Filling My Plate...

Yes, I do tend to fill my plate a little too much and a little too often (speaking of dinner... jk). But my plate (of life) is pretty full too. But you know what? I love it! I'm happy! Even though we are struggling more financially than we ever have, I'm happy! Can't explain it... just is what it is. Just to let you know what's going on in my life, not to get sympathy or in bragging, or whatever...

* I AM A PHOENIX! I am in my second week of school with University of Phoenix, Online Campus, going for my degree in Education. It's been really interesting and quite fun! My brain is actually working - what a surprise! I only have 2 classes at a time for a nine-week block, quite accelerated, and considered going full-time. Daily participation, reading, assignments, and homework are required. Discussions are held with the whole class and instructor by way of a "forum", responding to threads, etc. It's alot more than I thought it would be, and I'm glad!

* I am a substitute Speech and Language Aid at East Elementary, subbing for a lady on maternity leave. I LOVE this job!!! The hours are great (10 to 2 basically), the kids are amazing!!, and my supervisor is one the most incredible, down-to-earth people I've ever met. I'm learning alot, and have to study up on teaching and "eliciting" certain sounds - /r/'s being the hardest I've found. I've heard that Roni (the lady I'm subbing for) may not come back, as her husband was looking for work outside of Cedar City. A few people have told me that maybe this position could be mine later. Keeping my fingers crossed! I really should get a full-time job with benefits (we currently have no insurance of any kind), and I've been trying, but there's not much open here in Cedar that is full-time with benefits. But for the time being, this job works great for me and the family, and I still have time to do other stuff as well.

* I am the Choir Director for the Cedar City North Stake. We are preparing for an incredible program that we will be performing on March 21st, "Joseph Smith the Prophet," by Rob Gardner. I am trying to get the orchestra together as well to perform with the Choir. The music is so inspiring, testimony building, and true! It gives me chills!

* I am still a mom and wife!! The biggest and most important jobs of all! You know the usual: taxi driver, housecleaner, laundress, chef, bill payer, etc etc etc.

* I have been helping John with his business, sort of. I helped him put together a rather impressive presentation for The Church building department, hoping to be their local architect for this area. Using that presentation, I am also helping him create other proposals for more jobs too. Cool stuff!

* I am a FarmVille junkie! Yes, it is such a bitter-sweet thing for me. It wastes time, energy, thought... nothing like worrying about harvesting your crops when you're trying to sleep at night! But yet, it has taught me patience - you have to work and earn those buildings that are so cool! I also love to arrange and rearrange the Sargent Family Compounds... think of what it would take to be totally self-sufficient, etc. So, yes, FarmVille... good and bad. :)

* I am reading "The Great and The Terrible" set of books. I have to make myself take time to read my scriptures at night instead of this set of captivating novels... I'm finally on my last one - Volume 6. It's about the last days, and as I read this set again, I can see parallels to what's going on right now. But most of all, it brings to my mind the reality of the Savior and Father in Heaven, our life before we can, and the life we will have after this life. And that there are heavenly beings so close to us every day, helping us, guiding us, helping to bring more light into our lives.

So yes, I'm very happy right now... crazy... excited for the future (esp 2 new grandbabies soon)... a little worried about money (as always) but not totally depressed right now about it... but happy with hope, and thankful for the Great Plan of Happiness... that's what it's all about, right?