So lately I feel i have had more time to think about life and I have decided I just want to be a better person. I want to do more than just live my life on a day to day basis. I want to be able to find something special about it or something wonderful I can do. Daily I am reminded by the people that surround me that I am so lucky to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I feel happiness in the little things I do like reading scriptures, spending time with Jordan, and watching General Conference. My testimony has been growing so much lately. Tonight Jordan showed me a mormon message video which I often get glued to watching all of them, but I want to share it with you.

First Week Jitters

Well, Jordan started his MBA and has been busier than ever, but nonetheless is loving it! I started Kindergarten this week and this is just a bit of quotes for your enjoyment.

Student #1: When is recess?



Me: (didn't respond)



Student #1: Mrs. Ellingson when is recess?



Student #2: What IS recess?

(I forget how everything about school is foreign to them)

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Student: Mrs. Ellingson where are all the toys? (poor child is in for a bit of change)

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I had been teaching my kids the word 'the' this week because it is a word we basically know by sight. I continued to refer to it as "the magic word". Throughout the day I would ask "What is the magic word?"

At the end of the day: "What is the magic word?"



All students: (shouting) : PLEASE! (at least they know their manners)

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We had a short lesson about saying please and thank you and they might receive another thing for my class reward system. Right after we had talked about it I then heard...



Student #1: Thank you for recess



Student #2: Thank you for letting us go to recess

I then heard a lot of thank you's for the rest of the day. I love my job even though there are frustrating days and sometimes I just want to fall asleep on the floor it is the best!

Party Animals!

From looking at our blog you are probably thinking all they do is PARTY! Well, yes, we love to party, but no Jordan worked 9-10 hr. days this summer and so when he did get home we tried our best to party hard. Before we knew we were headed back to Utah soon, we decided we wanted to see a little bit more of Texas so we headed out to San Antonio. First, we stopped by the Alamo. It was so neat to see and learn more about what happened at the Alamo. Then Ryan and Angie (and the girls) caught up with us to go to Sea World. I have never been to Sea World before and was amazed by the shows they performed.

Ellingson Reunion

After the Tingey Reunion we were able to head back to our beloved Provo for the Ellingson Reunion. We loved having the opportunity to spend so much time with family. This was the first time that the Ellingson family has had everyone together in about 5 years so it was a must for a family picture.We had a blast spending time with cousins, getting to know aunts and uncles better, and especially spending time with these two wonderful people (Dallin and Laura). They were able to stay with us at our apartment and we loved it. Dallin and Jordan REALLY are twins and Laura and I, well we are twins too (or at least that's what we say- you decide ;)



We got to participate in a rubber ducky derby. Jordan and I both qualified for the finals, but didn't win. One of my favorite things we did is walked around BYU campus and found all of the "special spots" everyone had including Grandmother Richardson, aunts, uncles, cousins, and where Jordan and I got engaged was also included. We hiked the "Y" and had a ball!



Jordan and I decided this summer that we hope that when we look back on our lives we can say the majority of it was spent with family. It was wonderful!

work hard, PLAY hard!

I guess Jordan does all the working, but we both get to reap the benefits of the playing hard part. Over the 4th of July we went to Houston for the Tingey family reunion. While we were there we decided to postpone our fathers day gift and give it during the reunion. My dad is the best dad! He has an overwhelming desire to do good and has the ability to find humor in everyday life. Exercise is important to him and so we decided to put on a family 5k to with everyone participating (including grandkids) to show how important it is to us as well. It was a success except for the shirt I made for my dad.

What a blast it was! While in Houston we headed to the beach, which was amazing! The water was warm and it was fun to body surf.What's better after a hot day in the sun than some ice cream... even if half of it doesn't end up in your mouth. (It makes me hungry for ice cream right now). We can't wait for more family outings during the summer!

work hard, PLAY hard!

I guess Jordan does all the working, but we both get to reap the benefits of the playing hard part.

I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

We love Texas, but the thing that we probably love the most is our calling as ward missionaries. We were able to attend and be a part of a convert baptism. What an amazing experience.! I can't remember the last time I attended a baptism and I don't quite have the words to describe it, but pure happiness. The young girl's name is Sapphire. We had met the family a couple of times and gave them a ride to church and later when the missionaries asked who she would like to baptize her she said "the man that gave me a ride to church" (and that would be Jordan). I also had the opportunity to talk about the Holy Ghost. All in all, it was such an incredible experience. It is so neat to work with Elder Wutkee and Elder Burt and to see how the gospel truly changes your life.