"Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam!"

Sunday went much better with the little three-year-old Sunbeams. We had seven in the class again, though we almost had more because of visitors; luckily they were put in a different class. We were much better prepared: we brought stickers and stamps (and a sticker book for each kid), sang songs, colored a lot, went for a walk, and had a lesson. And no one had to go potty! We did have one parent come in because her little boy wouldn't stop hitting the other kids and coloring on the chairs, but the other kids were very well behaved for the most part (especially during the sticker part). We know the children's names and are learning who their parents are. And we found out that no one has any food allergies or restrictions, which means we can bring snacks. Although we need to improve more, we are on the right track. After all, it was only our second time teaching. Next week our lesson is "Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Love Me."

The Next Ginger Rogers

So, I got the job to be a ballroom dance instructor at Fred Astaire Dance Studio! After only two weeks of training, Bill, the manager, wants me and the four men to start next week. We will continue with intensive training--seven hours a day--before we start teaching in a week or two.

The pay is ok now but will get better once I build up a clientele, and the studio is in North Scottsdale where all the rich people live. I will work seven hours a day Monday through Friday. I won't have to compete professionally (thank goodness!), but I will compete with my students because only they get judged. I can't wait to wear an awesome costume!

I am so excited! And complimented. Bill told me that out of the 7 girls I was the only one who was ready. In fact, out of everyone, I am probably the most ready simply because I have the most ballroom experience (all the guys were hired regardless of their skill level because they desperately need male teachers). He also said that I have a good heart and personality. For that reason, he wanted me to teach specifically at his studio: the previous female teacher got transferred because she butted heads with his top female teacher, a pro Russian dancer, and caused a lot of drama. I appreciate when employers recognize my good attitude. I always try to be cheerful. Mel (my last boss) complimented me on it. And when I was working one busy night at Baskin Robbins 3 years ago, I even got a job offer from the manager of Chili's!

I am a little overwhelmed. I have so much to learn and retain in such a little amount of time. But I am so thrilled that I get to say, "I'm a ballroom dance instructor. I dance and teach and love it!" Oh, and I need to get new shoes because my old ones are trashed from fun times at BYU!

The Gateway Ward

So, today was our third Sunday in our new ward. It is very big. It consists of all the people who live in ASU family housing--3 villages--so the majority of the people are in their early thirties or younger. There are sooo many children. They have five nurseries (for children 18 months to 3 years) and two more coming later this year. Primary is a jungle. (Primary is combined Sunday school for children younger than 12. This ward has a junior Primary for 4- to 6-year-olds and a senior Primary for 7- to 12-year-olds.) And sacrament meeting is so loud because of the countless babies.

Today we got called to be Primary teachers for the Sunbeams, the children who will be 4 this year and just graduated from nursery. We had seven children in our class and no lesson, preparation, knowledge, etc. It was hard enough trying to understand the kids saying their names. They were a rowdy bunch. Cute but wild.

We've made friends with another couple that I met on the first Sunday. She and her husband were recently married. I invited them over for dinner tonight, and we had a blast! They are so much fun and they are hilarious! I haven't laughed so hard in forever, and Justin was even crying. We enjoyed dinner, Balderdash, dessert, talking, and laughing. It was a great night.

Thanks, Rachel

For any of you who doubt your blogs are worth it, you are wrong. You never know when someone will find what they need through you, your words and feelings and trials.

I found exactly what I needed on Rachel Marler's blog: a BYU devotional by Elder Holland entitled "Remember Lot's Wife." Thank you, Rachel, for sharing with me!

http://byubnew.byu.edu/talks/Talk.aspx?id=3403

Nuestra Casa

What I Love about My House:

• It is large and spacey. And we have tons of storage!
• The kitchen is great. We have lots of counter space for cooking and extra cabinet space once the lil Nishimoto comes around.

What I Hate about My House:

• The color is awful. The other options are yellow orange and sunset red. I was hoping for the red.
• Bugs. Crickets always get into our house. It's disgusting.
• No garbage disposal, so I have to make sure the sink doesn't clog.

The Good and the Bad:

• Tile floor: easy to clean, no need to buy a vacuum; cold, cold, cold, slippery, hard.
• Tinted windows: great when summer comes around and it gives us privacy, but there is little natural sunlight and the house is freezing even though it's in the seventies outside.
• Electric stove: no gas bill, but we both hate electric burners because they are harder to control.