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!