26 Oct 2011

Just scheduled my first of two tests to become a teacher. It's called the PTK - Professional Teaching Knowledge test. My first surprise upon scheduling at a Pearson VUE center (only place to take it) was the information that I would be give a Palm Vein Scan. Has anyone ever heard of this before? I know I've been out of school for awhile - but I didn't think I was that out of the loop. So I checked into it a bit and it is legit. It uses close to infrared light to scan your hand to see your veins. Used in place of fingerprinting. I guess they really want to make sure they are getting quality teachers these days. Fingerprinting on the district level, vein scans before you're even hired, and background checks. Had to let you know.....

18 Oct 2011

It was such a beautiful fall day! Thoroughly enjoyed being out in it and also viewing it from the comfort of my couch. What a great time of year!

1 Oct 2011

I almost put 2001. Silly! We so enjoyed conference today! We're in the middle of a break from school so everything has been more relaxed around here. I made homemade donuts today! They turned out really good. Yesterday I made a 7 layer dip that we have enjoyed over both days. Kimball made some wonderful Pumpkin Cake roll. We're just having a great time! Up next is Gringa Enchiladas - I use leftover creamy crock pot chicken as the filling and add to it as my palate dictates - tomatoes, peppers, cheese, etc. To truly make them Gringa - drizzle barbecue sauce over the top before baking. My non-gringa friends love it!

We've been talking about Patriarchal blessings around here....just the current topic. That and where babies come from (the biscut!). After a very brief discussion I showed her a clip from Nova - previewed by me first and with no sound so I could do the talking- beginning with cell division through fetal development. It's enough for now.....

But on to Patriarchal blessings....found some great links:
http://lds.org/study/topics/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng&query=Patriarchal+Blessings
This site has several links in it. We're currently working on a book of blessings. At lds.org you can now request copies of direct-line ancestor's patriarchal blessings through an easy to use online form. The limit is 4 a month and yes - they do keep track. You don't have to know much to start a search and you will get an email if they need more information. I figure you know whether they had a blessing or not!

As someone who comes from a LDS heritage - I am anxious to know more about my ancestors and feel a connection to them. At the start of my book of blessings, I am putting information about what a Patriarchal blessing is, and isn't. All things found on that great link above! I especially like this article by James E. Faust:
http://lds.org/new-era/1982/11/patriarchal-blessings?lang=eng
It includes the following statement (and more) about father's blessings: “A father’s blessing may be recorded [and preserved] in family records, but [in contrast to a blessing given by one of the ordained patriarchs] it is not to be preserved in the archives of the Church.” (General Handbook of Instructions, 21, p. 50.)


Something to think about! Anyway - just wanted to check in and say hi to you all! Enjoy the rest of conference!