Christmas break

Well Christmas went great! Christmas Eve we had family and the missionaries over for a traditional polish dinner, and it went over great everyone left full! Then Christmas day we went to my parents house for some traditional American food, left there stuffed too!
All in all a great couple of days, but if you ask my husband the best day was Saturday the 27th when we went out with the family to go shooting.
We all were able to shoot three guns, a .38 revolver, a Saiga Riffle, and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
CJ has the holding of the riffle down but me on the other hand needs to work on it! I look very uncomfortable. I wish I had a picture though of me being Rambo with the gun on my hip and just blowing the heck out of the target!
Then we shot the pistol, I have a little more practice holding the smaller guns, because I have shot the .38 a couple times. But we had so much fun, and I love shooting, this might just mean I am going to let CJ get a gun!
This last picture is introducing Urban Safari Barbie!

Here Comes Santa Claus, Here Comes Santa Claus

First grade is an amazing time in a young kids mind and everything and anything you give or show to them they are simply amazed. Well now it is Christmas and we have been doing a ton of stuff to do with it, like connect the dots and coloring pages, oh and putting together decorations to give to mommies. All a ton of fun, but the most fun is when you bring good ole Saint Nick to a first grade pod and let him read a story to them.
Now this was an exciting event one that included all the first grade classes and a great elf/ Mrs. Claus. Santa of course read Twas The Night Before Christmas. He was bombarded by questions such as "Where is Rudolf? Where are the Reindeer? Where are the Elves?" Santa did an awesome job of answering the question and the kids ate it like the best Cheesecake in the world.
Then at the end the students lined up one by one and received a candy cane and a great hug!

To you and your Kin

So it has been a month and really not to much has happened. Father-in-law got into an accident and not mobile yet, but he has determination and will be moving soon! Hubby is done with first semester of nursing school and is well still loving it. I am almost done with my second semester teaching and well it has been an incredible journey.
I think I need to take the time to thank our Heavenly Father for all the wonderful blessings that have brought CJ and I closer. Thankful for the stability we have in our jobs that has given us the ability to be stable in other areas of our lives. What an amazing part of the year! Merry Christmas to you and your family from CJ and I!

Halloween Teacher Style

Halloween is teacher style for right now until the "children" bless our lives. But I have some cute pictures from our school party. It was so much fun. The following pictures were from the Fall Festival, I was in charge of face painting, beards, pumpkins, and pretty much what ever was easier to paint.
The next pictures were from my class party the day of. The last picture are the winners of our class costume contest. The kids were so cute in their costumes. We had so much fun. We watched the Magic School Bus goes inside a Haunted Mansion, and the Magic School Bus goes Batty.

Sedona

FALL BREAK! This week I have a week off for fall break! I am so excited. So to start it off my mom, Summer, Jeremiah, and I went to Sedona Red Rock to go Hiking. It was so Beautiful. The tree's were in full change of season, with Lucius Beautiful RED, GREEN, YELLOW, and Orange leaves. We went through Jerome, which would have been great, but the newly licensed Sister was driving, a little scary. Then we stopped for great ice cream. Then off to the Red Rocks, which during the fall is something everyone should do.
We went to Crescent Moon Recreation Area and Red Rock Crossing. They have a lovely picnic area and hiking trail, which you can take across Oak Creek and up to Chapel Hill Rock. The hike was long but Beautiful in all, the trees tall and full of color.

This trail is very cool, about half way down is a rope swing and all of the kids took turns swinging
on it but not mom.
Even me!



















Then when we were finished hiking we went for a swim (not really), but we did go for a walk in the very cold water. It was very slippery, but I did really good, I walked across RAGGING WATER, and FIERCE WINDS, well it was windy and the water was flowing. It was alot of fun.

RIP Grandma Reynolds

Never in my life have I lost someone in my family that I was old enough to be emotional over. Well My step dad's mother has passed away. I know we didn''t know each other very well and we only saw her every couple years, but she was family. Now the long drawn out process of the funeral and legal issues.

But a flash back of Grandma Reynolds:
I remember the first time we went out to see her in LA, we actually stayed at my Great Grandma's house. I remember meeting Aunt Shannon and all my cousins, I remember putting way to much pepper on my spaghetti and I had to eat all.
I remember building a card house. I think we have a picture of us. I remember we got pulled over for Summer's car seat"not up to California
code" (it was they just pulled over AZ plates). Oh and seeing the dinosaurs by Blyth.

The next time we went out there I remember there was a few earth quakes, one at night and then one during the middle of the day and then one when we were driving to the lake.
I remember hearing "Flying Purple People Eater" for the first time at her house.
I remember she had a fish tank that sloshed when the earth quake hit and dad trying to save it from falling.
I do remember all the phone calls that I had with her, about my cousin Felicia and the others.

I will miss her, but do know that Heavenly Father will help her and that as soon as we can her work at the Temple will be done.
See you in Heaven Grandma!

So in the town of Prescott Valley we get excited when we play prescott in highschool football. Well it has been five years since I have been to a game, so a couple of us decided we would go to the game  Well on top of that we decided to make shurts to go along with it.  They turn out cute as you can see!

We had a great time, but unfortunantly we lost! Bummer!  But great fun non the less!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Well another year has gone by and life could not be any better. This time last year CJ had just proposed to me again with my real engagement ring, and we were taking or engagement pictures. I was doing my student teaching and CJ was taking his CNA classes at Yavapai. Now I am teaching first grade and CJ is in the Nursing program and working at the hospital. We are so thankful for all the blessings that has come about for us and are thankful for family and friends who have helped along the way. Here's to another great year!

New School Year

Wow the summer went by to fast. CJ and I both worked and the only trip we took was to San Diego, and CJ got sunburned.
So now school is back in session and I have the cutest first grade class, I am so glad I took this job. I love being at a school that I am used to and know the teachers very well. Everyone is really nice and want to help you as much as they can. Oh and not having to drive is even better.
CJ was accepted to the nursing program and that is great news but the sad part is that it is in Verde Valley campus. But he has found a car pool so a little better for gas. He is so excited and well so am I. I don't think I ever mentioned though that he did get the job at the hospital, on the floor he wants to work on even. Crazy but everything is going as planned, and well I am so excited to see what the rest of our future brings.
We love each other so much and we keep Heavenly Father in our hearts and he is number one in all our planning. Oh not to make this a testimony meeting, but I have so much faith and love for our Father and I am so happy that we have a Temple so close to go to to also help in making decisions.
We love you all and as soon as anything great happens I will write again.

San Diego Trip

CJ and I at Sea World

The Sea Lions Come right up to the glass for fish.

Can you see Shamoo? He was swimming around his tank.

We went on a Behind-the-Scene tour and these dolphins were getting training. They came right up to the wall to say hi.

This is a three week old Sea Lion that was rescued. They have to bottle feed it.
Our trip was so much fun, but the first day we were there we both got very sunburned. CJ looked like a lobster. I felt so bad. The trip went great and we got to see so many new things like the Oil Lamp district, and eat at Hard Rock Cafe.

Summer Time Fun

So the title to this post is misleading, summer started for CJ and I about the beginning of June, but let me tell you it has not been to much fun. CJ is taking a class online and working all the time. As for me it is work and Conferences for school and that is about it. Other than the few nights out with the girls, and occasional movies we are bored this summer. There will be a San Diego trip though CJ has never been and then maybe a few camping trips.
I am ready for school to start and well getting kind of antsy about going back at a new school with all new kids. CJ can't wait to find out about getting a job at the hospital and starting the Nursing program.
Oh one thing god our puppy gage is getting huge.
He is my baby boy. Happy Summer to everyone and look for pictures from San Diego!

End of the school year

What a crazy year! Well summer time is here and I am full of joy and happiness. The end of the school year is only a couple days away and I am ready o be done with it. I have loved what I am doing but there is so much paperwork at the end that well I am not happy about that.
I have been working as a resource teacher since Christmas, this was my first teaching job and it has helped me to grow as a person and as a teacher. I was put into a class with no rules or boundaries, so I was thrown into the lions den. But I have kept my head out of their mouths and was able to get by. I have had to learn how to write Individual Education Plans (for those who are teachers, IEP) and well I had a few struggles at the beginning but I have come out on top with good work and excellent timing. I have done an IEP before, but really only as a witness not as the "Interpreter of Results" I never signed under the "Special Education Teacher." I am happy to say I am not longer an IEP virgin, so if you need help let me know ;)
I also had my challenges with taking over for a teacher who did not have a special education degree, she did not do paperwork or hold meetings, so of course this was all thrown at me. She also did not have any firm procedures or regulations to follow along with. She was not going along with the curriculum of the other grade level teachers and well was just doing what she wanted to do. So I came in with rules and procedures, and to tell you the truth the hardest part was when a student said, "Mrs. B didn't do it that way, or Mrs. B didn't give us this much homework" I felt evil and not the good guy, but after the first month they were more used to my ways and they began to enjoy learning with out even knowing.
I have had to deal with parents saying, "your the reason my daughter is sick." Did you get that, good I didn't either, my principal just said not to worry the mother just thinks her daughter does no wrong and is the perfect angel. Well I know different at school.

Ok now that I have explained a little about that, I just got a call though offering me a first grade position! I am so excited and can't wait to be able to get my feet wet in something else. I am always up for a challenge and ready to try anything. Well when it comes to teaching.
I will keep you updated on anything else.
Ta ta for now.

Catching Up

All the posts and anyone who is keeping up with us, well you don't know what we are doing now a days. So lets start with CJ.
CJ is attending Yavapai Community College full time doing prerequisites to get into the nursing program. Right now he is on the alternates list and is sitting right at the top. The director said that he is sure to make it in. Now we are just waiting to see if he gets to go during the day at in the evening.
CJ is also working. He is working at the Samaritan in the Dementia ward. He likes it, but is ready to move on. We are hoping to be able to apply to the Hospital here in the beginning of June. He is ready for a little excitement.
CJ's calling at church is Ward Missionary- he likes it, but I think he wishes he could have a something a little more along the lines of Young Men. But because he works every other Sunday it is difficult for him to take part in something that needs that much attention.
For me, I am now graduated from NAU with a dual Bachelors Degree in Elementary and Special Education. I am putting it towards good use too. I am a resource teacher at a Chino Valley Elementary School. I teach math to 2-5 and reading to 5th grade. I love the kids and teaching I just can't stand all the paperwork that goes along with it. Other than teaching I read a lot, but other than that my life is consumed with teaching.
My calling is CTR7, they are so cute, and very knowledgeable. I like being in Primary because I didn't go through it when I was younger so know I am.
We just got a puppy about two and a half months ago. He is an Australian Cattle Dog mix. He is very cute but is definitely still a puppy, eating shoes and chewing wires. We love him and well hope that he will start jumping on the bed, he is scared of it. He also loves to go for cars rides, but again won't jump into the car. He LOVES going over to my parents house, he will play with the big dogs and gets very silly.
Well that is our daily life in a glance.

Shooting the Breeze (Literally)

Well my dad bought a 38 revolver and well we all went out as a family and shot a few rounds at the target. CJ was really excited to go, but me not so much. I am terrified of guns. CJ shooting. He is not a good aim yet, but after some practice he will be better!
I DID shoot the gun, it was weird and I didn't think I would like it, but it was fun. I am a good aim. I hit the target in the heart and in the head. I even blew open a water bottle. And I was aiming for those things.
The Bottle I hit!

Our Trip to Utah

This is CJ out in front of the Salt Lake City Temple. Wow was it cold. It was suppose to rain and snow.
Salt Lake City Temple at night. It was beautiful. I love being around it and can't wait to go inside the next time we visit.
Sadly one of two pictures that turned out well for us, and it was at Glenn Canyon Dam in AZ. :(

Our Engagement

Well CJ and I both didn't really explain how fast everything moved. We had our first date in July and then got engaged in August. He proposed three times. Once with a huge fake heart ring, then again before my birthday with the real ring, and finally I mentioned one night, "you have never asked Will You Marry Me?" So he did.

We had planned for a nice spring wedding in March, I was so excited to get to plan this beautiful wedding with bright colors, and then one night about a week after we got engaged we kept hearing from everyone, "Oh your waiting that long, you wont last you will move it up." So we thought really hard to see if it was managable to change the date closer. Thankfully it was I was able to set the date for December.

Never did I ever think that I would get engaged so quick, I had no negative feelings about it, and by September I felt like CJ and I knew each other perfectly and that we have known each other for a long time. Which is good because we didn't really have a long time before we were to be sealed together for time and eternity.

I was able to order my dress with just enough time for it to be made and sent to me, they needed about 12 weeks and well I had 16 till I got married. It was close but managable.

We hated being engaged, we seemed to never have time alone, and thanks to my dad he never gave us that time. He loved it and we hated it. CJ's parents were a little lax about us spending time together, but trulely it was better, that way we didn't get into any trouble.

Just The Beggining (His Side)

Well the first time I ever saw Nikki I was the ward membership clerk so when I heard that there was a new person in the ward I went and talked to her and got her information and headed off to the office to take care of a few things including filing the information away and as I walked away I thought to myself "hmmm she seems nice... maybe I'll see if she has any attachments..." and during the next few months I would notice that she was really trying to get my attention first this and then that. One thing that really got my attention was that out of the blue she sent me a friend request on myspace when not a single one of my friends were on her friend list. It was quite interesting but I figured that I would humor her and little by little I got to know her through the messages we sent back and forth then after a little while I realized that she was the kind of person I can not only tolerate but that I enjoy to be around. So then eventually came the famous talk which Nikki already talked about and as I sat in church listening to her speak I kept realizing that she kept looking at me. So at that point I decided to ask her out on a date. I figured that I would ask her after church but then when that time came and i saw her, who was there? None other than her mother and sister. Well I felt rather awkward asking someone out like that so I decided that I would wait and I would call her later that afternoon. Well after that as they do say the rest is history. A month later I officially asked Nikki to marry me. I say officially because we had already been talking about getting married for a couple weeks but she told me that I couldn't actually propose until after I had asked Steve. So we arranged for he and I to be alone so that I could talk with him I asked and he gave his permission. That night I asked her because I was so excited. I had had plans to wait until the next night to ask. It just so happened that there was a meteor shower starting that night which I had planned for. So i decided that i would set something up for us so that we could watch that and I would propose but as I have already stated I couldn't wait. It turns out that we wouldn't have been able to watch the shower after all because it was completely overcast and you couldn't see a single star or meteor. Then four and a half months later we were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Mesa AZ Temple.

Wedding pictures

The new Reynolds Family Except Eddie. We Miss You Tons!!

The New Warren Family! (Until meghan gets Married)

Just the Begining! (Her Side)

Nobody beleives our story, but it is a true and amazing adventure that all started with a simple Hello. I just graduated from college and moved back home to do student teaching. I was attending the singles ward and well ran into the ward clerk, who is very tall dark and hansome. He took my info and then he turned away and was gone. Well for the next two months I plotted with friends to set up ways that we could be around each other without it being a threatening situation. Well it seemed like nothing would work. I would wait after church a little to walk outside with him, but that never worked either, he would either stay late or would end up walking out with guys. I even tried being friendly on MYSPACE, but this guy was not taking any of the bait.
One sunday I had to give a talk at our ward, my mom and sister were there, so I decided I would look at them (public speaking is not my thing). But instead I felt myself looking at CJ more than anyone else. I was so nervous that he thought I was stalking him, so I kept to myself the rest of the day, but my mom knew exactly who he was before I even pointed him out. She said "He is your type, no wonder you were attracted to him."
Well at the end of church that Sunday we were all standing around chatting and CJ happened to be there talking with us, so I blurted out "So would be interested in doing a group fidhing/BBQ thing out at the lake?" Well he said that would be nice. I told him I would have to get the details to him later, but hey great way to talk to him in the future.
Well the day went buy and I just did the usual stuff, but at about 6pm I checked my voice messages. There was one from him, from CJ. I was so excited I was jumping up and down and all over the place. I went down and let my mom, sister, and friend listen to it. He was asking me on a date!!! I called him back and well left him a message. He finally called me back and we set it up.
After that the rest was history. We Dated for just under one month, and he asked me to marry him. and then four months later I was able to be Cinderella going to the ball. We were sealed for all time and eternity.