Changes

Warning: Monster Post (but worth the read!)

Since school has been in session for two months, I guess it's about time that I got around to telling you all that I have switched schools! I am now working for a charter school in South Jordan called Paradigm High School. It is much closer than Maeser Prep (where I've been for the last two years), so my commute is a lot shorter. Also, there is a lot of construction on the freeway I drove to get to Maeser, so I'm now avoiding all of that hassle as well.

I am very happy at Paradigm. Their teaching philosophy more closely matches mine. Also, they have a block schedule, which means that students only have a certain class every other day. However, math scores have been low in the past, so the school decided to have math everyday. What this means for me is that I teach 4 70-minute classes each day (and have one prep period). I also see the same students every day. This equates to fewer total students (I have 96 right now. Last year I had 130-ish). My stress level is so much lower this year!

I do miss my students and co-workers at Maeser, but I know that this was the right move for me. It was all very sudden -- about 2 weeks before school started. However, there is no doubt in my mind that God has been directing me and leading me along. I have wonderful students and co-workers at Paradigm and I feel valued as an employee and as a person. A fellow teacher from Maeser is also working at Paradigm and that has definitely helped to make the transition smoother.

Another change is that Tim has decided to leave the firm he was working with and is looking for another firm to join. He's has several leads, and we're hopeful that one of them will work out. The firm that he was with is a good firm for financial advisors who already have a client base, but it was extremely difficult for him as he is trying to build his clientele. He has been so much happier since he left the firm. He loves the field and really wants to continue in this vein. Again, I know that God is directing us and I know that He will help us find the right opportunity for Tim.

Also, in a few months we will be moving! Tim's parents are going on an LDS mission to Tonga, and they are being kind and generous enough to allow us to live in their house while they are gone. We are very excited to be able to save money for a nice down payment on a home of our own. We will be moving at the end of January. While January seems like a long way off, it is coming faster than I had imagined. Before too long, I'll be starting to pack.

I think the last change that is coming up (at least that I can think of right now) is that our family will soon be growing! We are expecting a new arrival on (or around) April 20, 2011. I am just starting the second trimester and have been very fortunate in how well I have been feeling. I know that God is blessing me as I don't know how I would be able to teach if I felt really sick. I already have a baby bump (and have for the past month!). I've been wearing a lot of baggy shirts and jackets/sweaters to help cover my belly. I told my students this week and it's been fun hearing how excited they are. The baby is due in the middle of Spring Break, so I am hoping to work up until then. I'll miss the last five weeks of school, but I think the timing is great. We are very excited for our family to grow and are looking forward to the joys (and challenges!) of parenthood!