2010 September: Robertsons

Hello everyone,
Wow. September. Enough Said. We have been consumed by our very busy lives here in Idaho Falls and surrounding environs. I, Derik, officially started teaching at BYU-I at the beginning of the month. After one month, I have set several students on edge, and more than one has wondered what in the world they were thinking by taking my class. But all in all, I have a good bunch of kids, and we (and by that I mean myself and possibly my TA) are having a grand old time. I have unofficially been asked to teach another “class” this semester. So once a week I team teach a class on Existentialism, Sin, and Free Will with another professor on campus. I am trying to carve out a nice little home for myself in the department, so if there is any time in the future when the opportunity arises that I can actually apply for a permanent position, I will have a big advantage.
My schooling in Pocatello is going smoothly as well. I am taking two classes, and they are keeping me busy. I commute down to Pocatello twice a week for these classes. Neither one is too labor intensive. I am taking an Intro to Grad studies which is a cake walk since I have already taken a class very similar in Minnesota, but I couldn’t get the credits to transfer, so I just sit and debate. Great fun. I am also taking a TESOL Methods course which is completely new to me. Not the most exciting thing for me, but it will be good for me and for my resume later. The biggest kick I have had in the classes has been the fact that two of my old professors from BYU-I are in one of my classes. One of the professors was my advisor as an undergrad and I was a TA for the other one for about a year. It is a bit surreal to have a class with them – let alone to debate them on a point of theory.
Kyla and Daria have started in at a Co-op preschool done by several women in the ward. Each week they go to a different house to have school. They have really enjoyed “play-school” and can’t wait to go whenever they can (and even when they can’t). They are all too happy to tell anyone who will listen all about their tiger hunts, rainbows, telescopes, and songs. They are also enamored with their bedroom in their new house. Everyone who comes over has to see their bedroom – it isn’t an option. They will drag anyone down the stairs by force if necessary. Just a heads-up warning if anyone visits.
Morgan is enjoying some of the moments that she is getting alone and to herself every now and then when Jamis is napping and the girls are at pre-school. It is leaving her with a few moments every now and then to do the things that she wants to do around the house. She is also enjoying the neighborhood. She has a few good friends just a couple houses down and can go and visit during the days.
Jamis had his 1 year birthday this month. He is quite the happy kid; although, he is developing a large independent streak. He loves to play with his sisters, and they, for the time being, really enjoy playing with him.
We are settling into our ward. Both of us have now received callings. Morgan has been called into the primary board (we have yet to find out what that exactly means) and I have been called as 2nd counselor in the Elder’s quorum presidency. We’ll see how that goes.
Anyway, I think that does it for us here. We are looking forward to October with fear and trembling (if September was bad – October looks to be a whole lot worse). But we will report on our successes and shortcomings…or just our successes come the end of the month. Until then, we wish you all the best and God’s many blessings on you.
The Robertsons