It's Thanksgiving Day! :)

It's Thanksgiving Day, and that means it's getting close to Christmas (totally excited)!!!! It also means that the end of the semester is almost here. I can look at that in two ways...I am totally psyched about the first. It means I'll have a few weeks break from my 5th grade class / classroom. Though I'll have a lot to plan for, I'll be really glad to have a break. I still can't believe we're almost halfway through the school year. On the other hand, I'm not looking forward to the end of the semester because I am really behind in one of my graduate classes. The instructor didn't give us very many deadlines, so I kind of put the class on the back burner, doing a few things here and there. Our portfolio is due Wednesday, so I'll be spending a good portion of the weekend - and much of Monday to Wednesday evening - working on my portfolio. Fortunately, one of the classes I took was very structured and was developed by a very organized professor. For that, I am thankful. She makes life easier some days. :0) Let's hope I can meet the deadline for the other class!!! ;)

In my last post, I mentioned many things I was thankful for - not that anyone actually read it...I think I'm writing to myself here. I failed to mention how thankful I am for my grandparents and their presence in my life. When I was in tenth grade, my mom came to school to pick me up along with some of my cousins. My dad's father had died from cancer. He had fought it off and on for years; it was ultimately his time to go. I have been very fortunate to have 3 grandparents around for most of my life. My dad's mom has not been doing so well over the last year or so. She has ups and downs quite often. I am so glad that she is still hanging around with all of us crazies! :) She's such a strong woman, and has always been such a great influence in my life. My mom's parents are great. They have always been there to encourage me in school and in my Christian walk. Nanny has been the one to show me what strength really is. She doesn't complain and really tells you what's on her mind. Last year for Christmas, she gave me a picture of her when she was a child. It's funny because I looked a lot like her when I was a kid. She's always told me that, but when she gave me the picture for Christmas, it was like she was giving me a piece of herself...a piece of her heart. I will forever treasure that simple little gift. She is an amazing woman, and I will be grateful for every second she is here with us. I've been really troubled by her condition a lot lately. When I talked to her today, it seemed that she didn't understand most of what I said. She continued to tell me over and over again, "I don't understand what you mean." Even simple things...it makes me sad. I just ask that you pray for my Nanny and my family. There are a lot of people who will be hurt with this g-ma goes home for good. She has 8 children who each have a spouse and most of them have kids. Some of their kids have kids. We're a BIG family! :) I love my family.

Speaking of family - I will be an auntie soon! I cannot wait for Dakota to be here! I hope he decides to make his appearance soon! :) Woohoo!

If you're (whoever you might be - please let me know if you DO read this! :) still reading, I want to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have been and will continue to be blessed!

Why are you thankful?

I absolutely love the holiday season. I look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas every year! The sites, the smells, the music, the family visits...I could go on and on. Here we are. It is the the week of Thanksgiving. I cannot believe it is already here! I love that we celebrate Thanksgiving because it reminds me to think of all the good things in my life. It's so easy to focus on all that I'm unhappy with, but remembering the good things really makes life seem so much better than it already is. If I could just remember to think of those things more often! :)

This year, I am thankful for...

* knowing I am loved by my Creator! He made me just the way He wanted and loves me more than I could ever love another.

* the wonderful family I have been blessed with. I am thankful that my parents made me mind when I was a child, and that I have great memories of home because of my parents. I am glad my parents introduced me to Jesus Christ when I was a child, for who would I be without Him? I am blessed.

* the love that I share with my fiance, Aaron. I never imagined I'd love someone as much as I love him. I cannot imagine my life without him. He is an amazing man, and I am beyond blessed to have him in my life. I love you, Sparky!

* having a job that I love. There are days when I feel that I am not making a difference at all, and there are days when I feel like I'm on top of the world. No matter how I feel, I am working to make a change in the lives of these children. I strive to bring forth a love of learning that I hope they will pick up and run with. I know they can succeed...it is my job to help them see that as well.

* my brother and sister-in-law. I love them dearly. They are the best!

* the upcoming birth of my first nephew, baby Dakota! He will be here soon! I love him so much already! His auntie sure can't wait for him to be here!

* the friends who have been there through the good and bad. I don't know where I'd be without you guys!

* the family I will gain when Aaron and I are married. I love you guys already!

* the relatively good health I have had this school year. I have been sick far less this school year than the previous (my first) year. They always say it gets better after the first year, and boy are they right.

* not having to deal with blood pressure issues as much. Granted, I'm still taking medicine each day, but I am not seeing a doctor as often.

* each and every person who serves in our armed forces. God bless each and every one of you.

* good books, good movies, and good football. (getting a little more relaxed here...)

* hot chocolate, Mountain Dew, and good ol' clean water to drink.

* having a home to live in rather than living on the streets.

* the smiles on friendly faces at work.

* my car that gets me back and forth (and heats me up on the cool mornings!).

* the love that I feel each and every day.

There are so many things I am thankful for. It would literally take days to write it all down. I hope you can think of something you are thankful for this year! Please have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. :)

So...what are you thankful for? Please feel free to share!!! I want to hear from you!