Year in Review: 2010

Wow....what a year 2010 has been. As I looked back through my pictures and posts from this past year we have come so far from where we were a year a go.

January

Started student teaching, I learned so much about myself during this time which has shaped me into the person I am today.

February and March

Student teaching, school, and Aggie Basketball consumed our lives during these months.

April

I found out that I would be teaching in Cache School District. This was huge because we then knew we would be staying in the valley and Jared would be able to finish at USU.

May

Consisted of graduation and closing on our house. We spent a lot of this month do things on our place and enjoying our freedom from school.

June

Jared started working at the Space Weather Center at USU. We also went to Texas and I fell in love with that state! Once we got back from Texas I started teaching summer school.

July

Jared and I both worked. We went on a nice little trip to Yellowstone with our good friends Travis and Brittney.

August

School started for both of us. I spent most of the month getting my classroom ready for my students.

September, October, November, December

Life finally slowed down for us once fall started. We were able to focus on school, work, and finishing things around our house. We went to many USU football games and USU basketball games.

So many things happened this year that shaped who we are now. We have made stronger friendships with those around us and have made many new friends. 2011 will consist trips to Las Vegas in March and Texas in June. We will also have another graduation in May. (That's right Jared has one semester left!) I can not wait to see what else 2011 has to bring us.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year!

Thanksgiving Break

Jared and I had a great Thanksgiving break. It was much needed and came just at the perfect time. We enjoyed time with both families and time to ourselves. Our break started out with the "blizzard of 2010" it wasn't much, but it got me out of work early so I won't complain. Jared and I enjoyed a afternoon and night in. It was so nice know we didn't have to be anywhere. I took pictures to "document" the blizzard.

We ate some delicious sweet chili.

Played our new red Wii that goes great with our decor :)

The wall of snow beginning to build up at our door. The next morning there was probably twice as much snow.

So much for cover parking right? Our cars had some pretty cool drifts.

Although this storm wasn't what everyone was saying it was going to be (which is good) it was nice to use it as an excuse to stay home and just relax.

The next morning we woke up and got started on painting our room. I have been wanting to paint for a really long time, but life just got crazy and we really never had time to begin a project like painting. So I decided that over Thanksgiving break we would paint it. (Jared was thrilled) I was a little nervous when we started because I had bought the paint way back in July and I couldn't remember exactly what it looked like. I am so happy how it turned out. Thanks for your help Nikki! It made the process go a lot faster! I LOVE my green bedroom!

After we used up all the paint we had (yes we had to go back Friday and get more paint to finish) Nikki helped me put up my Christmas tree. I know it was the DAY before Thanksgiving, but I was just so excited. I love having my own place to decorate! I am quite pleased how it turned out.

Its not the best picture, but it gives you an idea of what it looks like.

Wednesday night we went to an Aggies play the Utes in basketball. As always we really enjoyed ourselves. Our friend Brittney joined us with her little boy Chace. It was nice to have Britt sitting by us again considering last season we sat by each other at every game. Chace and I both had blue and gray stripes on so of course we had to get a picture! Isn't baby Chace just adorable! I am so glad Britt and Chace were able to join us at the basketball game!

Thanksgiving Day was spent at Jared's parents house. We at some delicious deep fried turkey and other great food. We was a great day spent just enjoying everyones company. I think this is the best way to spend the holidays. Friday Jared and I came back over to Logan and just spend the day finishing up projects around the house. It was so nice that Jared didn't have to work black Friday this year. Thank goodness there is no more retail jobs for us! (hopefully) Saturday we stopped by the Hudman Christmas party and then headed down Morgan to spend time with my family. I love the holidays because it gives you an excuse to spend time with family. I'm amazed at how much my nieces and nephews are growing and becoming their own person. I am so grateful for all of my family and everything that they have done for me.

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season!

Change

You're just a fool

Just a fool

To believe you can change the world

Don't listen to them when they say

You're just a fool

Just a fool

To believe you can change the world

Oh the smallest thing can make all the difference

Love is alive

Don't you listen to them when they say

You're just a fool

Just a fool

To believe you can change the world

Lately these lyrics have been in my mind. I have noticed that a lot of the teachers at the school I teach at are there for themselves and only themselves. They worry whether or not they get their full 30 minutes of lunch, their prep time, and other little things that really shouldn't matter if you are there for the students education. Not to build myself up, but I am at the school every morning by 6:50 and don't leave until 3:30 or 4:00 on any given day. I do not have a prep and force myself to take a lunch because I still have students in my class room when it is my lunch. Now there are a few teachers in the school who are there for the students. Two teachers come to mind. One is the a science teacher and the other is the 7th grade resource teacher. These two individuals are there to make a difference in there student's lives. They are constantly finding ways to help their students who are struggling. If all teachers were like these two teachers I can only imagine what the education system would be like. I hope that I can become the kind of teacher they are.

Many teachers look at my job like it is a baby sitting job. They look at my students like something is wrong with them. I think it is sad that there are a teachers that won't even allow my students in their classroom. Something is wrong with that. I want to CHANGE that. I want to sow these teachers how important education is especially to those students who have a disability. My students may not look like everyone else or act like everyone else but they are still kids and want to have fun and learn. When the other teachers look at me and make comments on certain students behavior it hurts inside. If they only understood what my students went through each day and that some of them can't control themselves then maybe they would understand better.

I am very thankful for the support I do have in the school. For the teachers that let my students into their classrooms to learn and make learning fun. I have a great principal and vice principal that support me and understand that somedays are going to be absolutely crazy.

I do want to CHANGE how those select teachers view my students and the regular ed students education. When I entered the education field I thought everyone was in the field for the students and to give them the best education possible, but the few months I have been teaching I have found that I was wrong.

Some people may think I am a fool for what I do, but I honestly wouldn't choose a different career. I am excited when my students get off the bus because I don't know what today is going to bring. Something exciting ALWAYS happens.

I hope once I leave Spring Creek Middle School I will leave some kind of mark on that school. Whether it is my students can go to any general ed class they want or just more acceptance from the faculty there will be some sort of change.

Days like today...

All I can say is I am glad each school day is a new start. If I had to repeat today, I don't know how willing I would be to return to school. I really hope that days like today happen few and far between. I don't know if it was because it was a Monday or the weather is changing, but whatever it is I hope it stops! Lets hope the rest of the week is better! Thank goodness I had a diet coke and Community to come home to today! It definitely made my day that much better!

Never a dull moment!

Well I guess you can say that there is never a dull moment in the Fulgham home! We are staying busy with school. Jared is enjoying most of his classes and is staying busy with work at the Space Weather Center. School for me is certainly a new adventure everyday. I have yet to have a day be the same. I never know what to expect, but I guess you can say that is what I love about my job. I have been told if I make it through this year I can make it through anything. We will certainly see if that is true! I love the people I work with and I have learned so much about myself this past month then I ever thought I would!

Last Friday we went to the Brad Paisley concert with Josh and Nichole. I hadn't been to a concert for almost 4 years. It was a great concert and I really enjoyed watching all of the drunk people, especially the one next to us who broke the chair she was sitting in.

On Saturday I went to Tremonton and watched the Women's conference with Tina. It was nice to focus on the gospel for a few hours. I love President Monson and think it is such a great man. I can not wait for conference this weekend!

Last night we went to our nephew Isaac's soccer game. I love watching little kids play soccer, it is always entertaining. I sure miss seeing our nephews on a regular basis.

Isaac doing his "pose". I love how he has his hands behind his back during the soccer game.

Zachary in his soccer ensemble. This is why we love our Zachary. How many kids go to soccer games with their jersey on and cowboy boots.

And our baby Wyatt. He sure loves his Uncle Jared! We certainly love going to see this little guy!

And I can not wait to go and see this this weekend. I sure miss my dad's ranch and really enjoy going home. Whenever I go home I just can't believe I grew up in such a beautiful place! I love going home just to get away from real life every once in a while.

Busy Saturday

Today was a crazy day. It started out with our niece Sammy's baptism. I can't believe she is already 8! All of my nieces and nephews are growing up and it is making me feel so old! He was a great morning. My entire family was together and it was so nice to spend time with everyone. After the baptism we came back home and got ready to go over to Ben's house to watch the USU vs OU football game. It was quite the party! We had great food and a great game! USU was so close to winning! We only lost by one touchdown which made my night. I am looking forward to the rest of the season! I am so glad it is a three day weekend so I can have an extra day to rest before it is back to school on Tuesday. I am so thankful for families!

By the way....I really miss this place....

And I really want to go back soon.

End of Summer Means Back to School

Well summer came to rapid end. We certainly didn't have a dull moment this summer. From moving into our new home in May, going to Texas in June, Yellowstone trip in July, our trip to Idaho Falls, many trips to Tremonton and Morgan, and a couple of days spent at county fairs in August I have to say that we certainly lived this summer to the fullest! I don't think a week went by that we didn't have some project or trip happening. During this crazy summer we put in engineered hardwood(pictures to come) in our kitchen and dining room and painted. We still have more painting to do, but I am all painted out at this moment in time.

This is our red wall that is now checkerboard! Jared and I got the idea from a picture we saw on the internet. I don't know if I will ever do a project like this again, but it was defiantly worth it. It only took us three hours, I was expecting us to take a lot longer to do everything. I think it helped a lot that the wall was already red and we only had to add to other colors.

Summer came to an abrupt end when school started. I officially made it through my first week of school. This was probably one of the hardest weeks of my life with many ups and downs. There were points during the day I would feel great and think I had control of my classroom, and then there were moments that I didn't think I would be able to keep going. This school year is going to be a huge learning experience. I am thankful everyday when the day is over that I don't have to redo days. It is nice know that every day is a new day and I can start fresh each day. As hard as this year is going to be I am so grateful I have this opportunity to work with these amazing kids. I really think I am going to learn more from them this year then they will learn from me. I have a great team at the middle school who have been a great support to me.

Jared also started his second to last semester of his under grad. (did I mention he is graduating in May instead of December 2011!) He is really excited about his classes. He is loving his job at the Space Weather Center on campus and is getting a lot of experience in his field.

Thanks Travis and Brittney for such a great summer! If it was watching Top Shot, getting snow cones, playing games, trip to Yellowstone, or just hanging out, you certainly made our summer that much better! (I can't wait to meet baby Chace!)

Oh yes, one last thing, tomorrow is the first Aggie football game of the season and I can not wait for the next home game that is next Saturday. With football starting it gets me that much closer to basketball! GO AGGIES!

Yellowstone

Clear back in July we took a fun little trip to Yellowstone with our friends Trav and Britt. It was nice to get a way for a few days and see the beautiful landscape of Yellowstone. I forgot how breathe taking it is there. We saw a lot of bison (people can be so stupid around those animals) and elk. We also saw a mama Grizzly with her two cubs and wolves (through a scope). We were able to stay at Canyon campground. We know the camp hosts so we were able to set up a tent in there camping spot. It was great. We didn't have to make any reservations or pay anything to stay there (even better)! Here are a few pictures from our trip.

One of the beautiful waterfalls in the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone

One of our few pictures together taken at Mammoth.

This friendly bison decided to disrupt our bear and wolf watching. Apparently we were sitting right where his trail was. No worries we watched him walk by in the comfort of our car...unlike other people.

If you look really close you can see 3 brown spots. Those are the Mama Grizzly and her cubs...I promise those are bears!

Did I mention it was freezing! We weren't very prepared for the cold, but luckily we had jackets we could wear during the day. This is were we spent most of our second evening watching for bears and wolves. Even though we saw them at a distance, it was still really cool to be able to see them.

Texas Trip

Summer has been crazy to say the least. In June Jared and I headed to Texas with his family for a family reunion and to visit family. Our trip started out early Thursday morning when we loaded up his parent's car and started on our 24 hour voyage to the wonderful state of Texas. I wasn't really looking forward to the trip, but I really enjoyed seeing more of the country.

Jared and his brother Josh drove a majority of the trip. I drove about 2 hours when we were going through Kansas to give Jared a break. Kansas was nice and flat and there wasn't much traffic so it wasn't bad.

Nikki on one of our walks at the reunion. We stayed at a baptist retreat that had bedrooms and bathrooms for everyone. I absolutely loved it here. It was hot and humid and surprisingly I really enjoyed it. I miss it some days.

One word. Whataburger. Ever since I met the Fulgham's they have talked about how great Whataburger is, and I have to say it is quite delicious. Its just a simple hamburger joint, but that is what makes it so great! I lost count how many times we ate a Whataburger.

Passing by Dallas on our way to Waco, Texas.

Jared was a little excited to be at the Dr. Pepper factory.

I was hoping Jared wasn't getting any ideas of giving our future children Dr. Pepper to drink.

While we were in Waco we also went the the Texas Ranger Museum. There were a lot of cool guns to look.

In Kilgore, where Jared's uncle lives and we stayed after the reunion, there was an oil museum we went to. There was an oil boom that pretty much made this town. It was awesome to see all of the history of this town.
On the Wednesday we were there we went across the boarder to Shreveport, Louisiana with Jared's cousin Christopher and his family. Along the Red River there is a mall on the board walk. As Jared put it, "its the Gateway on acid."
This is summer Christopher's adorable little girl Summer. She certainly stole our hearts when we were down there.

To say the least we really enjoyed our trip to Texas and are excited to go back next summer.

My crafty side

I made this sign using fabric and double sided tape. It looks great next to our red wall :)

My hemp balls. :) All I used was Styrofoam balls, hemp cord, hot glue gun, and spray paint. I am way excited how these turned out.

Our dining room! We were trying to decide between painting this wall red or green. We went with red so we didn't have to repaint the rest of the walls. I am happy how it turned out.

Our next project will be upstairs. I want to paint our bedroom and do some sort of head board. We will probably do a green and brown theme upstairs. I will post more pictures as we finish our projects.

Busy Life!

Well our lives have been pretty busy the last month. After we found out that I had a job here in the valley. We decided to find a place that would be a little more permanent. We found a townhouse in Providence that we LOVE! It is in a nice neighborhood and fits us perfectly.

The first thing that sold us on this townhouse was the balcony. We have great neighbors and are enjoying our ward. We enjoyed our experience living with my brother, but it is so NICE to have a place of our own that we can do what we want with. Since we got our own place I have been excited to try crafty things. I have done a couple of crafts, but I can't find my camera cord at this second so once I find that I will post pictures. Another great thing about this townhouse is it is only 2 blocks away from the school I will be teaching at. My commute to work is about 1 minute....which is fabulous!

Speaking of my job, it looks like I am going to be teaching summer school. The coordinator over Secondary Ed really wants me to get in and get to know the kids and this is the perfect opportunity for me. I have been able to go into my classroom a little bit the last couple of weeks and get to know my students. It is going to be a crazy first year considering I am going to have 13 students in my classroom and that isn't counting the peer tutors that I will be in charge of also. It is overwhelming to think of what my first year is going to be like, but I know with the support of those around me it will be possible.

On May 8th I graduated from Utah State University with a B.S. in Special Education with an emphasis in Severe and Early Childhood. It was such a surreal day. I can't believe I am graduated from college. It is now on to the grownup world and I will have a job in what I have been working on the past four years. My parents and some of my siblings were able to attend. Also Jared's parents and siblings were there. I am so thankful for all of their support. I am the 6th child of my parents to graduate from college. (I think that is quite the accomplishment for my parents) I am so grateful Jared was encouraging to me to finish school and be successful.

Well as you can see life has been crazy, and I don't think it will be slowing down anytime soon. May is full with activities and in June we are headed to Texas fro 10 days. I am excited to me Jared's extended family and see more of the country.

I will be sure to add more photos of our place when I can!

Angleman Syndrome

The main reason I chose to be a Special Educator is because of the experiences I had with a girl my age who has Angleman Syndrome. From the time I was in 1st grade until I graduated from high school I was able to work with this special girl. She would always brighten my day and still does when I think about her. People with Angleman Syndrome are special people. There is just something about them that makes you happy. In September I started working with a little boy who has Angleman Syndrome and he is the sweetest boy ever. I could be having the worst day and the moment I see Zachary it all goes away. I love to hear him laugh and see him smile. On May 15th Jared and I will be participating in a walk for Angelman Syndrome. I am excited to be able to give back (at least attempt) to these amazing people. For more on the walk and about Zachary go here. I know this post doesn't even come close to show how special these people are to me, but at least it is a start.

JOB!

I am going to be a teacher in the Cache School District! I am so excited! I received a phone call yesterday telling me that they wanted to offer me a job. I will either be working at a Post High setting or at Spring Creek Middle School in Providence. As I learn more I will keep you all informed.

Accomplishments

Today I received my cap and gown. I can't believe I will be graduating from college in less than two months. I don't think it will hit me until it actually has happens. I have a interview on Monday for a severe teaching position in the Cache District. I'm anxious to see how it goes and am hoping to hear from more districts.

Things at the preschool are going great! I love the kids and and people I work with. I am learning a lot about how to be a teacher and what teaching style best fits me.

Not many people know, but I have been doing weight watchers since the end of January. I am happy to say that I have lost 9 pounds since starting (hopefully it will be 10 this week). I feel great and it is such a great feeling to actually see results. I also ran 1.5 miles on the treadmill tonight. For me this is huge! I have have never ran that far without stopping. For those of you who know me I am not a runner, I leave that to my sister Stacey. Hopefully I will continue working on my running and learn to enjoy it. :)

Another accomplishment.....Spring break is in a week and a half!!!! After that I only have 3 weeks left of student teaching!

Go Aggies! Go Aggies! Hey! Hey! Hey!

Yes my Aggies are playing tomorrow, and I will be watching. I only wish I could be in Spokane to watch it in person. Go Aggies!

Aggie Basketball

On March 6, the Aggies regular season came to end. I have to admit I was pretty bummed because basketball has been the thing to get me through the last 4 winters in Logan. This game was also my last game I would attend as a student at Utah State University. Luckily Jared still has a couple more years so I will be able to get a spouse pass and still attend the games. :) It was a blow out against New Mexico State, unfortunately we were unable to beat the New Mexico Aggies in the WAC tournament. The Aggies are going dancing in the NCAA tournament and will be playing the Texas Aggies this Friday. Jared and I will be cheering on the Aggies and be hoping for a win.

These are just a couple of pictures from the game. We sat by Travis and Brit at every game so we had to have a picture of them :) I know my eyes are closed but it works. :)

Wild Bill has also kept me entertained at basketball games. He has made it big nationally and is making all of us Aggies fans proud.

Life has been going well for us. Jared has spring break this week and unfortunately I have school. My spring break will be the first week of April. I am really enjoying being at the preschool. The kids are so much fun and keep me on my toes. Yesterday was my first day of fully taking over the classroom and it has been going well. I get along with the aides in the classroom and my cooperating teacher. Jared is enjoying his new job. He is able to do a lot from home which means we are able to see each other more often.

Today was my birthday. I'm the big 22 now. Jared and I went out to dinner and then did a little shopping. It was nice just to spend some time together and not have to be doing anything major.