Day 21's Chilly Thanks!

Tonight I am thankful for my home.

We have called it "our home" for the last 7 years. It is the only home the Princess has ever known (poor Prince, he had lived in 2 other homes previously!). It is the first home The King and I bought. We did a lot of things ourselves (not necessarily perfectly, but we did them!). We added a big deck on the back, did some remodeling in the kitchen, and (eventually) refinished the original hardwood floors.  

There's things I love about my house I never knew I would. We have a great long driveway, perfect for safely riding bikes, playing basketball, or covering with chalk! We have the absolute best neighbors you could ever dream of! And the layout is ideal for keeping everyone close but not cramped!
 
And last year, we put it on the market.

We *thought* we wanted to move.

Apparently, we were mistaken. We took it off the market after 16 months! Alright, we can take a hint. We'll stay!

And I'm so glad we did- we could never find a more perfect neighborhood, and have I mentioned our neighbors?! This has been a blessed placed to raise our kids so far, and tonight I'm so thankful it is ours.    

20th Day of Thanks

Every year the Community College in our town puts on a fall play. And every year they invite the local elementary schools to come watch. I love that I teach that "middle grade" where we still get invited to younger things, but also to the older things! This year's play was called "Beeple" and the cast did a fantastic job of keeping a houseful of little people entertained for an hour and a half!  What a nice break from our busy day, and a chance for the kids to see all that goes into a play- we talked about not only the actors, but all the behind-the-scenes you don't see. How cool would it be for that experience to begin an interest in drama for one of my kiddos! 

I also love that The Prince got to see it too, and being in that "middle grade" I was very thankful for him saying the play was "hilarious, and so fun" rather than "stupid and childish" like a very small number of the older kids thought. I love that he is still so innocent and gets to still be a kid! I'm gonna keep him that way as long as I can!
 

 

Day 19

Day 19: I am thankful for the 2 people who brought me into this world. 

They still spoil me rotten, even though I've got a family of my own! They love my husband as if he were their son. And my children- please don't even get me started on how much they spoil them!

They of course, like all parents, taught me everything I know. Most importantly, 80's and 90's acoustic rock music. 

 

I am so lucky to have such attentive, encouraging, and loving (and fun!) parents. 

I love you mom and dad!    

Day 18

Today I am thankful for McDonald's Happy Meal coupons earned by The Prince at school, and gift cards from our grandparents! Sure made dinner easy tonight on a stressful Monday. 

PS- I ate a Grilled Chicken sandwich, so I'm still on track with my calorie count for the day!

Sunday's Thanks:

I'm thankful for a day of rest. A time to get caught up at home, prepared for the week, and spend some time relaxing at home.

I'm thankful for Sunday football, lunch time exercise, and a full cart of groceries (plus the little helpers to put it all away!).

And now I'll be thankful for an early-to-bed Sunday night!

Day 15 and Day 16's Thanks

 
                                   Day 15:
I was so thankful to spend an hour in my bed yesterday evening with my favorite little girl in the world. We talked (boy can she talk!), I played with her beautiful long hair, and we took turns "writing" letters, words, numbers, and shapes on each others backs. It was a very special time with just the two of us. And I'm thankful I was given that.

Day 16: This morning I am thankful for my small town's youth bowling league. Both of my children bowl every Saturday morning, along with about 8 other kids. This is the 2nd year they have been on the team. The confidence in themselves has grown so much. They set goals, and achieve them. Bowling is such an independent sport and a chance to improve your own skill. Plus, the friends they've made are lifelong. So thank you, USBC.

2-Fer

Tonight's special is 2 for the price of one!

Tonight's thanks deserves more than just one day.

Hands down, I have the best husband.

Momma had a late night at school, so he was dad + mom at home tonight! He got dinner done, rooms cleaned, baths/showers, and happy kids, all by the time I was home at 7:00.

He deserves a medal. 





I don't have one to give him.


So he gets a free night of deer hunting after work tomorrow!!

I love you babe!     

11.12.13

Tonight I am thankful I exercised.

So that I could have a bowl of Girl Scout Thin Mint ice cream.

 

Eleven-Eleven

I always love Veteran's Day. And no, I don't get the day off! I'm very thankful that our district does not have students stay home on this day- I believe the children appreciate the significance of the day more if they are in class learning about it.

Every year my school (along with others across the nation) gathers in the gym for a 45 minute recognition of our Veterans. And every year it brings tears to my eyes to hear those sweet angelic voices singing praises and thanks to all those who serve. They nervously approach the podium to speak the words of a grateful poem into the microphone for all the audience to hear. 
The audience is filled not only with staff and students, but Veterans from family members of our students are welcomed as well.

This year we were even blessed to have two Veterans (husband and wife!) come speak to our kids about their time in the military and how they were once just kids too. Then we end traditionally, with the playing of "Taps" by our very own music teacher. 

I am so grateful that I live in the country of the free and the brave. Thank you to every single person who was, is or will be a member of our Armed Forces. You have my utmost respect and blessings forever.   
 

Day 10 already?!

Oh life. You are so funny sometimes.

How is it that I am on Day 10, and already can't think of what I'm thankful for today?
But even when I can't, I know there are things to be grateful for. Especially things I often take for granted.
 

Laundry- I'm thankful for you because that means I have children who need to wear clean clothes. It means I have money to buy them clothes, a washing machine and a dryer to help me. It also means I'm the kind of mommy that will let those 2 rugrats get dirty in the first place.

 So thank you Lord, for 2 dirty children and a washing machine to clean their clothes. That makes my heart very happy (and so does their assistance in putting away their clothes!).   

Time To Get Caught Up!

Day 8 Thanks:
I was so very thankful last night to get gas with my Dillons plus card fuel points for only $2.65 a gallon! What a relief that was!!

Day 9 Thanks:
I'm not sure there is just one thing I am thankful for tonight. Nope, there isn't. Today is one of those days I feel overwhelmed with the special people in my life.

First, it's my dear friend's birthday. I have watched her become an outstanding teacher, growing every year into a more patient, compassionate person, and was blessed last year to watch her change roles from mainly "teacher" to mainly "mommy." She has been an inspiration to me from the moment I met her, even thought she thinks I was the one who was helping her. She taught me to trust in the Lord more, and to give my worries to Him. She is the kind of person who has love shining through her and I am so thankful she is in my life. Happy Birthday dear friend. We will celebrate our favorite way- pedicures, pizza, and sweets. =)
  
Thankful today also for my Nerium family. I was able to spread a little Nerium love to my small town as we had a booth set up for a Holiday Open House. It was the first time for this event, and as there weren't as many customers as I had hoped, I still was able to connect with new prospects. 

I am hoping to have my name out there with a connection to Nerium. Opened some possibilities for future venues, and gave away a ton of business cards! So fingers crossed, this is the beginning of something wonderful! Special thanks to my life-long friend and her mom (read more about them here!) for helping get it all set up- you two are amazing!

Take a minute and check out my Nerium site- find out if you are ready to change your skin! Sign up for your first bottle of Nerium for only $80 as a Preferred Customer. Then get ready to experience it yourself!

Life is good people- there are so many blessings daily that happen to me, and I am so thankful for every single one.  

Day 7

Nothing elaborate today folks. In fact, it's a pretty spoiled (rotten) thing. But I am not ashamed to admit it.

I am simply very, very, very, very, very thankful this morning for my new truck that has....wait for it.....


automatic start.

Thank You. I really appreciated not having to go outside to start the truck before leaving on this chilly, 35 degree morning.

Best idea ever.   

(I didn't miss this at all!)

Day 6's Often Unnoticed and Unappreciated Thanks

If you don't work in a school, or have children who go to school, you may not have ever thought about the job of "lunch lady." And if you do have children in school, you may not have realized that they have one of the most unnoticed and under-appreciated jobs in a school.


Today, on this beautiful fall day, I am so thankful for the delicious bowl of chili they made just for me (well ok, me and 250 students!). 


Most people think of this when they hear the words "lunch lady." The stereotypical lunch lady- old, fat, hairy, and mean.

But in reality, the lunch ladies are what holds the entire day together, and should be regarded more like this:

They save the day, kicking butt in the cafeteria every day!
 
Everyone looks forward to lunch. The kids can't wait to 1.) eat, and 2.) talk and 3.) run.

Teachers love the 30 minute break from hearing their name repeated over and over, and a few minutes to catch up in the teacher's lounge, or in my case, to rock out in my classroom! Plus, I am usually starving by 11:00, and I get a little cranky when I'm hungry...

 

Most days, I bring my lunch from home. But days I am running late, or don't have anything to eat at home, I know I can rely on the beautiful ladies down in the cafeteria to make me a delicious salad, complete with chicken, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and croutons.  Or in today's case, a big bowl of homemade chili!

Thanks to all the lunch ladies out there- you provide a nutritious, balanced meal,to help fill children's bellies, which helps them to stay focused throughout the rest of their school day. And in some cases, this meal may be the most food they get each day, which means you are also saving a life. Please know your job matters, and we are blessed to have you.

Day 5- I'm Thankful For...

My children!!!!

They are:
1. adorable- seriously, no one has a cuter smile than the Princess, or prettier eyelashes than the Prince.


2. sweet- I catch them snuggling in bed, or reading to each other, or just looking out for one another (with an arm drapped around the other- aww...)!

3. funny- they say the funniest things ever! I'm so glad they are such humorous creatures, it sure makes life more fun!

4. witty- They have both been saying "awkward" since they were 2 (and at appropriate times, mind you!). The Prince also said to me the other day- why isn't there a word to say to someone after they cough, just like there is "bless you" after a sneeze?   So smart isn't he?

 

5. MINE!! "Mini-me's" straight from my husband and me! 

I Love You so much! I'm so thankful God trusted me to be your caregiver.