Presenting Utah Valley University class of 2022!

I never in a million years thought that I would ever use my college name again….. Our school's mission is for our scholars (students) to not only pass and complete Elementary/High school but also that 100% of our scholars graduate from top colleges. This is a pretty presumptuous goal seeing that this neighborhood has a high school passing rate of 21%. In preparation of this the grades are referred to as the year they will graduate from college (3rd grade=2022) and the classroom's are named after the college the teacher graduated from. Therefore, this year my classroom is called Utah Valley University. I spend most of my days saying "Utah Valley take out your books" or "Utah Valley get in line". It is a crazy phenomenon. On a whim I emailed the president of UVU (Matthew Holland) to ask for donations for my class. I thought it was a long shot but no more than an hour later I a reply asking my students' shirt sizes and asking permission to do a news story on my class. UVU supplied my class with shirts, pencils, banners, and lot of really cool UVU stuff. Our first assembly my class marched down wearing all their UVU gear and chanting "Utah Valley University... You know!". I have been a proud UVU alumni ever since.




A HUGE HUGE HUGE thanks to all the people who have donated to my class in honor of my marathon!!! I am so blessed to have so much support in my life. If you or anyone you know is still interested in donating visit my race page http://www.robinhood.org/give-tribute/gift-registry/registry.aspx?r=LindsayMStaples ..... Just look at how cute there are.. you can't help but to donate :)

72 Hours!

I needed to get away from the city a get fix of Utah and family so I made a really quick(72 hours) trip to the Wasatch Front. It was well needed and very rejuvenating. We had fun getting pedicures, shopping, talking, 4 Wheeling, Thriller, visiting family and eating out.
The two BIGGEST REASONS I went home.....
JULIA AND HAILEY

You the stereotypical crazy aunt that pinches and kisses cheeks and the kids avoid because she is so overwhelming.. I think I am turning into that aunt.. I can't help it she is so stinkin' cute! Look at those kiss marks.

HELP!

HELP!!!!
On November 1, I am running 26.2 poverty-fighting miles in the N.Y.C. Marathon for Team Robin Hood. I have never really thought or wanted to run a marathon but when this opportunity arose I couldn't pass it up.
In addition to the physical challenge of running a marathon, I have decided to take on the challenge of raising $2,500 to help raise money for my school. Robin Hood is one of my school's largest donators and I have experienced firsthand the effects that their donations have on my students.
I know times are tight but any amount will help. An anonymous donator has generously agreed to match each of my donations!!
I hope you will consider supporting me. Your gift will not only inspire me to cross the finish line, but more importantly will help give children a better education and a better chance at life. Please visit my race webpage at:

http://www.robinhood.org/give-tribute/gift-registry/registry.aspx?r=LindsayMStaples

On the day of the race all donators will be invited to Robin Hood's block party at mile 20. The Mile 20 Block Party is complete with a giant JumboTron, a fantastic DJ, t-shirts and bleacher seating.

Thank you so much for your support!
P.S. You can learn more about Robin Hood by visiting www.robinhood.org. Because Robin Hood's board underwrites all operating costs, all donations to Robin Hood are 100% tax-deductible.

I know this is tacky bogging but I am desperate for donations!

Uncle Bob and Aunt Lindsay

This weekend we made a last minute decision to go to DC and see the Harris family.. ok lets be honest we went to see our adorable niece and Sara and Matt were just a great bonus. We are in love with this little girl.. we had a pretend first birthday party because we won't be there on her real birthday! I am pretty sure we are the coolest aunt and uncle ever! Thank you Harris family for a fun weekend! ps check out the pic with Robert teaching his niece about deoxyribose nucleic acid!

Dave and Erin

Dave and Erin! We love you guys! Thanks for hanging out with us. Dave.... awaiting your blog... Erin... thanks for attempting the jumping picture with me!

El Sal (part One)

I am so blessed to have a husband that puts up with all my crazy adventures and spontaneous ideas. Robert and I spent a month in El Salvador doing developmental work with an organization called HELP International, they are the same organization I went to Africa with. The month consisted of sweaty days, rainy evenings, and humid nights and we loved every wonderful, miserable minute of it.
We went there with the intentions that I would do education work and Robert would do medical work but the projects they had were so incredible we wanted to be part of everything. We worked in hospitals, schools, built houses, planted gardens, free eye care clinics, worked in orphanages, and lots of other projects.
Even though the days were long and full of hard work, we both agree it was very relaxing, self reflecting trip. We forgot all about New York, medical school, and just the taxing realities of life and just enjoy serving. We are rejuvenated and ready to take on this next intense year.

Work Hard, Play Hard! (part 2)

Although the days were a lot of work we managed to have a lot of fun in the evenings and on the weekends. We went to Guatemala for a weekend and did a session at the temple and went to the most adorable Mayan city. There were 3 active volcanoes and it is were the Mayans believe the world was created. One night we went to a El Sal vs USA soccer game.. we were the only Americans there... i was scared for my life. We also went to a fair one night. All the rides were ones that didn't pass inspection in the US. I was again... scared for my life.