3 days.

Until school is over! I don't know if it's my students or me that's more excited.... but let's just say that I am in need of some good rest and relaxation!

One of the biggest challenges of being a middle school teacher is seeing students who truly believe that they are so far gone at the young age of 12-14, that trying isn't even worth it. It breaks my heart. I don't understand it. I also am not sure how to help. I think I need a little vacation from that. Come Fall, I will be ready to take on the challenge again, hopefully with some new ideas at the ready. And, did I mention that I am secretly excited about another year at the school? Shh, it's still a secret.

It has been a while since I last wrote... busy doesn't even begin to cover it! For brevity's sake (and because my camera's memory card accidentally traveled to New Hampshire) here's a bulleted list of my latest adventures!

• I graduated (I guess, technically, I walked...) and both sets of family were here to celebrate! It was the greatest!
• As a result, Family Just Dance 2 party. We can and will out-dance you.
• I almost got lit on fire by a stoner and almost got into a fist fight.... at the most AMAZING CONCERT EVER!!!!!
• We got a new car... a charcoal gray Prius. Leather seats, backup camera, premium sound system, 51 MPG, I can handle that.
• We decided that it would be fun to switch the study and the bedroom about 3 weeks ago and are still jumping over piles of stuff that should be put away by now.
• I redid all the pillows in the living room and made some new ones-- Martha Stewart, move over!
• Dan is still being awesome at BYU OIT's Desktop Distribution.
• As of this weekend, I am no longer behind on my grading. YES!

Me and my very large little brother at graduation. This kid is awesome :) Thanks for the picture, Dad.

I may or may not elaborate on these events at a later time.

All the pieces are falling into place in the most beautiful of ways. Clarity is a wonderful thing. All in God's time...

[RACHEL]