Finally some pictures!!

We finally downloaded some pictures so as I promised, probably two months ago, here they are!! This one is of the ice ponds in Evanston with our lovely Walmart in the background. They don'treally seem that close in person. Anyways, we had Bear River Days Saturday which I thought would be a great big event. It turned out to be a few venders and some crawdad fishing. I wanted to go out on a paddle boat, but it was hot and the line was too long. We'll go sometime this summer!

Here's Katie and I not wanting to fish for crawdads. They are ugly little buggers that look kind of like tiny lobsters. The people fishing for them took huge chunks of raw chicken, tied it to a string, then dropped it in the pond to lure the cradads in. Apparently they were planning to boil them up for lunch after that. OOOH!!

Below you'll see our cute little nephew who's turning one in a week. They came to see us on memorial day. I can't believe he's almost a whole year old. Wow how time flies.

Here's my new haircut! I love it, and it's perfect for summer : )

Sadly, Tyler sprained his elbow last Thursday. Now it's not as swollen as when the picture was taken, but it bruised clear into his wrist. He hurt it playing soccer with his sixth graders. He decided to stop the ball by putting his foot on top of it. You know that law of physics - action / reaction? Tyler ended up on the ground and the ball kept going!! He is doing better and hopefully it will feel better in another week when we head to Flordia!!

Always too rushed

I feel like my posts are always too rushed. I spend so much time reading other blogs that when I finally get down to posting on my own I forget what life is really about. I usually make a list of what has been or what will be, but I never seem to focus on what is. I have another confession. All the blogs I usually look at are filled with bright wide eyed faces full of life and laughter, faces who just came from heaven. I'm jealous of those faces in so many ways, one being that I don't have one of my own to post. I don't know that I've ever taken much time to tell you about the faces I see every day. They've been here just a little longer. 14-15 years, some of them even longer than that. They're not quite as bright or wide-eyed. Some know they come from heaven while others never had a chance to know. They fill my life with mixed feelings of love and hate! No, never hate. I love them so much and that is often the problem. You see, Algebra never was my favorite subject either, but now I know that it is important and I want them to get it so badly. It's more than that though. Everyday this year I have prayed for the strength to love my students, to love them like Heavenly Father loves them. I have asked Tyler for countless blessings this year and in every one the Lord has taught me that I am only an instrument in His hands. He knows what they need, and it is through me that he is able to work those miracles, to teach them. There are days when I come home feeling completely defeated with little hope for the next day. Those are the days when I cry or just get so mad I can't even shed a tear. Those are the days when I want so badly to make a difference, to help someone learn, but feel that it is impossible. Those are the days when I want to give up. But then something happens. Usually a good night sleep. I get up in the morning, take a shower, eat a few bites of breakfast, get in the car and do it all again. Then something happens. On those days I look back into my classroom before closing the door and thank Heavenly Father for giving me those kids, those crazy fourteen and fifteen year old noisy, unruly, animated kids!! Those are the days when they're easy to love. Those are the days when I can't help but smile because they can factor a silly quadratic equation and find the x-intercepts! And I taught them how!! I know, what a seemingly useless act (unless you just happen to want to be a rocket scientist, engineer, or even a math teacher - go figure!)

I don't know if I can really portray to you in words what it feels like to be a teacher. What it feels like for instance when a student comes to turn in an assignment after school, you say "Thank you and have a great afternoon." His response in that fifteen year old drone, "You too Ms. Jessup" No the Mrs. never really seems to be enunciated! Or how about the girl who drove you absolutely crazy last semester. Smarter than smart, but lazy and sassy as ever who comes up to you this semester and says, "Mss. Jessup, I wish I was in your class again, I think I actually learned something." Wow, I about fell over at that one. So they really do listen. They may not take everything I say to heart, but it's true, for better or for worse, they are my students. And again, for better or for worse, someday when their kids are in freshmen algebra my name may just find it's way to the dinner table!

Here's to a great year at Evanston High School! I can't believe how good it's really been. What will I ever do with myself all summer?

Keep smiling!

KJ -- wait, Mrs. Jessup!!

Update on life

Wow, I can't believe how long it's been since I posted something. The school year is winding down and it's probably bad to say this, but Tyler and I are both counting down the days.

Last weekend Tyler's youngest brother was awarded the academic all-state award for Soccer 2-A. We went down to Jordan, UT to see him get the award, but do to some poor timing on my part, we missed the event. We did get to see Tyler's Mom, Two of his brothers, Sister-in-law, and the Baby!! He sure is getting big!

This weekend my cousin is getting married in Salt Lake so I'm looking forward to the chance to see my family again and especially my extended family. It seems that since my Grandma died, almost two years ago now, we don't all get together very often. Nate's jumping at State Track tonight. Good Luck Nate!! Sorry we can't come see you because of School Friday. Bummer. We wish you the best of luck. Jump Long, Jump High!!

Well, I know I'm a slacker. I'll post pictures later. I don't know that anyone even reads these anyway. But if you do, I hope all is well!

Update

Spring break has come and gone and now we're down to five weeks before SUMMER VACATION!! The first day of our break Tyler got a cold. Then, even though I didn't kiss him once through it, I got sick on Wednesday after we got Beaver. Fortunately it wasn't the terrible type, and I guess it was a blessing we were on break. Anyways, while in Beaver we played a lot with our little nephew. He's crawling like a mad man these days and has a lot of fun entertaining himself with toys!! We also played a lot of "Wakee Six" if you haven't played before, it's like an enormous game of speed, but with different colors!! The Jessup's can get vicious when they're in competition mode. We didn't scare the new sister-in-law-to-be off as far as I know with our ferocious game playing. Jordan's getting married in July and his fiance is very cute! It will be nice to have another girl in the family.

The first few days back from the break were difficult, for both me and the kids. By Wednesday I remembered why I wanted to be a teacher! It can be the hardest job in the world, but often the most rewarding! It's amazing when you go back and review concepts and students understand new things. That's what I love about learning--being able to watch progress! This weekend we're headed to Provo for my sister-in-laws graduation, and the following week I'm taking a day off and going to the BYU-Women's Conference! Mental health day as we call them at school!

I'll post pictures soon, when I'm feeling more ambitious!
KJ

Be sure to read the post below too!

Can you all see why I fell in love with this amazing girl? She is fantastic!

Tyler

50 things I want to do during my life!

Warning... this could be a long post!
So about a year ago Tyler and I made these lists. I rarely look at them while he carries them in his school bag. I think he's more determined to make sure I get them all done. A lot of them will definitely take a lifetime to accomplish, but I'm happy to say some of them have already been fulifilled! Somehow I didn't make it to 50, so I'll have to add the last few here!

1. Be the best wife by growing daily with Tyler
* Boy, has moving to Wyoming and becoming teachers ever made us closer!!

2. Fall in love with Tyler Everyday
* I still think he's the cutest guy in the world and the most special! He loves me back. That's why life is so grand!

3. Daily scripture study ** It happens most days!

4. Weekly FHE ** We're pretty good about singing a song or two on Monday nights!!

5. Be a mommy! ** someday sigh

6. Go on a mission

7. Go on another mission!

8. Work in the temple ** I'm not an official temple worker, but we try to get there often!!

9. Graduate from BYU-I ** Hurray!! check that one off the list!

10. Gain a few endorsements ** May be science ??

11. Get a masters degree in Math Education or Child Psychology ** I think I'll try the mommy idea first!

12. read multiple great novels * Pride and Prejudice - check, Dr. Suess, check!

13. Learn to play the violin

14. Go scuba Diving

15. Go to Hawaii ** Florida's tropical too!! (JUNE!)

16. Go to Europe

17. See a Kangaroo in Australia

18. Plant a tree and

19. live to see it grow old

20. Go paragliding

21. Take Tyler to Disneyland ** or world! (JUNE!!)

22. Help a child overcome a trial ** If a math test counts as a trial I think I can check this one off

23. Teach a child to love the Lord ** Are my young women children??

24. Open my heart to personal revelation **words cannot explain!

25. Follow the prophet completely ** I'm not perfect, but I am trying

26. Keep family ties strong ; )

27. Stay in touch with old friends ** That's what bloggings for right!?

28. Live out of my comfort zone where I can learn and be an example ** One word-- WYOMING

29. Learn to ballroom and swing dance ** the bigger challenge is getting the man to learn too, but he's a good sport!

30. Learn to make cream puffs!! **Tried once and they were more like mesy pudding filled goodness!!

31. Attend my children's temple weddings ** Again -- the mommy thing will need to come first!

32. Grow old with Tyler * etternity may not be long enough!

33. Have a porch with rocking chairs! **and may I add dormer windows!

34. Form our own family traditions ** Do "kissing day" and "Getting our job day" and "Engagement day" count!!

35. Take voice lessons again ** piano lessons will have to do for now! I am planning to try out for "My Fair Lady in the fall!

36. Take time to smell the roses and watch the sunset ** Recently it's been too cold for roses, but sunrises have been nice!

37. See the Grand Canyon ** I flew over it when I was 17 and was actually there when I was 4

38. Play/Sing in Sacrament meeting * Check

39. Go to girls camp as a leader ** July 15th!!!

40. Make a movie * Hurray for home video cameras!

41. Learn a new craft * check

42. Dance on a pier on the Ocean ** Cocoa Beach Pier!!

43. Pick Tulips in Holland

44. Teach someone how to make ice cream in a can * Check

45. See my sons go on missions * wait we're only having girls!!

46. Attend all the temples in the US ** Boise, Salt Lake, IF, Rexburg, Twin Falls, Ogden, Bountiful, Portland, St George, Manti, Provo, Orlando (in June!!) Seattle (In August) Wow, I have a lot of places to visit!

47. Be a real teacher! *CHECK CHECK

48. Own a grand piano!

49.Bowl a turkey! ** Check

50. make all my dreams come true!


Well the list is a pretty ambitous one, but I've got a life time!! Good luck!

Goings on!

So here's just a bunch of "goings on" in the Jessup Family!

This last weekend we headed to Rexburg to see my sister perform in a dance show. We've been gone for only eight months, but campus is sure looking different. The auditorium is almost all the way enclosed. I can't believe how massive it is. Apparently it's the 2nd largest building the church has ever built. Second only to, you guessed it, the conference center! We took our camera but it never made it out of the case. Sorry -- no pictures. Anyways, we had a fun visit with my mom and sister and some old friends. The dance perform ace was wonderful. It made me miss the fabulous (and cheap) entertainment at BYU-I. I can say I didn't miss being a student when I was on campus. I was grateful that finals aren't on my plate these next few weeks!

Two more weeks of school and we're off to spring break! Well, we're just headed to Beaver for a few days and to meet our sister-in-law to be. Yes, Tyler's brother is engaged or so he told us last week (I assume it's still on!!!) We're excited for him. That also means one more summer trip for us! I don't know that I've posted about it, but we are planning a few trips this summer. The first is to Orlando, Florida!! I can't wait! We've been planning since January, and if I get my wish I'll get to see a real live manatee. Tyler thinks they're ugly, but I think they're kind of cute!! At the end of the summer Tyler has a conference in Seattle, so we'll be taking off again for that!!

Well, I think I posted about our renewed contracts. It looks like we'll be in Evanston another year. It's definitely growing on us! It will be especially nice not to be the new guy anymore. They plan on hiring 5 or more teachers just at the high school next year. Any of you teachers out there will have to check out the uinta county school district site!!! We'd love some friends!

Piano is going well. It's my new stress relief. Tyler's working on a book -- that's his stress relief! I think he's crazy because he's been pulling some really early mornings, but he seems to enjoy himself. State testing is finally over at the high school so no more time administering tests when I'm supposed to prepping for classes!! If any of you math kids have any great ideas on "reteaching" or "review" I would love to hear them!! We're working on quadratics right now and graphs of inequalities. If you have any ideas, please send them my way!! I'm also working on a project with my kids on linear relationships. I'm really excited about it and can only hope it turns out well. Many of them seem to be excited about it.

I don't know why I thought of this, I guess it's just one of those "goings on," but all the teachers I work with have gone on a dieting craze. It's about to make me go crazy!! calorie counting and cutting carbs just isn't for me.

Oh yes, my little garden -- another one of those "goings on." two weekends ago we had some really nice weather and I felt like I should plant something or at least weed something. Well, I don't have a yard to weed, so we went to Walmart and bought some seeds! I planted them in little starters and they're poking their heads up!!! I have a little garden on top of my fridge! I plan to put them in pots and move them in and out as the weather gets better. May be I can get a tomato in the fall. We'll see!!

So, that's that I guess. The goings on of Tyler and Kara! Sorry no pictures. I'll try to be better at that. For now if you have any suggestions for how to make school more fun or even a tad bit more exciting let me know! I'm open for anything. Most of my ideas seem to be exhausted. I guess it's time for a little spring cleaning -- mostly a bit of digging into the depths of my education notes from the past!!

Have a great day!!!

Remember what President Monson told us last conference, "Don't let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved!" That gets me through a lot of days with a smile!!

Enjoy Conference and Happy Easter!