365 Days of Thanks - Day 31

Thankful for a wonderful father-in-law. Today is his birthday, and I'm just so glad to have him in my life. He and I think along the same wave lengths most of the time. He is so patient, kind, smart, and would do anything for me, if I needed it. He has treated me like his own daughter for so many years now and has graciously welcomed me into his family. (Steve's just like him, no wonder I love him so much...haha.) I'm just so thankful for a set of in-laws whom I am close to, whom I love, and who I feel love me back like their own. He's a great guy and is going to be a super grandfather to our future kids. Happy birthday, FIL! So thankful for you, and hoping for a great year ahead for you!

365 Days of Thanks - Day 30

Thankful for "do-overs." I team teach, so I teach 3 subjects, and my partner teacher teaches the other 3 subjects. I teach the same thing in the afternoon that I do in the morning, with two different classes. I'm not really a fan of the "re-run" atmosphere my days usually take on, but on days like today, I was thankful for the chance to alter my lesson, re-do some things, and my afternoon class was much more successful with the assignments that I expected. Sometimes, that trial and error thing is a really good strategy. :)

365 Days of Thanks - Days 27, 28, and 29

Day 27 -
Thankful for a food splurge...I do love me some orange chicken from Panda Express. Sometimes it's the simple pleasures like a satisfying taste that can just really make your day.

Day 28 -
Thankful for laughter. Tonight, I went to see a Christian comedian and parody song writer with a group of friends for a bachelorette party. This guy was absolutely, 100% hilarious! It's a good night when your cheeks hurt from laughing so much. It was just what I needed. But, I was also reminded that God made laughter. It's an emotion and action we should take part in, as daily as possible, and enjoy. He made things to be funny, he made laughter to make us feel better, and to share good and happy things. God did make laughter, and it's okay to indulge in it. So, thank you, Lord for laughter. Sometimes it really is the best medicine.

Day 29 -
Thankful for girlfriends. With the bachelorette party this weekend, I was also reminded of how important it is to have good girlfriends in your life. Having friends of the same gender, who will encourage you, inspire you, and support you are so vital to living healthy and being social. I have a handful of girlfriend groups that I run with, but this was a group of girls where I'm making new friends and with girls I don't get to see very often. It's just good to be able to kick back, laugh, share girl stories, and talk openly about topics concerning women and our faith. It was a nice weekend, refreshing (as many girls weekends are), and I'm very thankful I got the opportunity to go, enjoy, and celebrate.

365 Days of Thanks - Day 23, 24, 25, and 26

Yikes, got a little behind this week! I know I had some good stuff to be thankful for too, and I know I won't remember them all either. Here's to trying, and still finding something to just make me say, "Thanks."

Day 23 -
Thankful for a normal routine at school. With so much hustle and bustle of "getting back into the swing of things" from semester break and benchmark testing, I sure was happy to just have a normal day on Monday. Also quite thankful for a certain talkative friend to be resting at home that day. :) Monday was actually a pretty good day.

Day 24 -
Thankful for snuggles. It was a rainy and stormy Tuesday night. It turned cold and thundered and rained ALL night long. Sure was nice to snuggle with my husband to go to sleep and know he was there keeping me safe and warm through the night. I love cuddling with him; it always makes things better and makes me feel so safe. It's one of my favorite things to do. :)

Day 25 -
Thankful for ears that will listen. Wednesday was NOT a good day. Long story, but just not a good day. I vented to my teaching partner, another teaching colleague, my husband, and my mom. They all listened, let me get out my frustrations, and offered the best advice and encouragement they could. I'm very glad I have listening ears and supportive people in my life, especially on those rough days.

Day 26 -
Thankful for forgiveness to myself. With birthday celebrations, attending a workshop, and just everyday life - I didn't stick to my healthy eating plan all that great this week. While I did try to not "over eat," I didn't exactly stick to all healthy choices either. But, I know that we have off weeks, and I'm forgiving myself for it, and am going to start clear and fresh next week. I can't beat myself up over it, and that's a lesson I've had a long time coming to learn. Yes, I forgive myself...I'm going to enjoy what I don't normally get anymore, and start fresh and anew in a new week.

365 Days of Thanks - Day 21 and 22

Day 21 -
Today is my husband's birthday. So, it only be fitting that I'm thankful for him (again). 25 years ago, I knew nothing other than being a 2 month old baby, but now - I know God was thinking about me on the day He brought Steve into the world. More than anything, today, I'm just thankful for God thinking enough of me to make me Steve's wife, to put us together as life partners, and for the life and happiness that Steve breathes into everything he does and everyone he meets. Thankful for his health, talent, intelligence, and happiness over the past 25 years. Thankful that he is mine and that God will be willing to bless him even bigger than has already happened in his next 25+ years of life. :)

Day 22 -
When you accidentally set your alarm for PM instead of AM, you become very thankful, very fast when the Lord naturally wakes you up with not one minute less than you'll need to get ready to head out the door. :)

365 Days of Thanks - Day 19 and 20

Day 19 -
Again, one of those uneventful days where I should just be thankful for what I have. Last time I was grateful for my car. Today, I'll be thankful for my...iPhone. I mean, seriously - I waited a long time for that iPhone, and I am thankful that God provided enough for us to be able get those great pieces of technology. Especially for Steve, as he travels often enough, and it helps keep us in contact when we're a part. As it does with all my friends and family I don't get to see everyday. May sound silly, but you know what? Why not be thankful for something that I am happy to have and enjoy using everyday? Thankful for the little luxuries.



Day 20 -
The weather today is my FAVORITE! Sunny with a high of about 75 and a light breeze. That's plenty to be thankful for in my book! :) Oooh, spring fever!

365 Days of Thanks - Day 17 and 18

Day 17 -

You know, some days there just isn't anything over the top that happens, nothing eventful (which is good), but also nothing that just stands out to make you say "THANKS." On days like that, like today, I'm reminded at how people say what if we woke up tomorrow with only what we thank God for today? So, on that note - I need to be thankful for the daily things I take for granted. I'll periodically pick these daily things to be thankful for. But, first - today, I'm thankful for my car. How often do we take our cars for granted? May not be the newest or the best, but it gets me from Point A to Point B, I like the way it drives, and it's mine. I'm thankful for my pretty safe driving record, the protection God gives me when I drive, and that it gives me shelter as I travel. So thankful that the Lord deems me responsible enough to own my own car, to take care of it, and to use it.

Day 18 -

Today was a rough day at school. There are times when I feel I'm just teaching to a wall, like no one is listening. I tell my students that I can teach them all day long, but there comes a point when they have to take my teaching and make a choice to learn it or not. Anyway - my mom sat down and gave me a lot of tips and pointers on how to fix some things in my classroom. So, today - once again, but for a new reason, I'm thankful for my mom. I'm thankful for her as the veteran, respected, and great teacher that she is. She takes on her own classroom, but never fails to take on the trials in my classroom too. I'm just so thankful for her experience, words of wisdom, and willingness to go above and beyond to share ideas with and help me. It really does help and makes me very grateful.

And, on a different note - my dear, sweet husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years today. Feels like longer on some days and and like it just happened on other days. So, every day, but especially on a day like today - thankful for my best friend and husband. :)

365 Days of Thanks - Day 16

Thankful for this promise and reminder heard at church yesterday. "...Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, 'It is well, it is well with my soul.' Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control. That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and hath shed His own blood for my soul."

365 Days of Thanks - Day 13, 14, and 15

Day 13 -

Can I be thankful for Friday again? :) Nahhh, although I am thankful for Fridays, today I am thankful for my sister! I have two wonderful sisters-in-law, but I got to see Sherri for a little bit this evening! She absolutely cracks me up. It's hard not to have a good time with Sherri. We always seem to find some kind of situation to get ourselves into. She really is my partner in crime. I love her to pieces and am so, so proud of who she is and how hard she works. She's incredibly talented, beautiful, and a true blessing to me. Thankful for the fact that I inherited two great sisters and for how close we are.

Day 14 -

Thankful for sweet friendships and wedding showers. Today, I helped host a bridal shower for a long time friend. We were best friends in middle school and high school, and even after going to different colleges - she was a friend where we picked right back up where we left off when we were home together. She's a great spiritual blessing and encouragement to me, as is her entire family too. I was so honored to help host her shower and to be a bridesmaid in her wedding next month. Her friendship is so important and special to me. I am so happy for her, and we just love her fiance too. Seeing someone getting ready to start their lives together is such a happy thing and reminds me to be so thankful for my own marriage too.

Day 15 -

Beyond thankful for my time at Zellars. That is where I started my teaching career - at the best school, with the best adminstrators, and the very best kindergarten team! I met four of the most amazing ladies and educators. They have become some of my closest friends, ones I can talk about anything with and ones I can talk to for hours. I know it was no mistake for me to start teaching there and to have these ladies in my life. We truly are the "Dream Team" or "Fab Five" as we call ourselves. We get along beautifully, help each other academically and in our own personal worlds, and share more laughter than we probably should. :) When I thank God for my friends, these four ladies are at the top of my list!

365 Days of Thanks - Day 10, 11, and 12

Day 10 -
Thankful for just the right song on the radio. The weather had put me in quite the grumpy mood over the past couple of days. I have so much worry and stress on my mind. But, I listen to our Christian radio station here all day, every day. It was perfect on my way to school on Tuesday. Two songs came on back to back about giving it to God, and just letting go of all the things that drag us down. I don't have to be strong enough to handle everything on my own. I can have peace and just take one day at a time. The songs didn't promise a great day (and it was far from it that day), but it promised my problems would be taken care of. And that's just what happened. So thankful when God uses song and great words to fit right into your worries. :)

Day 11 -
Thankful for SUNSHINE! The weather this afternoon was perfect! It had been cloudy, steadily raining, and downright cold for the past three or four days. But, today the sun was shining like crazy and it warmed up to a nice 65 degrees this afternoon. Ahhhh, sunshine can just turn your whole mood around! Thankful for the happiness that the sun can bring!

Day 12 -
Thankful for my coat. Today it turned COLD again. It was just a miserable day, temperature and wind wise. I'd have about died without my coat, scarf, and gloves. It made me think how sad it is that there are people out there, in my own neighborhood who don't have warm clothes or a heavy coat to keep warm. A coat and scarf are such simple things, and while they didn't completely block the weather from me, it was a shelter...it helped. It's the simple things, I tell you. When you are forced to stop and find something to be thankful for each day, you find thanks in the simple things. Yup, thankful for my coat and the ability to have nice things to go with the crazy, changing Texas weather.

365 Days of Thanks - Day 8 and 9

Day 8 -
Yesterday (day eight) was a lazy afternoon. It made me thankful for the simple things in life. My warm blanket, the couch I could relax on, and my laptop, tv, and iPhone to keep me busy. We take too many things for granted in life. Sometimes it's important to stop and be thankful for things that we use everyday, for things that so many other people do not have. I am so lucky to have a roof over my head, to have nice things, and things that truly are luxury (not necessities). Thank you, Lord, for a day to rest, relax, and enjoy the worldly things you have given me.

Day 9 -
The new year always seems to symbolize a fresh start, and that's just what I'm thankful for today. I'm thankful for a fresh start every morning, free of my sins from the previous day. I'm thankful for a fresh start in a new year, where opportunities seem endless. I'm thankful for a fresh start to make a better me, to work on new goals, and to just "erase" any sadness or frustration and focus on being happy. Each day we awaken in the Lord's presence is a new day, a wonderful day that He has made. This year, with my fresh start, I'm going to choose to work on me. I'm going to choose joy. I'm going to choose thankfulness.

365 Days of Thanks - Day 6 and 7

Day 6 -
Yesterday was a Friday. And, boy the phrase "TGIF" is so, so true. I am very thankful for Fridays. There's just a difference in the air on a Friday. First of all, Fridays being a jeans day at school for me never hurts. I'm so thankful to be able to teach in my jeans, t-shirt, and comfy shoes on a Friday. It's just a good feeling to know I don't have to go back to school the next day, that a break is coming, and in elementary school, you can usually get away with making Fridays somewhat "fun." :) Fridays lead to weekends, and those are both things to be thankful for! Thank you, Lord, for giving us chances for rest and recreation!

Day 7 -
Can I be thankful for my husband again, so soon? :) Today, I'm more so thankful for my love for him. He's gone tonight, hunting with my dad and brother, but I miss him like crazy. I'm thankful that I have the capacity to love another human so much that even a few hours, just one night a part makes me long for him to be here with me. I'm so grateful that our relationship is one where we want to be together and do most things together. I'm thankful for the impact Steve has on my life to make me love him so much. The ability to love and love deeply, to have someone to love like that in your life, is MUCH to be thankful for.

365 Days of Thanks - Days 3, 4, and 5

Geez, I'm already a slacker. Had company one night and wasn't feeling so hot the other nights, but I'm catching up on my thankfulness now! :)

Day 3 -
So thankful for my wonderful parents. They are my rocks and some of my best friends. They have given me and taught me so much. I know, without a doubt, that I wouldn't who I am or where I am today without their love, guidance, and support. They go far and beyond their calls of duty as my mom and dad. I have had a great life because of them and achieved so many dreams because they have given me opportunities and things they didn't have growing up. I hope to be half the parent they have been to me. Thank you, Mom and Dad - for the words of wisdom, the listening ears, and love, the prayers, and opening up your house to Steve and me for this time in our lives. So grateful and would be lost without you both.

Day 4 -
Thankful for my teaching partner. She's an exceptional educator and has become an amazing friend. I'm so lucky that we have ended up in this school change together. She was recently out for a seminar, and the day just wasn't the same without her next door to me. I am so thankful to have a friend and colleague all in one. I'm grateful that she supports my ideas, my leadership qualities, and can always, always make me laugh. So thankful for my friend at school. :)

Day 5 -
Today, I'm thankful for the relationships I've made with the families of my past students. I have been blessed with some incredible families and students to work with. I am so thankful for the parents who rallied behind me in support of my lay-off last year, the support and kinds words they gave me, and for the ones who have continuously checked up on me into the summer and this school year. I am so grateful that I made a positive impact on their little ones' lives, and that they have become such great friends and support now. It's very rewarding, and I know God had them in my classroom for a reason. This week, alone, I have had 3 former parents email me wanting to know if we could meet up, that their child says they miss me, or thanking me for the role I played in their child's life in kindergarten. They thank me, but I'm the one who's truly thankful.

365 Days of Thanks - Day 2

Today, I am thankful for my husband. God really must have been thinking about me when He made Steve. My husband is not only the love of my life, but my best friend too. That's part of what I love most about him - that we are the best of friends. I'm thankful for the laughter we share, the conversations we have, the way we know each other inside and out, that he supports me, takes care of me, and always trying his best. I'm so thankful to have found my soul mate and to share all that I do with Steve. I'm so glad that our relationship is a true testament to the Lord and all designed by Him. Thankful for our 11 years of friendship, our 2 1/2 years of marriage, and our 50+ years of togetherness to come...

365 Days of Thanks - Day 1

Hello, Blogworld! I return, again. I know what you're thinking - oh, she's said she's back to blogging before, but she never keeps up with it. And, while that has been the case in previous posts, I have found a new love that might keep me more faithful this time around. Pinterest. It's the absolute best thing since...blogs and Facebook. :) One idea I saw on Pinterest was starting in the new year and writing down something you're thankful for each day of the year - 365 things you are thankful for. I love the idea, as many days I get so bogged down with the grumbles and fast paced ways that encompass our lives these days. It's important that I remember, each and every day (which is a gift in and of itself), how blessed I am. So, that is my purpose in this (while also hopefully throwing in posts of just living life too). :) And, while I'd love to make a cute scrapbook and write out my thankfulness each day, being a teacher - it's just not possible. So, why not just keep record of them here to make nice and neat in the near future? Join me, in the journey of being thankful in 2012...

Day 1 -
Thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Without my faith and the Lord, I'd have no other reasons or things for which to be thankful. I am so grateful for the blessings, health, love, and days of life He chooses to give me. I am thankful for the opportunity to worship, freely, and share my faith and live it out loud. Thank you, Lord, for saving me, giving me the experiences that grow me, the people who love me, and for choosing to love me despite my shortcomings. Always, always - first and foremost thankful for my faith and Jesus.