Saturday, November 21, 2009

ABCs of Thanksgiving!

I saw this idea on somebody's facebook. They have been doing an ABCs of thankfulness since Thanksgiving is on the 26th of the month. Theirs was one a day since November 1, but I decided I liked the idea enough to do it all at once. So here goes (stick around...you might see yourself, if you're lucky).

A-Argentina. I am so thankful for the experience I had living in Argentina. I learned things about God, myself, and other people that I will never forget. I constantly think about the relationships I formed there and remember how evident God was to me in that work.
B- Brenna. Brenna is an awesome roommate. She and I have laughed for hours watching our favorite Food and Game Show Network shows. She is someone you can be goofy or serious with. Because she works mostly from home, she is usually here when I get home from a day of teaching and is always eager to hear about my day!
C- College. I am so thankful for the education I received at ACU, and each day I realize that it truly did prepare me for this next stage of life. The friendships that I formed there are ones that are such a blessing and I've enjoyed keeping up with everyone since graduation.
D- Darby. I have the best brother-in-law! He truly loves and takes care of my sister better than anyone else can. He is such a hard worker in school, and I am so thankful that he is part of our family.
E- Eternal Life. I am so thankful that I have an eternal life that is even better than this earthly life. I love my earthly life and to think that something could be better simply baffles me!
F- Family and Friends. Of course, this had to be here. I am so blessed with an amazing community around me.
G- God. I'm so thankful for my Father who is continually guiding me and showing me in which direction I should go. He has watched over me and brought me to this enjoyable point in my life.
H- Hickey Elementary. I am so thankful that I got my teaching job. It has been such a blessing. I wake up everyone morning excited to go to work...what a blessing!
I- Identity. I am so thankful and so blessed to say that my identity is in Christ. Nothing I say or do defines who I am. I am simply and wonderfully a child of the almighty King. (That makes me a princess!!)
J- Jeremy. What an incredible blessing he is! He is the best boyfriend. Truly thoughtful, encouraging, and supportive. He works so hard in school and I'm so proud of his accomplishments, and more so, of his heart for God,
K- Kayla. My one and only sister. She and I have such a unique relationship. She is one of the most thoughtful people I know. I miss her so much, and am glad to not only have a sister but a friend!
L- Love. From my family, friends, and mostly my God.
M- Matt. My one and only brother. He is hilarious and we just laugh and laugh when we're together. He is also one of the wisest people I know, and I learn from him everyday.
N- New York Yankees. HAHA...they won the World Series! We know I'm thankful for that!
O- Opportunity. I'm so thankful for the opportunities I've had for traveling, learning, and discovering.
P- Parents. I truly have the best parents in the world. Talk about supportive!! I have never doubted their unconditional love for me. I am so blessed to feel like I can talk to my parents about anything and so blessed by their constant support and encouragement.
Q-Quality of life. I'm thankful that I have a roof over my head, food on my table, and clothes to wear each day. I'm thankful that I never have to go hungry and that I always have a place to lay my head at night.
R- Rescue. I love the image of Christ as our rescuer. The mighty man that sweeps in when we cannot handle it any longer and just carries us to where we need to be. I am so thankful that I have a God who rescues me from my despair and from my trouble and places me on higher ground.
S-Students. I have 15 precious fourth grade students that I just adore! They keep me on my toes and keep me laughing! They are also such little smarty-pants! I love them!
T- Trials. I'm thankful for trials and hardships that I've had to persevere through. They have made me the person I am today.
U- Uncertainty. I'm thankful for uncertainty, that my whole life cannot be planned out today. It keeps me humble and reminds me constantly that there is a bigger God in control of my life.
V- Valerie. My best friend! She and I have been on more adventures together (even if it's just out our front door). She is the most caring person, and I am so blessed to live with her. She and I are brutally honest with one another. We laugh together, we cry together, and we often do both at the same time!
W- Working out. I am so thankful that I am healthy and able to move and participate in physical activity.
X- Xmas. It's right around the corner! I'm thankful for 2 weeks off and time to be with my family!
Y- Youth. I am thankful that I'm still young and still have most of my life ahead of me! I'm so excited to see what the future holds.
Z- Zero. I'm thankful that zero is the number of times I wish I were anywhere different doing anything different!

Well, I hope you've enjoyed my ABCs! I encourage you to take some time to think of what you're thankful for. Can you think of 26? Or more?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

It's been awhile....

Well, it's been a long time since my last post, and a lot has happened! The only way I can think to organize this is to make a list. So, here goes...

1) I'm teaching!!!!! I was hired starting the fifth week of school to teach 4th grade. I always pictured myself teaching the little ones, but everyday that I'm in 4th grade, I realize that this is truly where I belong. I have 15 students (a teacher's dream) that are all just the sweetest things you'll ever meet! I can honestly say that I look forward to going to work everyday (even waking up at 5:00am)! Fourth grade is definitely a challenge because of all the content there is to teach, and of course the impending doom of the TAKS test. DUN DUN DUNNNNN....but I am loving every minute of it and so thankful for my class!

2) I'm still working at Starbucks! Hahaha...temporarily. I work like once a week at Starbucks still. It's fine for a little extra money on the side and that discount isn't too shabby. Don't be surprised if you all get coffee for Christmas! (Just kidding, but seriously)

3) My apartment and roommates are fantastic! I love my roommates, and we have such a wonderful time living the Dallas life! (By that, I mean living in the city but going to bed by 9:30 every night =)) The girls and I have started a Beth Moore study on Esther and that has been good for all of us! It's such a blessing to live with strong, Christian women who hold me accountable.

4) Jeremy and I are doing the whole long-distance relationship thing. It's tough, but totally worth it! I enjoy hearing about his time in Houston and elsewhere!

5) The Yankees are playing in the World Series!! HELLO....it's awesome! It's been so fun watching (especially the ones at Yankees stadium---I've been there!!). And...hopefully we'll continue winning!! GOOO JOHNNY DAMON!!!

6) I REALLLY need a new blog title. I am no longer in Argentina. Help...any suggestions? If your suggestion wins, I'll give you a surprise.

Alright, I leave you with pictures of my classroom!