Seminary

At the end of September, I was called to be a Seminary teacher.  I had so many mixed emotions about teaching seminary.  I think my biggest concern were my kids that would still be at home in the mornings.  But because I would be team teaching I knew the "load" of being a seminary teacher would be a little lighter.  So, I started reading so I could "catch up" and try to be on the same page as the rest of the class.

Our class at my house for Christmas breakfast.

Sister Claar was blessed with a really good job and was no longer able to teach seminary, so I taught by myself for a little while.  Then, Brother and Sister Lerch were called.  Now we had three teachers and the load became even lighter.   

These next pictures show the kids playing one of our most favorite games with scripture mastery.

Connor and Kenzie were winning!  :)

The kids love Brother Lerch.

Then Brother Lerch was blessed with a new job and was no longer able to teach seminary.  So Sister Lerch and I team taught the rest of the year.  I have learned so much!  We studied (and studied) and taught the Old Testament.  I have never read so much in all my life.  (And I have to thank my mom for being my seminary "lifeline." - she is amazing!)  My belief and my testimony in our Savior Jesus Christ has grown and strengthened and been reaffirmed over and over again!  I have learned that kids, even the "sleeping ones" know way more than you think.  I have also learned that if you're not two steps ahead, the kids will pull one over on you!  :)  I think one of the neatest things I saw happen this year, was when the kids would put two and two together about how all of the scriptures and what we are taught today work together.  It seemed to hit the most when we were studying Jeremiah, and talking about the different prophets that were prophesying at the same time.  Boom...Lehi...Book of Mormon - it all makes sense!  :)

Friday was our last day and it was definitely bittersweet!  We had a seminary auction with the "seminary bucks" the kids had earned from reading, praying, memorizing, service, being on time, etc, etc.  Brother Lerch was able to come back and be our auctioneer.  It was so much fun!!!  And we had been given so many donations for the prizes.  Thank you!  And thank you to everyone who supported us through this year!  And I so much appreciate Layne who supported me when I would get so behind in life!

It was Ryan's birthday!

Daegan made a temple out of sugar cubes.

Ashley made and donated the cutest cupcakes for our auction.

I tried to get a picture of everyone (3 were absent).

But as you can see, getting a serious picture is not so easy.

Well, at least you can see everyone in this picture.

So silly!

 What a great group of kids!  Even as teenagers, kids are so resilient!  We had a lot of changes, just in seminary, this year and the kids adapted.  The kids also faced challenges, tragedy, sadness, etc, and that doesn't even mention the everyday life and teenage drama they face.  They are strong, and they have made me feel appreciated - and I thank them for that!  It was also such a blessing to be in seminary with McKenzie - she had 100% attendance!  :)

With all that being said... today I worked out and got two loads of laundry done before the kids even got on the bus!  :)