Sunday, November 30, 2014

Deeper than the Surface

THANKSgiving Day 30
 I am thankful for whoever gave me the idea to post/blog about what I am thankful for during the month of November. There are so many people who say that Thanksgiving is a skipped over holiday, but it really isn't for me. I love to give thanks, and I love to share what I am thankful for everyday. I appreciate the opportunity to reflect everyday on what I am thankful for, which sometimes is a little bit more difficult to come up with. On those days I have to look deeper than the surface, which is where true thankfulness lies.

I cannot end this month of THANKSgiving without giving thanks to the One who is the giver of all things: my Savior Jesus Christ. As I look back over my list I see His hand in everything on my list. He has blessed me beyond comparison. I am forever grateful for His love and mercy. I am thankful that He knows me better than I know myself, and blesses me accordingly.
 I am thankful to have a knowledge of my Savior, and for the opportunity that I had to serve as a missionary and share that message with others. The time that I spent with my brothers and sisters in the South was amazing, and life changing on so many levels. I came to better know my Savior while I was there. He isn't just some magical being, but rather He is a person who knows us and cares about us.
 I know that I have a Father in Heaven who has a plan for each of us, and that He wants each of us to return to him. His plan isn't always easy, but it will always be worth it. Through His plan we can live eternally with our families. How awesome is that?!
 I am thankful to have the guidance of the Holy Spirit as I go through my life. I have been guided and directed, comforted and lifted so many times, and I am very grateful for that.
 I am thankful for this holiday season, and the opportunity that it gives us all to reflect on the true meaning of the season, regardless of our individual religious beliefs. As Christians we are all able to reflect on the birth of the Divine Child. How blessed we are that He came to the earth on that silent night so many years ago. I am thankful for the opportunity we have to sing and praise this season! I am thankful for Christmas lights, which light up not only our trees and homes, but also our hearts. The lights and songs guide our hearts back to Him, to the best gift that any of us have ever received. And for that gift, we all give thanks.

Pocketfuls of Candy

THANKSgiving Day 29
 Today I am thankful for the spirit of giving. It's fun to give to others, in any way. Tonight my mom and I went to the light parade in my hometown. It was 16 minutes of fun and laughter, and chasing down the candy that the kids on one of the floats decided that we needed. My mom and I laughed as we gathered it all up, chasing down the random bits and pieces. The best part was once we had picked it all up-we gave it to the kids next to us. The dad just smiled and laughed as I kept pulling handfuls of candy out of my pocket, and we even ended up chasing them down to give them more. It's little moments like this that make me love the holiday season so much, to see the happiness that comes into someone's eyes through the act of giving or receiving. I am thankful that tonight I was able to be part of the giving end.

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Old TV Shows and Good Times!

THANKSgiving Day 28
Today I am thankful to get to spend time with my parents. They are my anchor, my home base. Being with them is the re-charge that I need from time to time. We don't have to do anything big and fancy-enjoying leftover Thanksgiving dinner and watching the Andy Griffith Show is just fine by me! Just being with them is enough. I know that they care about me and love me, which is evidenced in the little things: Mom makes sure to have my favorite juice in the fridge so that I don't go thirsty. Dad looks up cars on the internet for me. I walk out to the car to go somewhere with them to discover that I am driving. They ask about work. They ask about my dating life. They tease me, and I tease them. I just love being with them! Thanks for charging me up, Mom and Dad!

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Taking the path less traveled

THANKSgiving Day 27
 Here it is, Thanksgiving Day. The ultimate day of THANKS. This day begs the question, "what are you thankful for?" I have thought of so many different things today that I'm thankful for, many of whch have ended up here on the blog.  The thing that stands out today is that I am thankful for my life path. 10 years ago as I was getting ready to graduate from high school I never imagined that this is where I would be. 10 years ago being a teacher wasn't even on my radar! How happy I am that my life took me on the path that led to where I am now. I feel like I've meandered through life, and I have had some amazing experiences and have met the most amazing people along the way. I am thankful for who I am today, and where I am. I am so happy and so in love with my life. I'm thankful that God knows me better than I know myself, and that He has guided me along this path. Life is awesome, and I wouldn't trade any part of it!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

My Banditry of Chickadees

THANKSgiving Day 26
 Today's post is going to be a little long, so don't feel obligated to read it all. One of the things that I am most thankful for is my job, and the banditry of chickadees that comes with it. (I had to Google what to call a group of chickadees, and now I know!) They make my life so much better, and fill my heart in so many ways! This post is dedicated to them, and they are each going to get their time in the spotlight!

Frozen
There are so many kids obsessed with Frozen these days, and this girl is no different! She loves Disney movies, and can tell you about any Disney movie you ask her about.  She always has a smile on her face, and loves to gives hugs. She works so hard and is so eager to please. She makes my heart so happy!

My Mouse
This particular chickadee is quiet as a mouse, but she has a heart and personality that pull you in. It's impossible not to love her! She is always willing to help out, whether it's me or another student. She worries about the other students, and wants to make sure that everyone is okay. She has a heart of gold. I love her so much!

Tots
This kid makes me laugh all the time! He tells the funniest jokes, and always has a smile on his face. He also shares his tater tots with me every Tuesday! How did I get to be so lucky? He is an awesome artist, and is so good with numbers. Seeing his happy face every morning makes me so happy, and I am so glad that he is in my class!

Penguin Classics
This girl-what can I say about her? She showers me with love everyday. She works so hard everyday to overcome her challenges, and is an inspiration. She works so hard to make sure that everyone has a friend, and that people get the things they need (for example, she brings me my tots!) She is an amazing artist, and can draw just about anything she puts her mind to. (Including a class of goats!) She makes my days so great!

Sk8rBoy
Don't tell anyone that I told you this, but this kid has a HUGE heart! He tries to play it cool, but I've seen through his tough-guy exterior to the sweet boy inside. I wish that I could give him a huge hug and tell him how awesome he is. He is sweet and funny, and so helpful. He has a mischievous side that I love. Life is better with him in it!

Sidekick
This chickadee can quite often be found attached to my side, quite literally. She is so loyal and tries so hard to let others see that. She spends a lot of time in her own little world, but when she comes out it is fantastic! She is so fun to be with! She is so warm and affectionate, and works to help others feel that as well.

Mr. Fix-It
I can't even begin to tell you how many times this kid has saved me, and taken my ego at the same time! He is so good at fixing things, which is how he saves me. He has figured out so many things in my classroom. He even taught me how to catch! He was a great coach and even critiqued my technique, which ultimately is what enabled me to catch! I love watching him learn and grow, and I am so proud of how far he has come!

Hipster
This chickadee is also one of my quiet ones. She is so unassuming, and just goes about doing her thing. She works so hard, and has so many big dreams. She has an awesome sense of style. I love watching her mind work, especially when I see the light click as things make sense. She is a bright star in my life.

Sporty
This girl makes my heart so happy! She is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet, and she goes about it in such a quiet way. She doesn't ask for much, but is always so willing to give. She is a fantastic friend, and reaches out when she sees others struggling. She always makes sure to say hi or good morning to me. She is so awesome! I am lucky to know her.

Comics
Just thinking about this chickadee makes my heart smile. He likes to find things to gross me out or make me laugh, which is a lot of fun! He is quiet, kind, and diligent. He never asks for anything, and is so thankful for all that he receives. I love getting to spend time with this chickadee everyday!

 Mini-Me
This chickadee is so much like me that it's a little crazy! Sometimes when I talk to her I feel like I am looking in the mirror, and often the things that I tell her are what I need to hear as well. She is such a tenderheart and sweet spirit. She is uplifting and so willing to share her love. Anytime she sees that I am feeling low she asks if I need a hug, which is often just what I need. I am so grateful for her willingness to share her heart with me!

Spunky
Often times the best fireworks come in the smallest packages, and they give the biggest boom. This is so true with this chickadee! She may be small, but she is full of spunk! She seems quiet and shy at first, but for those of us who know her, we know that she is anything but shy or quiet! She shares her opinions with those around her, and she doesn't mind who knows them. She can be a bit of a wild card, and I love it!

Fashionista
If there is one thing that I can count on from this chickadee it is that she will comment on my clothes. Some days I get her stamp of approval, some days I get a critique. Either way I love it, and it's our routine. This girl is full of pizazz,  and she greets life with a mischievous smile. She and I love to tease one another. I love it!

The Hunter
This kid, I don't even know what to say about him. Last year he discovered that it is easy (and quite fun) to tease me, and that is our tradition. He knows how to make me laugh, and he can tell when I need it the most. We share a special bond, and I think that there are days when one of us is the glue that holds the other together. Also, let it be noted that the teasing goes both ways. He makes me crazy, but it's what keeps me going! I look forward to each day's adventure with him.


There you have it, my banditry of chickadees all in one place. Each one of them has won my heart over a million times. I look forward to spending each day with them!  I know that it was just yesterday that I saw them, but I miss them so much! I hope that they each have a fantastic Thanksgiving, and know that I am thankful for each one of them.



Support

THANKSgiving Day 25
Today I am thankful for all of the support that I have with my job, especially the aides whom I work with each day. They are all so amazing at their jobs, and they do so many things without me even needing to ask them. I wouldn't be able to do my job if they weren't there to help me everyday. I also appreciate that they are willing to listen to my craziness and let me bounce ideas off of them. So thank you to Becky, Janice, Koke, and Brent. You four amazing people make the days run so smoothly!

Monday, November 24, 2014

Talking to Strangers

THANKSgiving Day 24
Today I am thankful for the random kindness of strangers. I was at Joanne's today looking at some yarn, and I needed another opinion. So I asked the woman standing in the same aisle as me. She had to take a phone call, but as soon as she finished we started chatting again, and she gave me a vote of confidence in my project. We had a nice visit and went our separate ways. Imagine my surprise when she ended up behind me in the checkout lane. We talked about our various projects, and she even clued me in to some big sales that are coming up at Joanne's this week. It's kinda weird, but I like talking to strangers and making connections. I will probably never see that woman again, but for a few minutes today we were friends and sharing ideas and warm feelings. I am grateful for the kindness of strangers.