ahhh christmas.

a timeline:

thanksgiving was fantastic in colorado.  we loved hanging out with family and eating good food.  Samuel got the 24 hour flu.  long, beautiful drive.

back to school for a few weeks.  holidays around the world.  music, crafts, multiplication.  books, books, books.  I love seeing my students write their letters to santa.

december good times-- jazz game with a buzzer beater final shot, incredible tabernacle choir concert with nana, henry schein holiday party, family parties, music.

Samuel's birthday is on Saturday!  we have big plans for some skiing, dinner, and presents.

I can't believe that Christmas is only a few days away.  There are still so many things I hope to do: see the lights, get together with friends, make candy at grammy's, relax, wrap gifts, watch it's a wonderful life.  Maybe even greet new twin nieces?!

wishing you peace and joy for the season.

Christmas Card

A GROVER YEAR IN REVIEW:

January: Brynn celebrates her big 2-5, Samuel settles into his new job at Henry Schein Practice Solutions. February: we host our nieces and nephews for a Valentine Party. March: Samuel does a winter ascent of Mount Olympus. April: We celebrate our 2 year anniversary at the tulip festival. may: we visit hebgen lake in the snow over memorial day. Samuel helps chop wood and make-over the upstairs bathroom. June: School is out for the summer! brynn starts teaching a book group at the king’s english bookstore.  July: Samuel hikes the 32 mile teton crest trail. Brynn plans and executes an Olympics party at the cabin. August: brynn inventories her classroom library. We party at the grover family reunion.  September: we head to hebgen over Labor Day. Brynn run/walks the canyon rim 5k. October: we set an all time record by having 5 trick-or-treaters come to our house.. November: we drive to denver and enjoy Thanksgiving with some of the grover/McAllister clan. December: we cut down a fresh christmas tree.

Wishing you all the best this holiday season!  

Love, Brynn & Samuel

November! Hey!

I have a large gap between Parent-Teacher conferences this evening, so (inspired by Bailey) I thought I'd take a leap and update the blog.  Some realizations for me as of late:  (kind of on the serious side-- sorry).

School this year has been good.  I have gained a great respect for mothers-- all mothers, but specifically mothers of children with special needs.  I admire your unconditional love.  I admire how hard you "fight" for your kid.  I mean, even if it is sometimes against the teacher, against the administration, against the psychologists and the pathologists and the other students, if you don't stick up for your kid-- who will?  It has been a good lesson for me to learn, though not always the easiest.

I would like to give a shout out to my Grandpa.  He is the most giving, dependable, calm person I know.  He comes to my wild classroom three times a week, and captures my students' hearts by giving them candy and practicing their spelling.  I find that his mere presence boosts me up during the hard days-- just knowing that he is there and that he will still like me even if I make a student do their work when they don't want to.  Or if I give up on making them do their work because they make me crazy.  He is the best.

November always gets me thinking about things I am thankful for.  I am so grateful for a supportive husband who is honest and true.  I am so grateful for loving families who love us despite our shortcomings.  I am grateful for friends who never let me down.  I am grateful for a job I love, and for students I love more.  I am grateful for supportive colleagues, who help me keep a good perspective.  I am thankful for the beautiful surroundings I get to enjoy (and snow!).  I am thankful for the gospel, and the temple, and the scriptures--they keep me grounded.  I am really grateful for 3 days off next week, and a road trip to look forward to.  I love Thanksgiving.  It's one of my favorite holidays because it's all about things I love: fall, food, families, PIE (and... the parade!).  I hope its a good one, wherever you are.

bad hair day?

Today as I was greeting my students at the door, one particularly adorable child looked up at me and said, "Miss Brynn, are you having a bad hair day?"

Oh, those kids.

school time again

hi guys.  school starts in less than a week.  just thought you might want to know.

I've been up at the school for the past couple of weeks organizing and getting ready.  my classroom library got a revamp, I've learned about teaching different personality types, I lost all of the fonts on my computer- then spent a lot of time downloading new ones. workbooks have been printed.  desks and chairs have been placed.  it's only a matter of time.

hebgen +

the end of July was full and wonderful.  Samuel spent 4 days hiking in the tetons with his brother and some friends:

and we spent a lovely week at hebgen sunning, eating, wakeboarding, reading, playing word games, swimming, biking, tubing on glass, and CELEBRATING THE OLYMPICS.  it was awesome:

(notice the olympic rings?)

speaking of the olympics, we have totally been into them and loving watching all of the events. go world!

keys please

I have a problem.

I always lock my keys in my car and/or my house.

Last summer I locked the keys in the car several times, including  while getting a snowcone, while parked at WalMart, and in my driveway.  During the school year, I locked my keys in the house several times and ended up waiting at my mom's house until Samuel got home from work.

And yet again:

Yesterday was Josie's birthday-- (Josie is one of my cute young women)-- so we took her some breakfast before they took off for beehive camp.  I wasn't driving, so I opted to leave my purse home.  That's when the trouble began.  Upon arriving home, I had my arms full of cinnamon rolls and orange juice, I walked up to the front door opened the screen door, grabbed the doorknob and gave it a forceful twist... only-- it didn't twist.  I had locked the door.  Frantically I ran around to the kitchen side door, praying that by some amazing and unusual blessing of fate we might have left it open 3 weeks ago (which was the last time we had used it).  No luck.  I called my landlord; he didn't answer.  I called my mom about fifty times; she didn't answer.  I called Samuel, even though he was 400 miles away in the Tetons.  He answered!  But he couldn't do much to help, besides offer moral support.  So, I weeded my garden.

Eventually my mom called back, laughed a little, and came to pick me up.  Also, my landlord stopped by and unlocked the side door so that I could get in.

I guess I need to get a hide-a-key.  But...at least I lock my doors?

are you ready? are you thrilled?

the olympics!  I cannot wait.

oh how we need each other

Going from working 50 or 60 + hours a week to working 1 hour a week has been a big change for me.

I've found all of this time to do things like read, cook, garden, exercise, vacation, and think.  And it's great.  Truly-- it is.  But too much alone time is really starting to get to me.  I find myself going to the grocery store three or four times a week just to interact with people.  Or, I'll go over to my mom's house and see if she has any projects or errands she needs help with.  Please understand-- I'm not complaining!  It's just not what I'm used to.  I'm used to 25 eight year olds depending on me.  I'm used to planning escapades with friends.  I'm used to interactions with colleagues. Sitting alone in an empty house (no matter how much I'm accomplishing) is just not my style.

Sister Hinkley said:
It is a sociological fact that women need women.  We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other.  We need each other. 


It's the truth!  You guys.  We need each other.  We need to be friends.  We need to converse, help each other solve problems, share opinions, laugh, and enjoy being together.  I understand this "sociological fact" now more than ever.

So, what do you say?

4 more miles

On Saturday, we met up with some of the long-time friends of the Grover fam, the Stewart fam.  Grovers and Stewarts have a lengthy history that began at the beloved Camp Loll.  We hiked up to Lake Blanche, and enjoyed the views.  It was a fantastic time.

you guys.

I can't believe that we're coming up on Memorial Day weekend.  Memorial Day weekend.  It's like the beginning of summer.  ah!  The end-of-the-school-year has entirely snuck up on me this year.  All of a sudden we only have four days of school left.  And with report cards printed and ready to be mailed, a weekend packing list ready for Hebgen, and a watermelon in my fridge ready to be sliced--it may as well be summer.

We should have hamburgers for dinner tonight.

oh hey it's may

it's been a wild month-- lots of things going on at work for both Samuel and me.  and lots of things going on at home as well.

I'm gearing up for the last eight days of school (but who's counting?), looking forward to heading to hebgen for Memorial Day, planting my "salsa garden" of tomatoes, peppers and herbs, reading (finishing up the Hunger Games books), planning projects for summer, and trying to get rid of the extra "stuff" we have around the house.

Samuel recently participated in a luau at work (where they roasted a pig and everything), washed both of our cars, landed an interview for a great new position in the company, did 7 loads of laundry, and got a haircut-- among other things.  he's the best.

here comes summer...

as promised.

Here is the last video from the SHIFT training, my personal narrative:

what I've been up to

I'm here in St. George with 2 amazingly fun teachers from my school!  We've been working at learning how to incorporate film into our curriculum.  Yesterday we planned, filmed, edited and produced a "9 sentence" film (a film written in only 9 sentences, with no dialogue).  Luckily, Lyv was in town and stars as our adorable actress.  Check it out:

Our second video was a Public Service Announcement:

Stay tuned for the Personal Narrative (which should be completed within the next few hours...)

a new song

brings a plethora of possibilites for family band:



(that's right-- there are five people playing one guitar).

happy day

Samuel and I are celebrating our 2 year anniversary!  We took the day off yesterday to go to the tulip festival, have lunch, and do some shopping.  We spent the night in Park City, and are back home today to get things done around here.

Two things I love about Samuel, after being married for two years:


1. When Samuel works, he works hard.  But when it is time to relax, Samuel stops to take photos of beautiful vistas or pretty flowers, he drives me out of the way to go to little book stores, and turns down the music to share his big ideas.

2. Samuel is very loyal.  When he commits to something or someone--especially family-- he will stick by it to the bitter end.  A great quality in a spouse, if you ask me.

Happy anniversary, Samuel.  I love you a lot.

the best.

lots of thoughts to spill.

hey.  thanks for your nice and insightful comments and conversations here on the blog and everywhere else.  especially concerning that last post.  I have definitely not figured it out, but I have some good ideas and some new strategies to try as far as diet/exercise.  so thank you.

tomorrow is parent-teacher conferences.  I don't know why I always feel like I have to blog around conference time-- I think it just gives me something else to think about amid the chaos.  I've tried to simplify, though, and this term it's working.  friday will be here in no time.

tomorrow is also the day that my dear friend, Kaite, returns from her mission.  I am so excited to see her!  unfortunately it will be late at night before I can get over to her house (because of said conferences), but even still-- I cannot wait.  so much love.

currently I am working on my YW lesson about being a good example.  it has me thinking about all of those "examples" who have shaped my life. I've thought a lot about all of those circles I've traveled in-- and who has inspired me to make certain turns or changes.  you know?  like people who were stalwart for me in high school; people I gleaned from in college; wonderful people I've met while learning and traveling; my ever-faithful family; friends who have stuck around.  to all those who are those daily "good examples"-- I find you courageous and inspiring.  I love this quote from the lesson: "It takes courage to do what you know to be right even when it is hard, very hard. But you will never lose your courage unless you choose to.” -Ardeth Kapp  I know it's talking about being a righteous example in the gospel, but I think it applies to other parts of life as well.  what do you think?

also.  have you noticed that getting comments on your blog is extremely exciting and motivating?  I'm going to try to be better at commenting on blogs more often.  because heaven knows I read 'em.

let's talk about food.

It's a vicious cycle.
Last March when Samuel and I gave each other the "sugar challenge" (no sugary treats for a month), we lasted about 2 weeks.  And then we ate cake with strawberry topping and ice cream.  I wanted to try the challenge again this month, and then I went over to my mom's yesterday (yes, March 1st) and there were cookies baking and that smell in the air and cookie dough just sitting on the counter and I couldn't resist!  So, what's my deal?  Is it really that I have no willpower?

If I'm really honest with myself, I do want to make some healthy changes in my life.  Exercise is #1 on my goal list, and a healthier diet is #2.  How do you make yourself do it?  Is eliminating sugar for a month truly going to help me reach my goals?  (seriously.  I'm asking because I don't know).  

I like what this blog suggests:

1. Reduce dependence on sweets:  The average American drinks 96 oz. of soft drinks each week.  New goal: one 12-oz drink, or less.
2. Eliminate man-made trans fats:  Zero deep fat fried foods.
3. Take back control of your diet:  Write a weekly menu.
4. Eat a healthy breakfast:  Cereal products must have more natural fiber than added sugar.
5. Be muscular: Exercise 30 minutes most days.  It’s best if you sweat.
6. Return to the plant-based diet of your ancestors:  Eat (USDA recommended) five vegetable servings daily. 
7. Slow aging:  Eat a varied diet of whole foods (especially berries) to maximize antioxidant intake and minimize free radical damage.

Our goal is to rediscover the best way to live and be well.  We’re not trying to live forever, just more fully.

Thoughts?  Feelings?  Advice?

tagged by bay

The 11 questions bagel tagged me with on her blog:

1. What is your favorite TV show? I've been into Parenthood recently, thanks to my sis in law. It's a good mix of humor and drama, plus it has a killer soundtrack.

2. Would you ever go on a reality show? What would it be? reality tv is obnoxious.

3. If you had to listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would have to be Carole King's "Tapestry."  I just love it.

4. What is the first thing you notice in someone of the opposite sex? smile and eyes. (not a coincidence that samuel has both lovely eyes and a handsome smile).

5. What is your dream job? someone who gets to read to kids all day.

6. What was your first impression of me? my first impression of bailey?  probably "I have a new little sister.  I'm no longer the youngest.  She gets to sleep in my room!"

7. Do you decorate for the holidays? I try.  I hope to get better at this when I become a mom, because it's something that reminds me of my own mom.  

8. How many people have you kissed?  two. the second was waaay better.

9. What is your favorite book to reread? have you ever been the first to read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle to a third grader? enough said.  

10. If you had to teach someone about any major historical event, what would you choose? I think the American Revolution era.  And I think I'd rather teach it to kids, because there are so many great songs you could use.  

11. How would your parents describe you? I think my parents would describe me as someone who likes to make people happy. (a blessing and a curse).  I think they would say I'm a singer, a teacher, an emotional female, a birthday lover, and a blonde.  I hope they would describe me as a loyal and supportive family member, a peace-maker, and an adventurous daughter.  


I'll echo Bailey in saying if you'd like to join in-- feel free!   

Here are my tags: 

1. Hilary

2. Samuel

3. Ashley

4. Alison

5. Mom

love today

loving that science night is over

loving my parents for saving me at science night

loving that we are having adorable nieces and nephews over tomorrow

loving that it's friday

loving that I get to bake tonight

loving samuel

loving creating valentines

loving my new kindle

loving my slippers (as always)

loving my "nana's salad" copycat

loving singing songs with my students

loving coats

loving february.

things I'd like to learn how to do

sew/quilt
make new recipes
de-junk
plan ahead more efficiently
keep in touch/rekindle old friendships
preparedness for emergencies
grocery shop
get into the habit of making my bed
not complain to Samuel
use the adobe programs
make the dishes magically do themselves

. . .

think lovely thoughts

well.  we certainly enjoyed our holidays:  samuel's birthday at the BYU basketball game, a magical christmas that seemed less "run around" this year, lots of preparations and planning for the new year's party that was really cute but only enjoyed halfway, checked off a few appointments including a visit to the doc for the annual check-up and a visit to the hair salon [bay was right-- I was overreacting about the bleach/highlighting incident], seeing wonderful friends who I don't get to see very often, two joyous weeks away from work, zoolights, temple square lights, a sleepover with lyv [complete with barbies and "paint polishing" our nails], the most delicious food I've had in a while, cleaning my house, and sleeping in.

and while december is a great time to be a third grade teacher, it is also a hard time. [bet you can guess why].  so it's nice to have a new start in january.  and I already feel like I have more energy to create valuable learning experiences for my students.  this is a happy thing-- because I was really on the verge of a burn out about three weeks ago.  it's nice to reflect on why I do what I do every once in a while, just to keep myself in check.

it feels like I have many of the same goals this year as I set for myself last year:
exercise regularly
temple monthly
become a better teacher
travel to somewhere new

so I have tried to think of a few more specific things I'd like to accomplish:
plant a garden and keep it alive all summer
focus on having meaningful relationships with friends and family
tell samuel how much I appreciate him more frequently
make dinner at least 3 times a week; try new recipes
save up for something expensive
read some books I've never read before
help my students to love learning

happy new year to you and yours.