Conferences

Last week we had a rash of conferences. All three kids had parent-teacher conferences, which I can't decide if I love or hate. I can definitely state that I don't like waiting for 50 minutes to meet with four teachers only to have a big sign staring me in the face that says: "Please limit conferences to 10 minutes." Okay, besides that.

Each teacher had writing samples for me. First was Tanner who had written and illustrated a book of poetry:

Next was Kilee who had written dinosaur stories (She copies off the SmartBoard so nicely.):

Then was Braxton who had to build a pop-up book to demonstrate knowledge of certain literary terms.I wish I could tell you what this is, but I can't. And Braxton currently isn't home for me to ask him, either. Let me just tell you that presentation isn't his strength.

I also had a conference of sorts last week. If you really wanted to see a writing sample, I could post my paper on practical applications of adult learning theories, but that might not be very much fun to read. What is fun to read is this:

Can I start signing my name Trulee Ann Stocking, M.Ed. ?

PS - Feel free to let me know when I'm no longer humble. :)

Thank You's

In finishing my master's capstone project, I received a lot of advice, criticism (constructive, of course), and counsel. A few people were over-the-top and I want to take a minute to thank them.

April: For her excellent eyes and word choice.
Christy: For her salad and careful scrutiny.
Vicki: For her knowledge of color and what looks good.
Nathan Eldridge: For having a master's degree in IT and providing valuable advice on Dreamweaver and my website.
Bear: For calling everyday to make sure I was on track, knowing the right words to use, and reading all the awful first drafts.
Kathy and Sheila: For picking up the slack at Southside.
Kilee: For praying for me everyday.
Bishop Lewis: For counseling me to read my scriptures EVERY DAY (Ithink I've learned more this time reading the Book of Mormon than any other time).
Tanner: For being the official reminder (because I kept forgetting everything).
Lori: For listening to me whine, complain, bawl, and generally carry on.
Mary: For providing welcome distraction.

But the one person who deserves most of the credit I can't thank enough. Without the support of my husband, I could not have done this. So, Randy, thank you for taking care of McKay day-in and day-out (I'm so glad you had knee surgery on both knees!), for doing the dishes and the laundry, for going grocery shopping, for fixing breakfast and dinner (even if it was potatoes every night), for putting gas in the van, for picking up the kids from school, and for telling me EVERY DAY that I could do it. Thank you for believing in me.

My New To-Do List

1. Read The Bronze Horseman.
2. Get a pedicure.
3. Read a story to McKay.
4. Go shopping with my girl.
5. Clean out my email.
6. Give Tanner a piano lesson.
7. Work on a merit badge with Braxton.
8. Update my blog more often.
9. Take a nap.

Did you notice anything? Is something missing here? Oh- studying. STUDYING!! Yah, I'm not too concerned about that anymore.