I am pleased to announce that next Friday is my last day of school (for the semester, of course)! The day after that, I have to take my Praxis exam, which certifies me to be a teacher. Hopefully I pass--those tests are not cheap! $220! Anways, I'll be testing from about 7:30 til 12:30 (with a 45 minute break between the tests). Anyways, enough of that. This past Wednesday marked the last day of preschool with the children... it was a bitter-sweet feeling. I would totally post a picture of our class, but I am not allowed to for privacy reasons. Those little ones were so fun to work with... oh, how I get attached way too easily. For the last day, we had a summer theme. The children learned about the seasons, eating (or drinking) refreshing treats, and summer activities. After we learned about summertime activities, we all went outside and had some of our own summertime activities. They Pretended to sell otter pops to college students with fake money... it was so cute. I was over the "fishing for prizes." There was also a water balloon toss, sponge relay, face painting, and a "trike" wash (rather than a car wash). There was also a sensory table filled with water for the children to play in. It was a great time! It couldn't have gone more perfect for the last day of preschool! In other news, I am 85% finished with Assessments and Evaluation!!! Woo hoo! It really has not been as bad as everyone made it seem... I'm learning so much in that class, and we found today that we're starting to make jokes out of what we learned... we sound like wicked nerds! BAHA! It's exciting to think that I can do well in a master's level course... it'd be cool to get a master's! We have three days of finals just for that class. On Monday, we have the first 50 multiple choice questions. On Tuesday, we have up to three hours to answer fifteen essay questions well-written! On Wednesday, we have the second 50 multiple choice question... then we are done. Wednesday will be a day of celebration... then I need to take my New Testament final on Thursday. Tonight Joe and I are going on a double date with his friend Bob and his girlfriend. We are going to BIG JUDD'S! Yes! We haven't been there since we weren't even engaged! We are definitely going to get a BIG JUDD burger... that thing his HUGE! It should be delicious. Tomorrow my friend Mary is having her bachelorette party... she is getting married next Friday, and I am so happy for her! She has become one of my good friends! Congrats Mary! :)This is Mary in Ecuador. She lived there for a semester to help in the orphanage... I just think this is the cutest pic ever!

I applied for my last semester of class... excited, might I add! I am taking my Kindergarten practicum (4 credits), Strategies (4 credits, a lot like assessments), Science Methods (2 credits), and Social Studies Methods (2 credits). In honor of my last semester of classes and just because I want to take advantage while I still can, I am taking two additional classes for fun! I am taking Fit for Life (2 credits, you learn all about the body and fitness) and a Piano class! :) (2 credits, I am super excited to finally use my keyboard! :) It is one of my dreams to play the piano well. It is also one of my dreams to run a half marathon... a marathon is way too much, but I could do a half marathon, maybe. I would like to run one one day. Maybe not for a while though. Anyways, life is good. Joe is working at Western Wats. Poor guy. It's not his favorite, but it's something. He is keeping himself busy, so that is good because I am always really busy. Anyways, sometimes I wish I was a millionaire so that I could just get a car and by tickets to fly anywhere I want to. There are many people I would like to visit right now... KT and her familiy, for example. It has been approximately two years since I've seen them. :( Tear! Love you all!!!!So, in honor of you KT! The best pic EVER!!! :) Love you sista!

Thank Goodness!

Thank Goodness for the gospel... Couldn't have made it this far into the semester without it! Oh, and exercising helps too! We love the gym! :)

Didn't Feel Like Fixing It

Saying goodbye to Timmy!...

Brighton is such a silly little boy! :)
Dad's awesome shoes. They're DC!!!
On our way to church... I like how Logan is smiling for the camera in the back...
Hanging out at the Brunner's house! It's so different with only three cousins there now...
Timmy shoved a piece of chicken in his mouth! Baha!
Jumpin' on the "tramp"!
Went to the temple with the brothers and parents to do baptisms.
Hello All! So, the first week of the semester was... OK. I know that it is going to be a rough semester. It already feels rough! We have a lot to do to get ready for Preschool, and I have to get a second lesson plan done by like next week or something! The lesson plans are long and it's a long process. We have to have them done about three weeks before the lesson is taught because it needs to go to our head teacher first and then my instructor, and then my team (the girls I work with in the preschool). There are several different majors in the preschool labs. There is my major ECE/ECSE and then there are child development majors, Professional Preschool majors, etc. Since we are ECSE majors, our lesson plans are different and they are a lot longer, more detailed, and more rigorous. It is pretty intense and a little confusing, but that is okay. I'm glad that we only have to do four lesson plans because I guess normally they have to do six on their own. In this case, since it is the spring semester and there are no off campus placements, there are more students in each lab--limiting us to so many lessons to teach. We only have to make and teach two lesson plans on our own, and then we teach with one other person the first time and then the last time, all the ECSE majors teach together. It will really help me as I am taking the Assessments course which is going to kick my butt. If we don't pass the first test, the teacher drops us from the class. We get multiple attempts to pass the test, but you have to get a 90 or higher to pass, so yes. I really look forward to that. At least there are only two tests. That's nice. I am also taking a religion class (New Testament), which I think will help out because last semester I didn't take a religion class, and I needed one more three credit scripture-based religion. I am also taking Math Methods. Next semester, I will be taking Kindergarten practicum, Strategies, social studies methods, and science methods. My last semester of classes!!! YES! This semester will be hardest by far. That's what I've been told. Anyways, Joe found a job! He's going to try it out. He starts training Tuesday. It's called Palacio...a magazine company. He's not entirely sure what he'll be doing, but we'll see. We had Matt over for dinner tonight. We made pizza. It was a good time. He was all out of food at his apartment. We were glad to feed him. He had to leave though because he said he had a ton of homework. Anyways, all I really had an update on is school and Joe's job because that is really all that is up with us. Enjoy the pics from our break!

Spending some time with Mom and Darin and the grandparents!
I love Luke's face in this pic
Me and Blue... Love him...
Getting ready to take Joe out for his first In-n-Out experience! We picked up Timmy from school and took him with us too.
Timmy's friend Kaden and I helped Timmy ask a girl to prom. Cute?
Here's his answer! :)
Joe's aunt Karen and uncle Mark and cousin Hilary. We went to some place called Grand China. Great Chinese food. His aunt and uncle spoiled us a lot while we were there.
Little Seth! What a doll! P.S. sad that I didn't get any pics with Brent and Shayla! :( We got to visit with them for a little bit and Shayla made some amazing pasta!!! Thanks again!
The little bros! They're all bigger than me now!


One of our awesome attempts to get a pic of the whole group. haha! We put the camera on timer and put the camera on the garbage can haha!

Survived the Semester!

Hello Everyone! Wow, has it been such a long time since I last posted! Well, I survived last semester! It was refreshing to be done! I got all A's and one crumby B. Oh well! Just glad that's over and will be super excited when next semester is over because it should be my hardest semester. Next semester starts this Tuesday. I know it will be stressful, but it will be good. Joey graduated! I am so proud of him! He is probably going to start working for his friend scott, who started a business that makes websites for other companies. He may also work for Qwest, but it is in Idaho Falls, and unless he finds someone to go with that is not a girl (because that would be awkward), he might not be able to work there. There are great health insurance and dental insurance benefits with that company. We have been having a wonderful time here in Henderson. The weather has been BEAUTIFUL! So sunny and warm and just perfect. We've been having a lot of fun with family--including Joe's aunt and uncle. They have spoiled us a lot. I am sad to see the week break go as we will be flying back to Salt Lake tomorrow night. :( It's okay, life goes on! It'll be fun to get back to our baby apartment haha. I have to hit the books wicked hard on Tuesday! Woo hoo! That should be fun!

Help!

5...4...3...2... bet you thought I was going to put 1 next, huh? Those numbers represent the credits for each of the classes I am taking next semester. I just registered last week. My preschool practicum is 5 credits, Assessments is 4 credits (I will die), New Testament is 3 credits :), and math methods is 2 credits. Oh, how I wish I was graduating in April...
Anyways, I titled this post Help! because I need someone to make my blog layout look pretty. I have no idea how to do it.
Thank you. Gotta run to class!

A Heart Full of Gratitude!

Last week Joe and I were going to go to a cheap movie and then eat at Gringo's (right across the street) afterwards. Because we were so swamped with homework, we never got to doing it. Yesterday, we received an email from our apartment managers that said "Joe and Cynthia, You have a letter in the office. Please come pick it up during office hours." So, I was thinking "hmmm... this is weird, how could the letter have not ended up in our mailbox? So, I went and picked it up after class today and it was an envelope that said "Gephardts" on it. I was like hmmmm this is weird. So I opened it up and found two movie tickets and a $20 giftcard to Gringo's. So, I was like totally thinking this was creepy because Joe and I did not tell anyone that we wanted to go to Gringo's and to see a movie... Joe and I just got the chills. Then, I found a note that said "use where needed." I was thinking, "well, really you can only use them at two places: Gringo's and the movie theater... but then I looked in the envelope again and found $100 dollars (2 $50's). We just had such a heart full of gratitude... I felt like I wanted to thank the person, but obviously they didn't want us to know who they were. I just hope that person knows how grateful we are for this very generous gift. We are going to use the $100 for groceries and what not. I am so grateful for the Lord and what He does for us. I couldn't have made it through last week and this week without him. I was just so sick and so overwhelmed with homework, presentations, and teaching and didn't think I could do it, but here I am finishing up a 9 page activity plan (my last one, yay!) that is due tomorrow and I couldn't have done it without the Lord, and I know a part of the reason we have been so blessed is because of my great husband and everything he has been doing. He has been to the temple everyday this week and has been doing family history work along with school. I wish I was that good. He makes me want to be better everyday! Anyways, I just wanted to express thanks to all of you as well for being so kind, loving, and patient with us. We are excited to go to Henderson in April. It will be a good break between semesters. We also are excited to take Matt out for his bday either this weekend or the next. Love you all! :)

It's been a while...

So, here I am, wasting time on Facebook (not doing homework, mind you) and I could easily be updating my good family and friends about our lives. Well, there really isn't much to say except that I can't wait to graduate!!!!!! ugh! I am so ready to be done. I love school and all, but I don't enjoy the stress and busy work that comes with it. I wish we could all go to school JUST to learn and not do any assignments. That would be wonderful. So, I have senioritis, but I am not a senior. Close. But not yet. 2nd semester junior.... yes.... sounds pretty good. Joe graduates in April. He is so lucky. He is trying to find a job and hopes to have one by the time school gets out so that he is not just sitting around being bored.... and we'd have money! :) He is in his capstone right now. He does consultant projects and stuff like that... I don't know how it works, but it is a lot of work for him. He works hard. I don't know how he does it with the diet he is on. Poor guy. I am taking 15 credits mostly because that's the minimum I can take on the fast grad program. I am in a 4 credit class...tis the toddler lab.... tis very, very time consuming. I have to lead teach 3 times (1 down, 2 to go), and the activity plans that we have to write are VERY long. They seriously take me like 8 hours to do all together. I just wrote my second one and it was a little easier the second time. I am hoping the third one is even easier. I'm sure it will all become easier as the semester goes on. I am also taking a Child 230 class, which is a preschool curriculum class. We have to make these HUGE resource files... 10 subjects.... atleast 10 resources in each subject, 10 activity starters (like games and activities and such), and other teacher aides required (puppets, felt story boards, etc.) So, that takes up a good amount of time (rather, it WILL take up a good amount of time) I haven't worked on it as much as I should be. I am also taking a culture and diversity class... tis the easiest class this semester. It's my only 2 credit class and it is not too demanding... thank heavens! It's the back burner class... teehee. I am also taking another 400 level class, but it is 3 credits. It's a SPED course about family and community. It is pretty good. I like it. Lots of projects of course... last, but not least! I am taking another SPED class. It is called Exceptional Students, and both my major and ELED majors have to take it. The tests are quite rigorous thus far. We get to do fun application assignments (wheelchair, visual impairment, hearing impairment, stuttering, and language delay.) I have done the visual impairment where we have to wear four different masks for four hours (one hour per mask)... I am so grateful for my eyes... even if I have to wear contacts to make them work right. I have also done the stuttering and language delay and I was really embarrassed and self conscious. It is really interesting to see how others feel who have these disabilities. I am so very grateful for my blessings and hope that I can better interact with people with disabilities, rather than being scared of interacting with them. I will be doing the wheelchair next monday. Yay. There are certain things we have to do with this one. We have to get in and out of a car, go down to the book store, go to the bathroom (no standing, so I have to meneuver my body from the chair to the can, yikes) and there are some other things I have to do, but I am not sure of them right now. The hearing impairment... well, I have to wear ear plugs for EIGHT hours... I might have a headache by the end of that day. It will be good. So, yes. Life is good. I am especially nervous for next semester because I will be in Preschool lab... 5 big whoppin credits!!! I heard it's harder than the kidergarten practicum, which I will be taking in the fall. I am going to be taking preschool along with an assessments course which is 4 credits and I heard that class will make you cry because you have to learn how to assess children with disabilities and write an IFSP for them. I also learned that we have to take extremely rigorous tests in there too (same teacher, go figure.) He's good though. I am really enjoying this major no matter how hard it is because I am learning so very much a lot, and I can do SO many things with this major. Today we took Matt some "get well" brownies with some tylenol cold gel caps. He is sick. We gotta take care of our Matty boy. He was so nice to take us out for my birthday. We went to Winger's. We also took him out for pizza a few weeks ago. It is good to see him. So, pretty much life is Great! No social lives, but... wait! We are playing dodgeball, that's kind of social. Joe is the team captain for our dodgeball team. We've played one game. We won by forfeit. The other team only had 2 players show up. They were scared that we would win. I just play because the team has to have atleast one girl if it is a bunch of boys and atleast one boy if it is a bunch of girls. It's fun, but MAN! do those boys throw those balls fast and hard. Mine just fly in the air so slow that those guys catch them easily. Also, I am now 21! Feel the same, feel like I'm still 20. Joey and I both got over viruses. Thankfully, we have NOT gotten the flu... any type (knock on wood). That would destroy my grades. Hmmm... what else... oh! My best friend Kiki's missionary gets home TOMORROW!!! I have planned that they will be married during the summer break. That's what they'll probably do anyways if they decide to be married. Well, family and friends! I hope life is going very well for you! I will try and update this thing more often, but I can't make any promises! Happy late Valentine's day too! Love, love, love you all!!!

This is me on my birthday. We got one of those microwave Betty Crocker cakes... don't put the candles in right when it's done. They'll melt into the cake. Oh ya, and I was sick on my bday. A good day! That's why my nose is nice and rosey.

This is me and the father-in-law at his surprise 60th birthday party! He was indeed very surprised! :O

Awww... Father and son... so cute. Joe's dad is a riot!!! :)