Jody Takes 18 Teachers to Las Vegas for a PLC Conference

It was glorious.  No, really, it was!

Months ago, after having attended a virtual conference on how Professional Learning Communities, I felt strongly I needed to take my team leads to participate in that kind of learning.  We were approved to attend the conference and flew out on a Sunday evening for 2 packed days in Las Vegas.

Outside of the inspiring conference, highlights included eating high-end food (Maggianos and Makkis), watching a Cirque de Soleil show at Treasure Island, and lots of laughs!  

I'm so grateful for my job and the experiences I am having.

 

Sons, Soccer, and Sunsets

 

Jaxson's Job at Hobby Lobby

While I was waiting for Austin at soccer, I sent Jaxson a text at his new job at Hobby Lobby and told him I was coming for some shopping and pictures of my handsome son!  He begged me not to come....but I did!  I snapped the cutest pictures of Jax and his friend, Holland.  

I just love this son so much!  He brings pizzazz and excitement into anything mundane and ordinary.  Jaxson makes us laugh.  We are so proud of him and love him to pieces!

 

Celebrating Taylor's Close to her Service Mission

It was a Sunday that I will never forget, not because everything was "perfect" but because of the reminder that there is spring after winter, rainbows following storms, and sunlight after dark nights.

Taylor was scheduled to both sing and speak in church.  Since she was house-sitting for Connie, we met at the church at 8:20 to run through her song a few times.  She was singing beautifully, but suddenly stopped out of the blue and said she was feeling light-headed.  She had eaten a little bit but I wondered if nerves were kicking in.  She sat down for a little bit and then tackled the song again.  She wasn't very far into the song when she quit singing and said she felt like throwing up. Suddenly, she was coughing and gagging like she was going to vomit so we ran outside next to the Bishop's office where she threw up in the bushes.  At that moment, I was crushed for Taylor, worried that we had created a situation that was too much for her.  She asked for Dave to give her a blessing so we went into the Bishop's office where Dave gave her a beautiful blessing, asking Heavenly Father to help keep her calm so she could share the message she had prepared, both in song and word.

Sacrament meeting began and we were watching her like hawks.  She kept smiling and nodding, but now I felt like throwing up!  After the sacrament, Taylor stood up and gave a beautiful talk about how she saw God prevail during her mission.  She spoke with confidence and maturity, heart-felt and sincere.  It was just beautiful!  Then it was time for her song.  She just kept standing there and started to sing.  Once we hit the grandiose highlight of the song, I knew it was a home run from there!   Her powerful voice just filled the chapel.  I felt myself tearing up in gratitude for the miracle we were witnessing from our Savior.  I couldn't help but hug her on my way back down to sit with Dave.  The texts and pictures of Taylor singing started to pour in from ward members.

After church, we met at our home for breakfast burritos, creme brule French toast, fruit and juice.  We had a great crowd of family and loved ones come to support out glowing daughter!

Our hearts and souls are filled with gratitude for the blessing of this child.  Taylor is a blessing to our family and others.  We love celebrating her!