a day late and a dollar short, but it's ok (5 months since I wrote and time for an update)

So things are zooming along with everyone. Here's a quick update: Sam is working harder than ever in summer school with Miss Brynne and me in reading and math. I have found some really exciting materials to help with children struggling in reading and have taken classes to understand how to teach it. It is so exciting to see his progress. "Slow and Steady", but he'll get there. It's my goal in life that he reads as well as I do, and I'm thinking I will start my Masters Degree at the U of U in Reading and Literacy, I have become so passionate about it.

I will be teaching Spanish in the Fall again at Wasatch Peak Academy. I love doing this. It's a great way to be involved in teaching, without the all day commitment.

Shana and Justin are great. We had a ton of fun with them and the rest of the family in Coeur d' Alene at the beginning of June. Scott and Denise had a week at a gorgeous cabin up there and it was only 15 minutes from Mary and Baden's house in Spokane. We loved seeing them. Here are a few pics. I'm thinking it is one of God's most beautiful places on earth. What do you think???

6 weeks and counting

December was a fun month, lots of changes, family and friends. I love you all!!!

Sister Smoot, aka Synthia only has 6 weeks left on her mission. We are excited to be able to go and visit the people she has gotten to know, taught the gospel to and been touched by. What seems to happen in situations like this is that these wonderful people teach us so much about life, humility and God. Synthia will miss these dear friends alot. We may have to mop her up off the sidewalk as she says goodbye.

I am really enjoying teaching at Wasatch Peak Academy. I teach Spanish to four different groups of children in K, 1st, 3rd and 4th everyday. A benefit I'm really loving is that I'm learning Spanish words and phrases better than ever. I'm learning to deal with being a teacher on wheels, since I visit their classroom, and am really enjoying the clean house once a week that I put this money towards.

It's also been so fun this last month to have a newborn around. Baby Russell is a total doll and we love him so much. Shana and Just are such great parents. Shana is happy and that makes me really happy. Has has brightened my life for sure.

Have a great day!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!