2010 Reflection

I took some time yesterday to look back on my blog entries for the year.  It's one of the reasons I like to blog because it's a good reminder of the year and the events that took place, my thoughts on matters, etc.  This year, I think, has been the most amazing for me personally since we've been able to build roots as a family.  Having a good solid group of friends who challenge me yet hold me accountable yet laugh and joke and get nutty is such a blessing.  I also am enjoying building my professional reputation.  Pushing myself out of my comfort zone to train fellow teachers is very exciting for me.  I've had some personal victories as well.

I've set some pretty strong boundaries recently in a relationship with which I've struggled for quite some time, and I've also released them from the past as well.  Forgiveness does that.  I know that God knows all of our hearts and motives, and that gives me much more comfort than even forgiveness does.  But releasing someone from the wrongs they've committed is very freeing.  The neat thing, though, is that as soon as that happened, a completely similar situation at work presented itself and I was able to pass on what I learned.  It was just a little reminder that it's not just about me.

My kids have continued to impress me.  I continually tell them I have no idea how they turned out so good.  They are good kids, not just in front of T and me, but away from us as well.  Others inform us on a regular basis about how they act around them and their kids, and they are consistent.  It's something I've prayed specifically for in their growth:  that they would be genuine and not grow up living one way in front of adults and another in front of their peers.  It looks like God is answering that prayer.  I also love that they choose good friends.

I am happy about being close to family and being able to see my side of the family more often, but it is at the expense of seeing the Florida side.  We got some visitors this year:  my nephew and my father-in-law.  It was so fun having them here, showing them around town, hanging out, working like a dog...lol!  I thoroughly enjoyed having them visit, and I hope more come later.  I miss Florida and my friends there, but it's fun sharing this part of our lives with them as well.

This year has represented a lot of stretching and growing.  Even though I've gone through a lot this year, I also find myself in a comfortable and content place.  It makes giving to others that much easier.  I'm thankful for my friends, for the way God has provided for our family, for the way He has worked in my life and has guided me this year and I'm anxious to see what next year has to bring.  I know I'll be blogging about it.

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?