Kansas City Day 2

On the second day of our vacation the steam train was leaving town and the kids (and Greg) wanted to see it moving.  Greg had found a spot that seemed like it would be a good place to safely watch the train moving.  So we got up early and ate breakfast in the car on the way to the appointed location.  We were parked on a gravel road just outside a little town where we could wait for the train to come.  When it came by all three of the kids were jumping up and down with excitement.  I have to admit that watching them get excited was way more fun than the train itself.

After watching the train we spent the rest of the day at the Kansas City Zoo.  It was a nice zoo.  The bought wrist bands that allowed us to ride the train, the tram (it took you to the Africa area and back) and the carousel as many times as you wanted.  They really enjoyed the day watching all the animals.

Kansas City Day 1

Vacation Day 1.....
This year we to Kansas City Mo. for our vacation.  Really it was a vacation built around the 844 steam train that was going across Missouri.  We left on May 29th after sacrament meeting.  We got to our camp site at Watkins Mill State park and set up camp and just relaxed for the rest of the day.  Then the first full day we were there we went to Kansas City's Union Station to see the 844 on display.  The engine had a some repairs that were needed so my train lovers got to watch them work on the train.

After seeing the train on display we went to Independence to see the church history sites.  We were able to go through the visitor center and see the temple site and explain some of the history to the kids.  I was amazed that even though they were hot and tired anytime we went to a church history site they did really well.

Jonathan's Birthday

We celebrated Jonathan's seventh birthday before we left for vacation this year since we would be leaving on his birthday.  He has really gotten into Star Wars so he had a cake with Darth Vader and he got Star Wars toys from Greg and I.  He also received a dinosaur blanket from Dave and Sally. He got to select the menu for dinner.  We had hamburgers, shell macaroni with velveeta cheese, and french fries.  Not the healthiest of meals but all his favorites.  The cake was chocolate and we had chocolate ice cream.

 

Greg is the cake artist not me.

Test Results

Back at the end of April I took the Praxis II exam - Education of Young Children.  This is an exam that you get to pay to take and is required by the program I am in to graduate.  The school sets a passing score for the test.  Thankfully I only needed a 155.  When you get your score report you are given a score somewhere between 100 and 200.  You just hope and pray that your score is higher than your state (some require it for licensing) or program requires.  This test is made up of 60 multiple choice questions and 6 essay questions that all had multiple parts to answer.  You are allowed 2 hours to take the test.  You get your scores about four weeks after you take the test.  I finally received my scores this past week.  I was just hoping that my score was at least a 155 and hoped for better.  I really didn't want to have to take it again.  Well somehow I managed to pass the test.  I received a score of 200.  When they broke down the raw score I had only lost five points on the entire test.

I have a strategy that seems to work when I have to take these tests.  I had to take six hours worth of tests to be admitted to the program and I still have four hours worth to receive my license (which I am scheduled to take in mid July).  I study as much as I can and I take them as early as possible so that I have time to retake the test if I need to.  This takes some of the pressure off of having to pass it the first time.  Then before I go take the test Greg gives me a blessing and I pray a ton while on my way to the test and during the test.

Because of this I in no way will take full credit for my scores.  I know that I can only do it with the help of the Lord.  He is with me every step of the way.  The scores on my exams and the grades that I am able to earn help Greg and I to know with out doubt that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing right now.  By my taking time to focus on my schooling and having to leave employment to finish we know that things will work out because we had the faith to follow the promptings of the Spirit.