We're in the home stretch!

This past week my school's 3rd term ended. This means that I am 3/4 of the way through my first year of teaching! In some ways, it feels like a lifetime ago that I was a college student, but in others, it's still hard for me to believe I'm old enough to have a real job! This semester has gone much more smoothly than my first semester. I know the kids better and they know me better. I adjusted the curriculum we use to give them a bit less homework and the change has been immense! During 2nd term, I had several students who never turned in homework and subsequently failed. This term, however, I am only failing 4 students (out of 100). While that's still 4 more than I want to fail, the shortened homework has meant that students are actually doing their homework and as a result are learning the material which translates into higher test scores. I am so proud of my students!

Tim is in the home stretch of his classes. While I am counting down the number of school days until spring break (9, by the way), he is counting down the number of days of class he has left (5!). He is definitely feeling ready to be done with school. He is still looking for an internship for over the summer, but has one that will most likely come together. He just needs to get it approved by the Communications department.

It's hard to believe that this phase of our lives is almost over, but also very rewarding to know that we both finished school. We don't know yet where life will take us, but one thing we know and have no doubt about is that our Heavenly Father is watching over us. He knows us personally and knows our circumstances, and He has a plan for us. Sometimes it's frustrating for me when I do not know where we will be in 6 months, but I have faith and know that God's plan is better than my own.

The last piece of news (at least for now) is that my brother comes home from his mission in 1 1/2 months! I am so excited to see him and spend time with him.