Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that another year is almost here. A Facebook friend asked everyone to describe 2011 in three words and it is like she read my mind. Here are my three words: Apprehension, Relief and Thankful. In January 2011, I was already dreading Michael starting the Middle School in the fall. I just didn't know how he would do with such a big transition. In January, I never even considered going back to school. My husband was concerned with layoffs at his job. How did these situations turn out? Better than I ever dreamed. My husband still has a job, Michael loves the Middle School and I did very well in my classes and love them. Was 2011 perfect? Of course not. We had worries about my Grandmother, who was in so much pain from a bad hip. The pain got so severe that she finally agreed to a hip replacement. I am so thankful that her pain has been relieved. The new evaluations in our state did not help during the fall semester. There was so much stress and anxiety for every teacher I know. I truly hope that politicians start to respect teachers again and quit making our lives-and our students' lives-so stressful. Overall, though, it really was a good year. I am thankful for so many things in my life. I hope 2012 is a great year for us and for you as well. Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas! This has been the best Christmas I have ever had in my life. After having concerns about my grandmothers' health, they are healthy and happy. We had a great time eating and laughing with my parents, siblings and nieces and Michael loved his presents this morning. I am ill with my husband, though. We had decided not to get each other a gift this year. This sounds like something one would say but it is true; we just want some time with each other and Michael. There is nothing we want so we decided to just get nothing. This morning, there was some chocolate and a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure in my stocking with a Christmas tree drawing by Michael. Now, I love the gifts but I had nothing for him. He said, "But the presents are from Michael." Uh huh. :) I really do love them, though.

This has been a great year and I hope 2012 is just as great.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Thirty Days of Thanks

I never post the latest Facebook posts that go around weekly if not daily but I was curious about one that showed up at the beginning of November. We were supposed to post something we were thankful for each day. I thought it sounded interesting so I tried it. It turned out to be a blessing. I try to be thankful all of the time but when hectic times come, I tend to forget my blessings. Here are my Facebook posts for November and for my thankfulness:

Nov. 1 - I am thankful for the man I have been in love with since I was 15.
He is the best husband, father and a pretty great drummer as well. :)

Nov. 2 - I am thankful for my sweet Michael who teaches me daily to appreciate the little things in life.

Nov. 3 - I am thankful that I still have my grandmothers. They are great women who have weathered many storms. (They also show me where I get my stubborn streak.) :)

Nov. 4 - I am thankful for family. One side gave me a pride in family and one side gave me, uh, "uniqueness." :)

Nov. 5 - I am thankful that I have had the priviledge of teaching over 2,000 students in my career. I will always love "my kids."

Nov. 6 - I am thankful for freedom of religion. It is amazing that in 2011, people are still being persecuted in the world for believing "wrong."

Nov. 7 - I am thankful for my nieces. They make me proud every day.

Nov. 8 - I am thankful to former students who are serving or have served in the military and also my uncle who, when I asked how he survived Vietnam, said he just kept thinking I am protecting my nieces and nephews. Wow.

Nov. 9 - I am thankful for central heat/air. (Grew up without it, didn't have it when we first got married and missed it when it went out last July.) A warm house in the morning is nice. :)

Nov. 10 - Whether it is walking with Frodo through Middle Earth, Scout in Alabama or a sparkly vampire in Forks, I will always be thankful for the books that have allowed me to escape a little while from reality

Nov. 11 - I am thankful for our vacations to St. George Island, Florida. Uncrowded beaches, nothing to do but relax, swim and eat fresh seafood. Nice.

Nov. 13 - I am thankful for freedom of speech. This right causes arguments and worse but I am so proud to live in a country where we are free to express our opinion about our government without fear of jail or death.

Nov. 14 - Thankful to live in our beautiful. Fall leaves, snow on the trees, dogwoods in bloom and baking heat in summer, we can't say the weather is boring. :)

Nov. 15 - Thankful for what Michael has accomplished and for the hope of what's to come (I could write a book on this one.)

Nov. 16 - It quickens my pulse and soothes my soul. Music, how thankful I am to you.

Nov. 17 - Thankful for chocolate :)

Nov. 18 - I am thankful to work with some fabulous teachers and administrators in my school and in this county. They love students and work hard to help our kids.

Nov. 19 - While packing our Operation Christmas Child boxes, I was once again reminded to be thankful for the basics that I take for granted: toothbrush, shampoo, running water and a roof over my head. Blessed indeed.

Nov. 20 - I am thankful my church family especially my praise band buddies who put up with my mediocre singing. ;)

Nov. 21 - I am thankful that we only have two days of school this week. Long weekend, whoo hoo!

Nov. 22 - Monte and I had a conversation last night about the current research about the brain and autism. I was again reminded how thankful I am to the researchers and organizations like Autism Speaks who provide funding to help find a cause for autism. The regional director told me that these reseachers are passionate about what they do and always think of the parents and kids when they do their research, that it is personal to them. We're getting closer to knowing. I just feel it.

Nov. 23 - Thankful this morning for water. My husband heard a pipe gushing at 1 am and shut off the water. The plumbers are here now. (Thank goodness this wasn't a morning we had to go to work. I NEED my shower! Flushing is nice, too.) :)

Nov. 24 - I am thankful that my sister invited me to shop in Pigeon Forge tonight & Friday. (Who am I kidding?! Tanger Outlet at 10 tonight? We have lost our minds!) Happy Thanksgiving!

Nov. 25 - Thankful for a fun time in Pigeon Forge. Beautiful weather, great deals, fun "people watching" and an interesting experience overall. Best deal? Not at the mall but on the phone: 45% off our beach house rental this summer. Whoo hoo!

Nov. 26 - Thankful for a beautiful day hanging out with my guys.

Nov. 27 - Thankful for little or no "drama" in my life. Facebook has shown me just how boring my life is and I am actually grateful.

Nov. 28 - Thankful that Michael's room is finally clean. I'm serious! How can one 12 year old boy make such a mess?

Nov. 29 - I am thankful that I am mature enough (and have become wise enough) to realize that love is not measured by what my husband gives me. When I was young and stupid, I thought it mattered what I received for Christmas or other occasions. What REALLY matters is how I am treated every day and in that I am given gifts beyond measure.

Nov. 30 - Thirty days of thankfulness. I have to admit, this has made me think. For my last post on this, I have saved the most important one for last. I am forever thankful to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who I lived without for the first 30 years of my life. I have lived without Him and I have lived 17 years with Him. I found out about grace at age 30 and what a difference it has made. For all of the people and things I have listed this month, to God I give the thanks and the glory.

Again, I am glad...thankful...that I did this. When I wrote them down, it just reminded me again how lucky I am and how blessed. I will try to update what has been going on around here soon.