Testimonial of Christ

Dear Family and Friends,

Merry Christmas!

With it being the day we commemorate the Savior's birth and a Sunday, I thought it only appropriate to share my testimony of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior.

I know that Jesus Christ was born, lived, died, was resurrected, and continues to live today. I know that He is a perfect being that perfectly knows our sorrows, joys, griefs, disappointments, desires, capacities, and shortcomings. Through His atonement I know that I can be clean from my sins, and that He can succor me through my trials. I have felt His atonement in my life and as I turn to Him, I recognize that He is the true constant in my life that I can always count on.

I am grateful for the example of the Savior, for his teachings, his example, and his ministry as he was the ultimate exemplar of love, peace, and service. I am grateful that the Gospel of Jesus Christ allows me to become better: to be more loving, patient, understanding, kind, forgiving, faithful, and hopeful. One of my favorite quotes is from Elder Oaks, "Compared to the institutions of the world that challenge us to know something, the Gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something" (Elder Oaks, The Challenge to Become).

I know this is true. I know that I can change through Christ and I know I can be better through him. I know that He loves me and He loves you. I know that my Lord and Savior lives!

Thank you all for your Christ-like examples and discipleship. Often my testimony is strengthened as I spend time with wonderful friends and family.

May we always remember Christ and seek him out always is my prayer and wish for all of you in the New Year.

Much Love, Susie

Team Baer

Minus my TA, Daniel. (I doubt he'd want to be in a picture with a bunch of 20-somethings anyways).

This has been my sense of sanity the last 9 weeks of work before the winter break--my "Team Baer." Thanks to my practicum student, Tori (left), and my student teacher, Tina (on the right) we managed to stay so on top of my grades, plan meaningful lessons, and help a lot more students. I don't know why more teachers don't have student teachers! It's the greatest blessing. Plus, I eventually want to be a mentor teacher in the future, so great practice for me.

And if you're starting to feel sorry that I won't have a student teacher anymore...don't. I'm getting another one come January! Praise the teaching gods!

Mom's Tour de Susie a la DC

The Thanksgiving break was a wonderful time! (I know, this post is super late). Mama Baer came to see me and experience Susie's life in DC; hence "Mom's Tour de Susie." We saw some sites but didn't stress ourselves out being the ultimate tourists either. It was a great combination of play and relaxation!

Mom came to school with me and met some of my students. Here we are in front of the mascot of my school...didn't get a pic with the students at all.

She came to Institute and we reconnected with the Carpenters, a CES missionary couple who taught Institute. They happen to be from the Bay Area and Elder Carpenter knows my Dad and his family. Such a small world! I love them!

In front of the DC Temple...

We got to chill with Cousin Jeff and his awesome family!

Eastern Market pancake breakfasts are the best in town! Always a go-to place before Conference...

We ventured to Mount Vernon, one of my favorite sites!

In front of the Washington Monument...while visiting the Jefferson

We went to the Air Force Memorial and this is one of my all-time favorites of mom. Somehow I convinced her to put her arms up. Priceless!

Did a bird just poop on my head?? Also priceless...

Me trying to be artsy...

Thanks for visiting Mom! Now you know-more than ever-why I love DC so much!

I can be grateful in December too...

Here's what I am grateful for this season:
(yah, Thanksgiving came out of no where and now it's over!)

1. The ability to do hard things. I am grateful to do hard things and for the power the atonement gives me to accomplish such feats! This year it has been losing weight, going to Guatemala and roughing it, teaching, overcoming a broken heart, making decisions that don't make sense, running a successful half marathon, and there are countless other things that I have accomplished that I am probably forgetting to mention.

2. New Experiences. This year has been a year of a lot of "firsts." These first time experiences have taught me so much about myself, the Lord, and others. I am grateful to be constantly confronted with new opportunities as they allow me to grow.

3. "Team Baer." This translates to the 2 student teachers I have had this year, my practicum student, my TA, and friends who have helped me grade. I have been blessed to have people come to my rescue this year. Teaching is such an overwhelming job that I couldn't have done it without so many helpers giving me ideas, support, and encouragement.

4. People who have confidence and trust me. I have been overwhelmed this year by friends/family members who have shown me a lot of support in my decisions and trust in my judgement. Also, people who have supported me and prayed for me as I have made specific goals. Thank you for believing in me and thinking that I'm somebody special even when I feel inadequate.

5. Peace of mind. Lately I have been blessed with knowing and feeling that things will just work out. In my single years, I will admit that I have often felt so worried about the marriage situation. But in the last 6 months or so, I have felt a huge surge of peace from God. I know it will work out. I know it. I am grateful for the outpouring of the spirit that reassures me that the Lord loves me, is aware of me, trusts me, desires me to be happy, that things will just happen on his time table, and it's OK...it's ok to be where I'm at.

By the way, I am also VERY grateful for these things too...in case any of you were feeling left out of the "Top 5." I hope you enjoy my artistic creation!

Sometimes I like to revert back to my childhood...

I was crazy enough to do it again!

For the second time, I did it again! "It" = half marathon.

This one went so much better too! I ran the entire time without stopping at a 10 minute mile pace. My overall time was 2:14 which definitely surpassed my expectations.

I enjoyed running the half marathon in beautiful Annapolis, MD with my beautiful friends: Kathryn, Michele, and Morgan. We basked in the serenity of historic Annapolis and I loved my thinking time. Besides my body aching for a few days, I actually felt really good.

1 year ago I ran my first half which did not go well and as I reflect on the past year, I realize how many things have changed for the better. Yes, weighing 30 pounds less definitely helps!

We rock this half, especially in spandex!

Me, Kathryn, Morgan, Michele after the race.

Giving myself a thumbs up...

Too bad we couldn't find older men in uniform. Oh well...

Beautiful Annapolis!

Who knows, I may be crazy enough do a 3rd!

Mormon.org and Me

So I finally got around to creating my "I'm a Mormon" profile on mormon.org. This is where I share my thoughts and testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Click here to view...

Enjoy!

NYC by iPhone

Here's my first attempt to blog via the iPhone and I have no idea what my post will look like once I'm done with it...

The pictures are all in random order but here are the highlights:

1. Making cupcakes with the kids on Veteran's Day. Josh's idea "Saluting 11-11-11"

2. Playing hide-and-seek with the kids for almost an hour. The best spot: squatting on the kitchen counter behind the refrigerator. I must have been there for almost 15 mins!

3. Running 6 miles in Eastchester. Loved the fall foliage!

4. Sister's date with Kath...lunch, shopping, and Footloose. Typical sisters outing...

5. Spending time with my good friend, Ian. We met at Rockefeller Square, ate dinner and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge.

6. Spending time with the Newmans. Having a good talk with Mark, many talks with Kathryn, reading books to Thomas, and having our umpteenth dance party with all of the kiddos.

I am so blessed with amazing family. Thanks for the memories! Now back to reality...

Random Realizations

I've had so many thoughts floating around in my mind recently but have been so busy with life that I haven't had a chance to write them down. So, in no particular order, here are some of my thoughts/realizations.

1. Professionally, I have learned a great deal about parenting as a teacher. I don't want to come off like I'm an expert because I definitely am not...especially since I have absolutely no experience. However, one lesson that I am taking away from teaching is to not be an "enabler." I hear this from the Deans and Administrators at school. There are some students' parents that would let their kid get away with murder if it was legal. Ultimately they enable, or allow, their child to be irresponsible and disrespectful. They claim they are involved in their child's life and they say they're on the teacher's side but in reality they hear enough whining from their kid that they hold their child to no standards or expectations. It's ridiculous. Especially when everything now becomes "my fault" as the teacher. I know parenting will be very challenging, but I want to teach my children how to work, to be responsible, to be kind and honest individuals.

2. Spiritually, I have learned that my spiritual gifts are more Moses-like than Aaron-like. I am not much of an orator when it comes to teaching or explaining doctrines of the Gospel. I want to be more that way and I am trying my best to understand the scriptures better. I do have a lot of faith though, which I believe was Moses's strength. Though I have parted no Red Sea or led the children of Israel in the wilderness, I have definitely seen the fruits of my faith recently. I trust that the Lord knows me and knows what experiences I need to be more like Him. I trust that His plan is perfect. And I am thriving on that faith. Life is still hard and it will always be hard, but if I continue in the faith, everything will fall in its proper place. That I know.

3. Socially, I have learned that I am super vulnerable. People affect me. I love deeply and care so deeply that when my expectations aren't fulfilled, I get easily disappointed. I am trying to work on this and to give people a benefit of a doubt. Although my vulnerability allows for many tears at times, it also allows me to love, which I think is one of my greatest gifts. It also helps me to rely on the Lord more fully and trust in Him. And if you think about it, Christ was vulnerable to the fullest; feeling and experiencing all of the temptations, trials, sins, and sorrows of billions and billions of people. It makes me realize that I need to rely on Him and turn my problems over to Him when I am feeling a certain way. I am so grateful for the Savior and His atonement in my life. If some vulnerability allows me to walk a few more steps in the Savior's shoes, then so be it.

Anyway, I just bore my soul to all of you. I hope you enjoyed. Or laughed. Or cried.

ps. And yes, I am listening to Christmas music right now. I am loving it!

For good times sake...

I met up with my old roommates after Stake Conference this Sunday (missed you MDG) and we enjoyed catching up, laughing at memories of 3078, teasing KA's "spooky" Halloween dinner, and making fun of Clint, as always.


It reminded me how good life is out here; regardless of whatever living situation I am in. I am blessed to be surrounded by so many good people and friends who edify, strengthen, and influence me for the better.

Though being married now would be the "preferred" stage of life, I have felt incredibly compensated with the blessing of good women and good men in my singles' ward and in the work environment. It seems as if the Lord has another mission for me as I wait upon His timetable. And this mission ain't a bad one...

I am just going to brag for a sec.

30 Pounds later...

And I go from this (February of this year)

To this (October of this year)

Which results in the giving away of these...


Go me!

God is Good. God is Great.

Lately, I have been struck by several key attributes of God.

1. That God loves me.
2. That God knows me.
3. That God is truly, truly good and He desires to bless me.

As a result of feeling these characteristics in abundance, I have had a heightened feeling of gratitude towards the Lord. Seriously, just thinking about it makes me cry.

Thinking about all of this reminds me of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon. In Mosiah 4:11-12 he states:

11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have ^atasted of his love, and have received a ^bremission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own ^cnothingness, and his ^dgoodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of ^ehumility, ^fcalling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing ^gsteadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.

12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the ^alove of God, and always ^bretain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the ^cknowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

Thinking about God's goodness has caused me, literally, to call on the Lord. It has also caused me to realize that in the grand scheme of things, I am nothing and He makes everything happen. It has caused me to feel of His love with more of a surety. And, as a result, it has made me yearn to be more faithful to Him.

I know that the Lord truly is good. I haven't always felt this way. I have often questioned his wisdom as--in my natural eyes--he has seemed to withheld certain blessings from my life. Now, through a certain string of events, I have seen God's wisdom and His hand in my life. There are so many more unknowns to be faced. However, I know that my experiences as of late has caused me to remember his goodness.

I feel like Alma...

"I remember ^awhat the Lord has done for me, yea, even that he hath heard my prayer; yea, then do I remember his merciful arm which he extended towards me."

God is merciful. God is good, people of the blogging world. He loves us. He wants us to be happy. He has a plan for us. He answers prayers. I hope we can remember that. I hope I can remember that. This is my testimony to you on a beautiful Sunday morning.

Happy Sabbath!

And I don't even have time to post a pin to pinterest.

Let alone update my blog...

People.

It's October 8 (happy birthday to my dear sis, Chrissie), and I am already drowning in this teaching profession of mine. It feels like ALL I do is teach, plan, grade, email, work with students, and the list goes on...

Something about this year of teaching has made life harder. I teach 2 "preps" which means I teach 2 different subjects. That takes up more time. But I think the difference comes with knowing more about what good teaching is. My 1st year of teaching consisted of me just throwing assignments at kids; just wanting to have something planned so that they stay occupied for 85 minutes. Now, I realize that giving students certain types of work can sometimes be busy work. I am trying to be effective; teaching students skills as well as content that they can transfer to other subjects and to future classes.

So here I sit on a Saturday. Thinking I should lesson plan. Or grade. Or answer emails. I have no desire whatsoever...

Couple the teaching craziness to life craziness. Staying on top of my calling, still trying to be an involved family member and a good friend. Exercising and eating well takes time too. Also, keeping the social life progressing has been taking lots of time lately :)

All I want to do is read a good book, not sit in crazy lines to get my oil changed, explore DC in the fall, take a road trip, and freakin' post a pin to pinterest (check it out if you haven't, pinterest.com)

I know many of you feel the same way. And I know balance is key. But balance has been wobbly. And I fear falling flat on my face.

Thanks for listening to my ramblings. I think I can face reality now.

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Sound of Music application for the day:

If you know what this means, then you know what I mean. :)

faith wroughts crazy (and unexpected) miracles

This is my testimony of the last 2 weeks. That's really all I'm going to say for now. But seriously, God is a God of miracles...and they happen how you least expect it.

More to come!

27 Love Languages? Lets just stick with 7.

Yes, it was my birthday last week. And to celebrate, we celebrated love languages, one of my favorite topics of conversation. My roommates went to town and we had a love language themed party. How did we do this? We had stations for each sign set up all around the house. The question of the day: What is your love language? Have you communicated them to your friends/significant others?

Here are the signs:

Dedicate yourself to an act of service.

Have some touch time on the couch...

Write me a note of affirmation. I loved reading these later!

Spend some time in deep one-on-one conversation.

And leave a gift. Sign is kind of hard to see...to the right. ps. with my dear friend, Breana.


What are the other love languages you ask? The 2 that I added on...

#6 Chocolate. And yes, my roommates bought me a chocolate fountain for the occasion!

#7 Dancing the night away. You know I always go to town...

And if that's not love, here is the real deal. My friends. They are such a blessing to me.

Lindz and Kathy

My roommates Allison and Michele


The famous trio: Sarah and Kathryn. Miss you stokes!

Birthday buds: Ryan and I.

Pre-birthday crew in Alexandria.

Quinn and Adri
MJ serenaded me with a song from her uke. Love that girl.

It was a great birthday and I felt love in all 7 ways and more. I look forward to all that 27 has to offer. Thank you all for the birthday wishes. Hope you can feel love in the love language of your choice!