Sheesh! What a month, already, and it's only the 3rd of December! I contemplated going to Israel again with my Aunt Patty. Doesn't it sound nice to calmly enjoy the sunny weather near the Mediterranean Sea, the Sea of Galilee, and to learn about the places the Savior lived and taught? Instead, I'm spending every minute practicing for musical numbers, rehearsing with the school choir, teaching 3rd graders who are excited for Santa to come, shopping, and getting all those Christmas cards sent! I must admit though, the feelings and thoughts from my trip to Israel are still so fresh on my mind that I can picture each place vividly and take myself there as I spend a little time each day in the scriptures. I can make each musical number more meaningful, love each child I teach more as the Savior did, and remember the significance and sacredness of this season when I remember what I learned there last year. I will definitely go back someday, but right now, I have lots to do and give while I am here! 

I am enjoying my students this year, who work so hard. My trooper 3rd grade girls (all 7 of them) do great amidst a class of 18 boys, and the boys do pretty well themselves! They worked hard on the play we performed with the rest of the school tonight, and the song "Recycle the Fruitcake" has been in my mind so much the past 2 months, I wouldn't care to hear it again for quite a while! :)

I am really enjoying the holidays here in Utah, and glad I've already been able to see the lights downtown with my sister's family and my parents. Monday night I stayed up late putting up my Christmas tree, and last night I went to the Festival of Trees! I look forward to time spent with my family, especially since they'll all be together with Laura, Mike, and little Ella, and I'll even get a couple days to watch my niece Janie! Their blogs have been so fun to follow. I look forward to time off to read, spend time with nieces and nephews, and organize! Can you believe how fast 2008 flew by?