have made new friends and kept in touch with some old ones, I have played in several hundred softball games, and much much more. With all that has been going on, I have been awful with keeping in touch. Now I am making no guarantees, but I am hoping this will be a better way to keep everyone caught up with the goings on in my life. So here's to keeping in touch.