Dream Job

Ok, I know I've said it a few times, but I just need to say it again.  I can't tell you how wonderful it is to work with the people I do.  I have never had an experience like this.  Ever.

The people I work with are strong, independent leaders in the educational community.  They speak and instruct at state conferences, they push forward and move ahead.  But here's the thing:  they all have the same goal, and that is to do "whatever it takes" to see a child succeed.  The problem solving and outside of the box thinking that goes on in our Intervention Leadership Team meetings is in the very least inspirational.  At it's best it is effective.  And I still to this day can't believe I get to be a part of it.

These people change lives.  They are in the business of meeting children at their weakest point and lifting them up.  And it's a team effort.  Everyone is on board, so problem solving is energizing and enjoyable.  Even at 6:30 in the evening, when everyone else has gone home and the heating system has been off for an hour and a half. 

I can't promise this will be the last time I brag on my co-workers, but I'll try to keep it down a bit.

SOOO Thankful

You know, every now and then you get a reminder of how blessed you are.  Today was a day like that for me.  From the birthday hugs from friends and kids in the hallway, to birthday serenades from colleagues, the day was just a good, warm and fuzzy feeling day.  I am thankful every day for the friends and family I have.  Top that off with some warm gloves and a scarf for those early morning duty times, and I'm good to go for quite a few birthdays to come!

Thank you friends and family for making today a wonderful day.  My heart is full.

21 years ago tonight....

I went into labor.  It was the one night I was not expecting it, because the next day was my due date.  I didn't know of anyone who actually had their first child on their due date.  But there we were, heading to the hospital.  It took awhile, but finally at 1:24 in the afternoon, my one and only daughter was born.  She was the first granddaughter to be born on both sides of the family.  We didn't know then if she was going to be a boy or a girl until she was born.  I kind of miss the excitement of that moment, of finding out if we were having a boy or girl.  Anyway, I cried, Big Dad cried, and there we were, the three of us, our own little family together for the first time.

Well meaning people warned us about having a girl.  They talked about the drama and how difficult girls can be.  I can honestly say that drama has not been a part of Em's existence.  She is one of the most even keeled people I know.  She's a hard worker (her name does mean industrious) and she's a loyal friend.  She's got an understated sense of humor that catches people off guard, and she's one of the nicest people I know.

We laugh when I tell her about the first time I realized how much I loved her.  I had put her down for a nap (she was only a few days old) and I went to take a shower.  When I turned the shower off, I could hear her crying desperately.  I could not get dressed fast enough, and when I finally got to her, picked her up and held her, she stopped crying immediately.  I remember thinking, "I love her so MUUUCH!"  But you know what?   That's nothing compared to now.  That love is combined with a friendship and a sense of pride because God only knows how proud I am of her and all that she's accomplished and overcome. 

Love you, Em....  Happy 21.  I still can't believe it.  A full fledged adult. :)

And So It Begins

I love this time of year, mainly because we're focused on other people in our lives.  We spend our time thinking about that one special gift that will be special, that will speak to the person receiving the gift.  We look forward in anticipation of a fun-filled day, full of presents, food, fun conversations and memories.

One thing we don't forget, though, is what this holiday season is all about.  This is a holiday that celebrates the birth of Christ.  No matter what society has done to minimize what this holiday represents, for our family, the day begins with the reading of the birth of Christ so long ago. The first Christmas gift that was given to everyone:  God incarnate, coming to live among men, remaining sinless, and offering himself a living sacrifice for those who receive his gift.  So while we are shopping and thinking of others, it is always in the forefront of our minds that this is not really about us and what we want, it's about celebrating and honoring that original gift given to us.  We do that by giving to others.

I pray you enjoy this holiday season, and remember to celebrate Christ as well.

Thankful

A couple of months ago, I started listing things I'm thankful for.  It's something I've done privately, and I've noticed at few things.  At first, I really found it hard to list many things I'm thankful for.  I would get stuck.  However, I noticed that since I was making myself make a list, I started looking for things to be thankful for.  Now, it's pretty easy.  As it should be.  I live a very blessed life, and there's no reason I shouldn't be thanking God for what He has given me and provided for me.  So here's my list for Thanksgiving:

My husband.  His humor, perseverance, hard work and steadfastness keeps this family going.  We all adore him.
My kids.  They keep me humble and proud at the same time.  They are each growing and showing their individual gifts, and I'm always amazed at how well they are turning out, in spite of me and my parenting.
My parents.  One of my favorite quotes is "Many a promising future is ruined by a happy childhood."  I find it funny, but it doesn't hold true in my case.  I have a promising future, and I had a wonderful childhood.  Not without hardships, but also not without a lot of love and support.
My inlaws.  They have truly influenced and enriched my life, and shaped it in ways I never realized it could be shaped.
Relatives in general.  These family connections just add depth to our character and our relationships.
A nice home.  We've been in ours for about a year and a half now.  There was a time when I thought we wouldn't have a home, so I'm especially thankful for the memories we've begun here.
A job I thoroughly enjoy.  I am blessed beyond measure in this area.  Supportive administration, a drama free work environment (I've heard horror stories from other schools!) and an environment that supports risk taking and growth.
Cars that work
A fireplace
Good neighbors
Health
Coffee
Friends and the friendship they provide.  They meet my needs in ways family can't.  I'm always amazed at how God brings people together to work in each other's lives.  Lord knows my friends have worked on mine in unexpected ways.
Art museums.  I love being so close, and they're free.
Trader's Village.  My new love.  Introduced to me by a friend. :)
Music.
God and all that He puts up with in regard to me! 

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone.  Just take a moment to count your blessings.  I'm sure you'll find you have more than you know!

Holidays are Coming

It's no secret, even if you look at the background of my blog, that Fall is completely my favorite time of year.  I love the cool, crisp changes in the air, I love the buildup of excitement that surrounds the holidays, and I love how the holidays bring family together.

Thanksgiving is a special one for me.  I have many fond memories of this holiday from both sides of my family.  When we lived in California, all of my dad's family would get together for a big feast, and we would watch football, Thanksgiving Day parades, and end up playing a game of volleyball.  In Texas we would all go to my mom's parents' house.  That place is one of my favorite places.  Mamaw's house was small, but we would all converge there, and end up sleeping on pallets on the floor, on pullout couches, anywhere there was an empty space.  Then there was the comfort food at both places.  It was good, there was plenty of it, and it was all homemade. :)  Plus, all of us cousins would get together for a game of touch football out in the field.  It was always fun.

I'm looking forward to this year's feast.  I'm sad that Tim won't be there with us this time, but he's letting us head out without him.  He'll be working, and they will be feasting at work, but it won't be the same without his dry sense of humor getting the rest of the group going.  The rest of us will be playing horsehoes, sitting on the back porch talking, the kids will be playing hide and seek in the woods and we'll definitely have our after-Thanksgiving trek around the neighborhood.  I can't say I'm looking forward to the 4 am beginning to black Friday, but it seems that's become an annual tradition as well.

It will be a good holiday.  How are you spending yours?

Old, Dear Friends

I logged onto Facebook today and was browsing away (I was looking at the new pictures posted from my coworkers of our turkey bowl today.  That deserves a post unto itself.) when the little red flag popped up that indicated a friend request.  I usually don't get too excited from those because so many students try to add me as a friend.  (Sadly but wisely I let them know we cannot be friends on Facebook...at least not until they're adults, and I am no longer their teacher!)  I clicked on the red flag, and to my shock and pleasant surprise it was my oldest and dearest childhood friend.

Now, this friend went to church with me, and oh how we used to get into trouble.  I remember once we sat behind the people from the deaf ministry, because we figured with all of motion from signing, we probably wouldn't be noticed.  We must have been in our own world, because we were doing something when we both froze at the sound of my dad's voice, the pastor in the pulpit, saying, "I know two girls who are going to be in big trouble if they don't settle down!"  I had to be careful.  It would mean front row, piano side for two weeks if I got grounded.

You know how everything is funny when you have to be quiet in church?  Yeah, we had pew-shaking laughter just about every Sunday.  Once she brought in a handful of pop rocks.  We made it through the song service, and were to the quiet part of the service, when the sweat of her hand met with the popping element of the pop rocks.  We tried hard to keep them quiet, but eventually laughter won out and the lady in front of us eventually ushered us outside.

There was also church camp.  One particularly brutal year, there was quite a bit of dunking in the pool.  At the end of camp, we all had to step up to the pulpit in church and give our testimony of what God did for us at camp.  My friend stepped up to the pulpit, paused for dramatic effect, and said, "I just thank God I didn't drown in the pool," and stepped down.  It remains a classic to this day.

I can't wait to catch up with her.  She's one of those "Pick up where we left off" friends.  This should be fun.