Counting My Blessings

I've been reading this lately:

Loving it!  LOVING IT!!! I'm getting through it slowly because there is much to reflect on.  The only premise is the importance of being grateful and the joy that comes from doing so.  I've wanted to start a journal to list the 1,000+ things I'm thankful for.  I've waited because I wanted to finish the book first.  Ridiculous, right?  There's really no time like the present!!

a day spent in the sunshine, outside of the classroom with the students I love

family gatherings and a chance to learn from those with great (earned) wisdom

a mom who will take my little, lonely puppy home for a "play date"

a visit to a new baby and his precious Momma and getting to see all the love in this little family

nephews - especially one who will turn 14 tomorrow!

the ease of a good friend

the beginning of a beautiful friendship with a gal who gets me up at 5:00 to workout

Attitude of Gratitude

I recently heard someone say that if you fail to be thankful, there may come a time when you won't be able to see all you have to be thankful for.  I can't even begin to count all the time I've spent wishing and hoping and praying for a family of my own.  But, recently I've recognized a huge blessing that has come with being single.  I get to know my nephews and niece in a way I wouldn't have been able to if I had kids of my own.

A few weeks ago Tonya and Matt helped Mom and Dad put up their new TV.  I went over just to hang out and add moral support.  It was such a joy to watch Abby play with all those cardboard boxes and turn them into a house or a fence.  She has such an imagination!  Jacob is the ever-quite one.  I love to watch him study things.  At the end of the night, he shared his deer hunting video with us. It was so sweet to hear him ask his daddy to pray and thank God for what they were able to do!

Just last week I spent Wednesday joining Tina and her boys for dinner at Mom and Dad's. Mom fixed the boys' favorite: chicken & dumplings and, for dessert, homemade doughnuts. I remember driving home that night praying I'd always remember these sweet memories. The way Ethan beamed as he showed me how he'd set the table and assigned each of us a seat. The way we all had to share high/lows. They way Ethan held his tea glass and talked with hands. They way Garrett wants me to help him study for a test. The way Chase likes to give me a hard time. The way Garrett looks up to Chase and longs to hear just a few words of praise from him. The way Chase refers to Dad as the "bear" who hangs out in his den. (aka the basement) The way all three of them love to watch "Wild Hogs" with Pop and how all of them laugh and laugh.

Tonight Chase came over to eat pizza and watch the Biggest Loser with me.  When I picked him up we went to Price Cutter to get him some soda and Oreos.  He made my night when we told me he didn't really care about watching all of the show because he just came over to eat and talk to me.  Thirteen and he still wants to hang out with his Aunt.  How blessed am I!

Chase, Garrett, Jacob, Ethan, and Abby help fill such a void in my life right now. I adore them and love spending time with them. I'm so thankful I get to share so much of their lives!! There's not a luckier aunt around!!



Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences are often dreaded.  Not because of  sitting down and meeting with parents.  I quite enjoy that!  I think it's more about the daunting 12 hour days you have to work.  12 hours of talking.  12 hours of being "on".  While I always enjoy the time I get to spend with my students and their families, I always worry that I'm not prepared or that I don't know everything I need to about a particular student.  And I'm always extremely nervous!

Because I always want to remember the special way God blessed me this year, I going to share the absolute sweetest email I got from a dear friend.  I opened this email on Thursday.

"I've been thinking of you and praying that you will have strength and that all will go smoothly as you sit down with your kids' parents. I am hoping that you know just how amazing you are as a teacher and that you have heard LOTS of words of affirmation from those parents. Praying you through today and into your weekend tomorrow!"

To say that I was touched was an understatement.  These words made me feel so loved and encouraged.  And let me tell you, God answered their prayers in such an amazing way.  For the first time in eleven years of teaching, four parents cried that evening as sat down to meet.  They poured their hearts out with some of the nicest, most flattering, affirming things I've heard as a teacher.  As I heard each different parent share what was on their heart I knew that God was encouraging me, answering the prayer of my dear friend. 

I know I've blogged about this year and the struggles it's brought in a couple of different posts.  As I was listening to these parents, I heard God reminding me that I have the students I'm supposed to have.  They are not in my room by accident, but because they were meant to be.  It's exactly what I needed to be reminded of.  It doesn't matter that behavior and academic ability weren't divided fairly among the grade level.  There's a bigger picture, and I'm praying that I never miss an opportunity!

Thankful

... for a better day

... for boundaries and actually enforcing them

... for a school district who believes in me enough to send other teachers to watch me teach

... for students who love me

... for friends who know when something is wrong, even when I insist there's not

... for friends who call, text, or email at just the right time

... for the opportunity to meet my students' families this week and get to know them better

... for nephews who live close enough that I can walk over and listen them to laugh and play

... for a dog that is low maintenance (most of the time)

... for parents who unexpectedly mow my yard, set mole traps, listen to, pray for, and encourage me

... for a church that disciples and equips

... for a job that's more than a job

... for a home of my own

... for a large family that love each other enough to be in each other's business

... for a God who is good and does good

... for the plans He has for me

... for His unfailing love and provision

... for His grace

The Energizer Bunny - aka Mom

Not only is my mom preparing for vacation, packing and cooking, (She and Dad are spending the week horse back riding in the Smokey Mtns.  I can't believe I missed going by only 1 week!!) but she has also taken care of my dog, mowed my yard, and helped me pack up my classroom for summer.  She just doesn't stop!

She came to school tonight to just help me pack up my library.  However, much like the Energizer Bunny, once my mom gets started she doesn't stop!  Tonight we she packed up the library, tidied up the cabinets, rolled up my carpet, emptied a bookshelf, and reorganzied ALL my bulletin board supplies!!  We left school around 9:00!  She just kept saying, "What else?" or "Come on, it won't take that long."  I'm telling you, she's simply amazing! 

Thank you, Mom, for always being there for me, going out of your way to make sure I'm taken care of.    I don't know what I'd do without you!! 

Praying for Grandma

UPDATE: My grandma called me after school this afternoon.  She wanted me to go to church with her.  I went and heard an amazing message!  Not only that, but can you believe my grandma felt like going?!?  Praise the Lord!!  He's already answering prayer.  Instead of the chemo lasting EIGHT hours, it only took SIX!  God is SO good!!  I can't wait to see what He's going to do next!

My grandma is having her first round of chemo today.  It's going to take EIGHT hours.  When she had a hysterectomy several weeks ago, the doctors found NO cancer.  Praise the Lord!  We prayed for healing for her and believe that God touched her!

Even though there was no cancer, the doctors wanted her to have a full body scan to make sure it didn't spread.  She got the report last Friday that there was NO cancer anywhere in her body.  Praise the Lord! Once again, we know that He touched her!!  The doctors want to do 3 chemo treatments just to be sure because the cancer was such an agressive kind.

Please join me in praying that she doesn't get sick and that she doesn't loose her hair.  I'm believing that God is going to finish this amazing work that He started and carry her through with no side effects, once again showing her how He's healed her body.  Thanks for praying with me!

Bountiful Blessings!

From the moment I got up this morning, God has been lovin' on me all day!

Today Abby is 5!  What a blessing this little bundle of giggles is!

Kelly came into my room this morning with words of encouragement about not giving up on waiting on the Lord.  Her words were timely and so sweet!

One of students is finally going to get the help he so desperately needs!  I'm so thankful for a Process Coordinator who believes in the power of prayer.

I got to see Jen today!  It's always a blessing to spend time with her, no matter how little!

Leslie helped me take down all my communication arts stuff.  I wouldn't have gotten it done without her!

Our incredibly talented and sweet Librarian at school blessed me with this basket of goodies...for no reason!  I'm tellin' ya, she knows what this girl likes.  Post-its, pens, good smelling soap, reading material, and chocolate!!  I just love her.  Whenever I get to talk to her I always walk away wishing I had more time with her.  She's A-MAZ-ING!

As I started to mow the yard this evening, my neighbor came over on his riding lawnmower and asked if I wanted some help.  I thanked him for being so thoughtful, but said I'd be ok.  He assured me that he didn't mind at all and wanted to help, so I agreed.  I went on to the back to mow the backyard and he mowed the front.  Not only did he mow it, he also did the weed eating.  I was truly blessed by this random act of kindness!

Just as I finished, the neighbor on the other side (who recently moved in) came over and introduced herself.  After some small talk, she clarified that I was single and then proceeded to tell me that she and her boyfriend wanted to help me.  They noticed the latch on my gate was broken and wanted to fix it for me.  Can you believe that?  I couldn't!

After a day of blessing after blessing, I wept at God's goodness and the way He loved me through others today!

**Family: I updated yesterday's post with new Easter pictures.  Be sure to check them out!! 

Good Friday

In my last post I confessed to feeling like God had forgotten about me.  Today, as I was sitting in the Good Friday service at church, God gently reminded me again that nothing could be farther from the truth.  Even in death, dying on a cross, I was on His mind.  Because of His sacrifice, nothing can separate me from Him. 

"I gave my back to those who strike & my cheeks to those who pull out the beard-I hid not my face from disgrace & spitting" Is 50:6

"His face was so disfigured he seemed hardly human, and from his appearance, one would scarcely know he was a man."  Isaiah 52:14

Recharged and Renewed

Yesterday I spent the day with a truly fabulous lady!  I took a personal day to observe her and just spend the day trying to soak up her greatness.  I knew it was going to be wonderful, but I had no idea the effect it would have on me.  One day with her reminded me what I loved about teaching.  I left inspired, encouraged, uplifted, renewed and recharged.  She's amazing!  Everything about her glorifies Jesus!  Oh, that I might do for others what she did for me!

Feeling Thankful...

for a beautiful, warm, sunny weekend

for a church I love and look forward to attending

for my house and its current lemon-fresh scent

for the healing I believe my Grandma received today and for the peace that God is going to give her

for the hope that comes from knowing and serving Jesus Christ

for a friend's honest, heartfelt post

that Spring Break is only 9 school days and 1 teacher workday away

A Busy Week

February 7th - 13th was conference week.  This is always a dreaded week for me.  Don't get me wrong, I really do enjoy visiting with the parents of my students.  There's just something about talking for 12 hours straight for nearly two days in a row.  It's exhausting!  Lots of other things were going on this week, too!

Sunday - Mom always fixes lunch for me on Sundays, so I thought I'd give her a break today.  I fixed cheese steak sandwiches and homemade cheese-fries.  This is nothing like the healthy meals Mom usually makes, but it was good!  For dessert I made Better-Than-Anything cake.  Ohh, it was SO good!  I shared the leftovers with Tina and Tonya's families along with Kelly and Leslie.  It was such a big hit, I'll think I'll serve it at Bunko in March.

Monday - Because I was hoping for a snow day today, I kept Chloe with me instead of sending her with Mom.  (She is NOT fun to take outside in the snow.  She's very stubborn!)  Well, there was no snow day, so after work I took her to mom's.  I picked up Chase along the way because there was too much "togetherness" going on at his house.  After we dropped off Chloe he went with me to the O.C. to workout.  He was my very own personal trainer.  We walked/jogged the track.  He kept after me about going faster and working harder.  It was a great workout!  While we were there, we saw a couple of girls he goes to school with.  I know there aren't very many 12 (soon to be 13) year olds who would walk with their aunt and not be embarrassed.  He doesn't even know it, but in those 30 minutes he made me feel so loved!  Afterwards, I took him to his favorite restaurant: McDonalds, and then back to my house.  (From the time he got home from school he had eaten 2 big bowls of cereal, double cheeseburger, large fries, 4 poptarts, and a container of yogurt!!  He's a bottomless pit!)  At my house, I showed him one episode of "The Office" I thought he'd enjoy.  We laughed and laughed.  (Jen, I think he's hooked!) 

Tuesday - Conferences - yep, that sums it up!

Wednesday - walked with Kelly after school in her neighborhood.  It was so nice to be outside and soak up the sun.  While we were walking, we planned our Spring Break mini-trip.  We're going to go to St. Louis!  She has never been in the arch!  I can't wait for her to experience it!  After walking, I stayed with Garrett and Ethan until Grammy picked them up for church.  We played a competitive game of Uno! 

Thursday - Conferences - Leslie surprised me a cup of english-toffee-some kind of coffee drink.  A day or two prior to this, she brought me one just to try.  You see, she's recently joined the rest of America and has become obsessed with coffee and the whole caffeine experience.  Now, she wants to get me hooked.  Leslie, mission accomplished!  I've been thinking about this delicious cup of energy ever since!  (Seriously, thank you for being so thoughtful!  I'm so glad I get to see you at work every day.  You always find some way to brighten my day!)

Friday - A day off!  I went shopping with Mom - Sam's and Hobby Lobby, two of my favorite stores!  I didn't know if I'd be able to contain my excitement!!  Mom, how did I not take a picture of us?  We spent the day grocery shopping and running a few errands, but I had such a wonderful time spending the day with her!  I love you, Mom!  That evening I went to Jacob's basketball game.  Any team going up against him better watch out because he's aggressive!  I'm disappointed to say I didn't get a picture of this either!  (That's how tired conferences make me!  I can't even get the camera out! Ha!)  Later, I took Garrett to his 9:50 ballgame!  Seriously, who schedules a 9:50 ballgame for third graders?  Because Ethan had an 8:00 ballgame the next morning, I took Garrett to the game and he came home and stayed the night with me.  He played such a great game and worked up an appetite.  He ate a sandwich, chips and salsa, and 2 bags of Sun chips!

We started a movie, but by this time it was 12:45 and he only made it about 15 minutes!  He slept in until 9:45 and woke up wanting to play Life.  Garrett, I always enjoy spending time with you!  You are such a great conversationalist! 

I had a visitor drop by this morning with the most thoughtful gift, but I'm going to include that in tomorrow's Valentine's post!

A Thoughtful Labor of Love

This morning I went to church, then out to lunch with my parents.  Remembering how adamantly Chloe refused to get in the snow this morning, I picked up a snow shovel before heading home.  As I turned onto my street and rounded the corner, I saw that my driveway had already been shoveled!  My driveway, the front walk, and a little patch of grass just for Chloe had all been cleared off.  I knew right away who the culprit was.  My brother-in-law, Matt, took his son and shoveled several driveways in their neighborhood.  He wanted to teach Jacob that you do things for others just because, without expecting anything in return.  Kudos to you Matt for raising a compassionate, giving person.  Not only are you teaching him, you are also living it before him.  Thank you for blessing me today!  Thanks to you, this is where I'll be spending the afternoon with some hot chocolate and a good book: 

Who ya gonna call?

I gave several homemade gifts this year and they were the ones I anticipated giving the most!  I could hardly wait.  Now, if you know me at all, you know I'm not the most crafty person in the world.  Thankfully, I know who to call!

After reading the most touching poem about aprons, I knew that's what I wanted to give my sisters.  I couldn't find any I liked for the price I needed them to be, so Mom helped me made them for me.  The girls loved them!

We even made one for Abby that matched her Mommy since she loves to help in the kitchen.

I knew I wanted to get Abby a bag for Christmas.  She never goes anywhere without 1 or 2 stuffed animals.  I thought she'd enjoy something to carry them in.  Enter Jen!

  I brought the material and told her I wanted an "A" and a flower.  She did ALL the rest.  Adorable, isn't it?

One of Ethan's most prized possessions is his Treasure Box.  He collects tags, rocks, cards, acorns...really anything that is sentimental to him.  How cute, right?  He stored his treasures in a rubbermaid container, so I thought I'd make him a new Treasure Box.  Enter Leslie.

  She helped me picked out the paper with me the day before Thanksgiving.  I painted the box, glued on the paper, and showed up at her house the day before Christmas Eve!  She cut the letters on her cricut with her new font and layed out the top of the box for me.

  It's everything I imagined it would be!

Thank you, Girls, for helping me give out gifts from the heart!  None of these projects would have been possible without you!!  I love you dearly!

Celebrating Christmas

Saturday, December 19th

Progressive Dinner

We had our first annual progressive dinner!  We started at Chris and Tina's house with appetizers.

Next stop, Matt and Tonya's for salad.

The main dish, cheesy linguini, was at my house.  Guess I was too busy hosting.  No pictures.  :(

We ended the evening at Dad and Mom's for dessert, a gift exchange, and games.

At one point we found Ethan under the table.  We were wondering what he was doing there...

but, as you can see, he was hiding because he had Chase's ipod!

Chase couldn't help showing off his amazing hand.  Too bad Grammy beat him.  Ha!

We all had such a great time that night.  It was nice to be able to go from house to house to see everyone's homes and Christmas decorations.  Kevin and Aimee, it was so nice to spend the evening with you.  We don't get to do that nearly enough!

Wednesday, December 23rd

Christmas Lights

Mom, Tina, Tonya, Garrett, Jacob, Ethan, Abby, and I all headed out to look at Christmas lights.  Yes, it was a carload!  We saw some incredible lights.  Our favorite was the house where the lights were set to music.  Amazing!  Speaking of music, we had a little caroling of our own.

  (Not your traditional caroling, but caroling non the less.)

We found out the next day that "E" had a double ear infection.  Poor little guy!  I think this picture describes how he was feeling.

Christmas Eve

It is our family tradition to go to my Grana's for Christmas Eve.  We all bring finger foods and spend the evening playing games and just being together.  My Grana also plans a service/program where she shares some wisdom, the Christmas story is read, and then we end by singing songs all together.  We've done this for as long as I can remember.  I love this tradition!

Here we are playing Crazy Bridge.  Have you ever played this?  It's SO much fun.  Twelve or more people can play.  You play 17 hands and move/switch partners after each hand.  We play it every year.  Actually, this is usually the only time we play it!

Christmas Day

Dad, Mom, and I start Christmas by dropping in on all the kids on our way to my Papa and Grandma's.  This is something we started last year.  I love it!  The kids love it too because they get to show us what Santa left them. 

Me and my Papa!  He's AMAZING!

We saw a picture from a year ago and couldn't believe how much Chase had grown in just a year.  We ended up measuring him.  In case you're wondering, he's 5'10" and is 12 years old!

Here's Papa reading the Christmas story.

Just hanging out waiting for lunch!

After lunch, we all head over to Dad and Mom's to exchange gifts.

Look at all those presents!

Smiles, that's what we like to see!

Mom and Dad bought me a new bible.  One that will fit in my purse!

Chloe had to sit in a chair by me.  We have to keep a close eye on her when Abs is around!

Mom made Tina these towels.  She LOVED  them!

Abby got this kitty from Mom and Dad.  Abby loved it and Chloe was especially thankful, too!

Looks like Tonya's surprised!

Grammy got a bleacher chair to make the hours she spends watching her grandkids even more enjoyable.

Christmas night Michelle and Derek always come over for snacks and (you guessed it) games!  Apparently I was too tired... no pictures. :(

We've had a wonderful holiday season enjoying each other and rejoicing in the best gift of all: JESUS!