Austin Wraps up 6th grade: on to a new chapter in his life!

 How can this be?  My 3rd child just finished elementary school!  I can hardly wrap my thoughts around this.  Austin has thrived in school.  He is a friend to all, competitive as the day is long, and passionate about certain subjects, excluding math of course!  We are so grateful for all of the people who have played a part in his success at Deerfield, especially those who took care of his annual concussions and illnesses!

Aufwiedersehen, LPHS

At the final faculty event, the closing social before graduation, there were 24 of us leaving so there were 24 tributes.  I started to worry about who would give my goodbye.  I thought to myself, "I hope it is Shauna or Jolynn.  They get me."  Imagine my joy when they announced my name and Shauna Kay jumped up.  She read the nicest words about it and sent them to me later.  I am including them here so my children can read one day about who I am as a professional....and a mother!
 

Jody,

I thought you might like to keep the kind words that Cindy Grace said about you:

I have known Jody Lindsay for 25 years. Not only is she one of the finest teachers I have ever seen, but she is a truly quality, amazing person. She is the kind of person that you never want to give up as a friend. Her classroom is absolutely alive. You would be hard pressed to find a single glassy eye in sight. Jody did her masters degree in cooperative learning strategies and her students benefit from her expertise every day. She also loves the German language and culture. When we were a bunch of young single teachers, and I was barely toasting bread, Jody had us all over , and she made German food for everyone. Who does that?? She is also passionate about public education and has helped to create supportive social media sites and taken time to meet personally with legislators and policy makers who pull the educational strings in Utah.

While I could go on and on about her pedagogical prowess, advocacy and culinary skills, the thing that defines Jody most is her unwavering focus on family. She has set an example for me for which I will always be grateful. Anyone who knows Jody knows her priorities. Dave and the children are at the top of the Jody food chain. Beyond that, she welcomes all into her circle and spreads goodness everywhere she goes- and that is not hyperbole- it is just the Jody Lindsay way.

This is from Mandy Hunt:

“The first time I saw Jody, was in a professional development meeting.  Jodie was presenting and she knocked my socks off.  I remember thinking, “Wow!  How did we get her?”  She is an amazing teacher but she is also so fun and kind.  I am so sad that she will be leaving but it makes sense.  She can now influence the entire district with her amazing personality!”

2018 Memorial Day in Chesterfield Idaho

 We got home late from Manti and turned around the next day to leave for Chesterfield for the rest of the 3-day weekend.  Dave came with us, for which I was so grateful!  He makes everything more happy and exciting for our family; moreover, I love it when all 6 of us are together!

We went to a dance at the old dance hall where the kids danced so cute together!  Sunday, we ate delicious food after church and played games.  On Monday, we participated in all of the townsite festivities with the cousins!  We took a wagon ride around the site, visited the Hatch family graves in the cemetery, and visited with countless people whom I love dearly.  It was the perfect weekend!

Carson Graduates from Manti; Honoring our Family for Memorial Day

 We bolted from work/school and headed down to Manti for Carson's graduation from Manti High School.  It was a lovely service and we are super proud of him and all of his hard work!

We also stopped at the Manti Cemetery to pay honor to my family members buried there.  Since it was the beginning of Memorial Day Weekend, there were flags flying everywhere and the cemetery looked amazing!  I am grateful all of my kids are being raised knowing how important family is, how important it is to remember our loved ones who have passed on and how we can honor them in the way we live.  #familiesareforever