'Twas the Stretch Before Christmas...

Yeah. Already. I was working on tweaking some lesson plans tonight and sort of had a panic attack. These three weeks upcoming have the potential to be many things. Magical? Sure. I really do get excited with and for the kids. I love decorating the classroom and my house-I love the lights, music, everything. Stressful? Afraid so. SO many commitments and things that I really want to accomplish but so little time it seems. Depressing? Mmmhmm. In case you hadn't noticed, we live in a troubled world. This is Russell's first year to be a full-time employee on the unit. He has been duly warned that we are in the middle of prime suicide time. This is also a difficult time for many of the children and families that I work with. Stinks, but it is true.

So what do we do? How do we cope? This is just a short list of things that I thought of while trying to calm my own panic--maybe it will help you too.

1. Slow down. I know, I know...physician heal thyself. But this weekend I did slow down a bit, had a little "me time" and it helped. I promise myself that I will spend some quiet time by the Christmas tree this year. Soft music, twinkling lights...and this time I won't be noticing the gaps without ornaments or how crooked the top of my tree is.

2. Forget about perfection. I mean really, REALLY forget about it. It's unobtainable and highly overrated. I was looking at props for our kindergarten play the other day and thinking that I should re-do all of them because they're a little worn. How ridiculous is that? And anyway, most of my students big brothers and sisters and cousins wore the same costumes and used the same props--they have sentimental value.

3. Do what is most important. Guess what? Not everything is that important when you really get down to it. For years I felt compelled to have an open house during the holidays. In reality, I didn't enjoy the extreme stress involved in getting my home ready to be "open"--and our friends probably saw it as one more obligation during a busy season. My Girls Only ornament exchange is something that is really important to me and my friends--so it stays! Easy as that. Oh, and bonus: These are women who know and love me and they expect my house to look like a busy woman resides in it.

I'll stop there because long lists stress me. Hope the holiday season is joyful for you and yours.

21st Day of Thanks

There isn't a concise title for this day of thankfulness. So I'm just going to throw it out there. I am thankful that I feel better than I have in weeks, actually months...maybe even years. I started noticing something during the week last week--I was ready for bed early every night, and I gave in to it but I also noticed that I felt better in the mornings. Hmmm. This weekend instead of wanting to sleep all the time, I accomplished a couple of pretty major projects. There is a spring in my step--my mind feels clearer. My best guess about what is going on is that at my physical a couple of months ago my blood work showed that I was SERIOUSLY vitamin D deficient. I was given a prescription of 50,000 iu's of vit. D to take once a week for 6 weeks. Tonight is my 5th dose and maybe I'm crazy, but I think it is making a difference. A big difference. Whatever it is that is happening, I just know that I am really, really thankful.

Day 17--I'm Thankful for the Hearts of Children

Yes, I took a two day hiatus. My heart was thankful, but my body was tired and the writing spark just wasn't there. But here's some food for thought.

This week in kindergarten our social studies unit is about wants and needs. We are also talking about Native Americans and Pilgrims, so I introduced the lesson today by reviewing/discussing what the Pilgrims needed when they made the voyage and established their new home. Yesterday my students found pictures in magazines of things that they want, and things that they need. I watched them but didn't comment on what they were cutting out. Today we sat on the floor with a poster board labelled "Wants" and "Needs" and I gave each student their pictures to glue in the appropriate column. I knew one little boy had cut out a picture of a stained glass window with the image of a cross. I was curious, but didn't ask. When his turn came to glue his picture on our project today, this is the conversation that evolved:

"What is it?"

"A church."

"Is it a want or a need?"

Incredulous look, followed by this. "A need."

"Why is it a need?"

"Because we need God. We need Him to protect us. We need church to teach us what's right and wrong. It's a need."

And that was that. These precious 5 year-old hearts amaze me. I'm not going to argue with that reasoning. I'm just not. And that's why, if you happen to walk down the hall and see kindergarten's work hanging on the wall--you will see a stained glass window and a cross amidst the carrots, milk, clothing, and houses that they cut out. Because they know what they need...and that is something for all of us to be thankful for.

Day 14--The Family of God

I am thankful for my church family today. We are a family made up of imperfect individuals. We can be slightly dysfunctional at times, but we enjoy one another's company, we take care of each other, we laugh together, we cry together. They are among the first people I call during a crisis, or to share in good times. I am very blessed to have some of my church family in my workplace. We are not many in number, but we make up for it in love. And for that I am thankful.

Day 13

Hmmmm......it isn't always easy to write during the month of Thanksgiving blog thing. Some days there are literally TOO MANY blessings to choose from. Other days I struggle to come up with anything at all. Not that there aren't things...my heart just gets hardened. Today, I couldn't decide. Here's a mid-month Thanksgiving montage.

I'm definitely thankful that my sweet Mom is at home tonight--and that her heart is fine. I'm thankful that Michelle unselfishly stayed up late last night cleaning house and doing laundry so Mom wouldn't have to. I'm thankful that I got to spend some time with my loving husband today. That doesn't happen often these days. I'm thankful that Caleigh has great friends that she was able to spend time with today (more about that later). I'm thankful that when I finish writing this, my son is waiting for me to watch a little Aggie football. I'm thankful that my Grandmommie and my Mom taught me to make chicken and dumplings...and that I smell dinner cooking.

12th Day of Thanksgiving--Prayer

Today I am thankful for prayer. I'm not going to preach a sermon about it, so you can relax. Books have been written about it, Bible studies designed around it, people have certainly argued about it. It's supposedly absent in our schools, though I'm here to tell you that isn't the case. From my earliest memories of bedtime prayers and prayers around the dinner table, to times when I have literally fallen to my knees in wordless prayer...it is a part of my life. I have gone through some times when all I could seem to utter was "Listen to my heart." When I'm facing a crisis, there are certain people that I want praying with and for me. You know those people. Our family has been blessed beyond measure with a multitude of people who pray for us and I love and appreciate every single one of them. Truly something to be thankful for.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition,
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Day 11--Thankful for Freedom and Those Who Preserve It

I am a little under the weather this evening...okay, a LOT under the weather. Today is going to be short and sweet. I am so very thankful for all the men and women who have served and are currently serving in our armed forces. Truly, America is the land of the free because of the brave. Thank you for your dedication and selfless sacrifice.

Day 10--Friends Are a Gift

I have been frustrated this past week or so. I haven't talked about it much, but I am extremely disappointed with the results of my procedure at this point. I know that I have to give my body at least 3 months or so to heal etc. , but thus far there is just no relief. This, combined with some added stresses at home and at school, has left me with less than a sparkly personality. It happens-- rough times come and go, physical pain comes and goes, stress comes...and stays. I admit that sometimes when I hear the alarm I cringe and this morning was no exception. Nothing seemed to go smoothly, tempers flared (insert sound of needle scratching on a record). This is supposed to be a THANKSGIVING post. My 7:30 a.m. appointment didn't show. Wait for it, wait for it...So I had time to read my email before school. And then my day turned around. I received the sweetest email from my friend Betty. I actually have about 5 sweet friends named Betty. Interesting, huh? The lady I'm talking about is my mom's best friend and has been a part of my life for a very long time. And just a quick email from her today made all the difference in my morning.

This got me to thinking about friends--and how blessed I am. There are good acquaintances, childhood friends who know WAY too much about me, older friends, younger friends, friends I don't see or talk to very often but whom I love dearly. I have new friends that I'm excited to get to know better, friends that are related to me, a friend that I'm married to, and a few friends that I didn't even know were my friends until they friended me on facebook. I have friends who have stood by me through very dark times...and I with them. Everyone should have at least one friend that you can call or text in the middle of the night...and they will answer. I do. What a gift! Thank you God for friends who just "happen" to show up when I need them most. Love you Betty!

Day 9--Thankful for Second Chances

This week I'm in the midst of parent-teacher conferences in my classroom. I am maybe one of the few teachers who actually enjoy this process. I blame it on the data loving psychologist in me or maybe it's that I've worked with families in one way or another my entire career--I don't know. For some reason I just like sitting down with parents and talking about their child and their family. Sometimes when they come in you can see the concern. But I just love to watch the smiles when I start to tell them something GOOD about their little one. Everyone has something positive about them you know. Everyone. This morning as I was walking a mom to the door, she noticed her child's name was still on yellow (our behavior chart) from the day before. Since this was at 7:30 this morning, she was concerned that he was already in trouble. I laughed and quickly moved his name back to green. I said, "We all start on green every morning." And then it hit me. Yes, yes we do. We ALL start on green every morning. No matter how difficult yesterday was, it's back to green and a fresh start. Another day, another chance. I'm thankful for second chances.

Day 8--Thank God for My Parents!

I am so thankful for my parents. This isn't just a "random thoughts", nothing-else-to-be- thankful-for kind of post. There is deep meaning and feeling behind my words today. I am grateful to the very core of my being that God gave me parents who not only love me unconditionally, but loved me enough when I was young to discipline me and teach me respect. I was not in charge...not of our household, not of any classroom, not of decision making. There were things that they knew to be in my best interest that were REQUIRED of me. If I needed a "switch" from the tree in the front yard (or any other place--my mother has been known to CLIMB A TREE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD!) to remind me what was best, then that's what happened. The discipline did not "ruin" me, did not harm me in any way. I enjoy a loving, close relationship with both of my parents today. Because I was taught obedience and respect as a child, I am able to apply it in areas of my life now. God help the families around me...and thank you, Mom and Dad.

Day 7--Hope

Today our congregation shared a meal together at noon--our annual Thanksgiving meal. I know, it's a little early, but it's what we do to avoid clashing with travel plans, etc. during the holidays. Russell was required to be back on the unit today at 1:00--part of the prison's plan to allow him to keep his preaching position. This is something that our family needs and that he loves to do. He works on the unit from 6-9:30, at church from 10:00-12 or so, on the unit from 1-5:30 and at church from 6-7ish. Since he usually wakes up at 4 or so to study, and often our evenings with our church family go until 8 or so with various activities--it is a LOOOONG day.

Back to "hope" though--Russell asked Conner to give the devotional talk at our abbreviated second service after lunch today--and he agreed. As enthusiastically as any 15 year old boy asked to speak in front of people does! Conner is such an amazing person--we are watching him grow at an alarming rate right now...he is not only taller and sporting a deeper voice, but his love for the Church and his faith are growing and developing each day right in front of our eyes. He decided to speak on hope, and he did a great job. His choice of scripture, his references to a contemporary Christian song (he IS his father's son!), and his delivery were great. What REALLY filled me with hope was that in addition to Conner's talk, his friend Weston led the congregation in singing, and his friend Ryan led the closing prayer. These boys are 8th, 9th and 10th graders. In a few short years, they will be the leaders in the church. I am so thankful that each of them has the willingness and the ability to participate now. I am thankful for each kind word and hug that they received afterward today. I am thankful for the hope that they give me for our future.

Day 6 is an easy one...

November 6th, the 6th day of thankfulness is very easy for me. Ten years ago today my life became sweeter with the birth of our baby girl. I wrote about her birth last year HERE (click on the word "here" to read it Mom!) so I won't include all the details this time--just let me say that she continues to bring so much joy to our lives. She has not had an easy time with her seizure disorder the past couple of years, but she is the picture of perseverance and has a determined spirit. She also has the most loving heart of just about anyone I know. The precious pink bundle of ten years ago is growing into a kind, loving, and intelligent young lady. Truly, truly something to be thankful for.

Today I'm Thankful for....Tomorrow

I'm serious. As serious as I have ever been. I am just so thankful that today will end, and that Lord willing, the sun will rise again tomorrow. It will be Saturday--a blessed day of rest. Should our Lord decide that it is to be, Sunday we will be blessed to begin a brand new week.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases--

His mercies never come to an end.

They are new every morning--

Great is thy faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion says my soul--

Therefore I will hope in Him.

The Sound of Silence--Day 4

Today I am thankful for solitude. I realize everyone else seems to be listing their loved ones during our Thankfulness journey...and I'll get there one day. But today, I got to spend a little while alone in my house and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Except for the fact that I spent the time doing dishes and laundry, picking up after people, and trying to conquer my raging hormones, it was lovely. I crave silence--and silence is almost nonexistent in my life. As I type this my husband is having a complete conversation, out loud, with himself. He often gets up in the morning and tunes the television in our room to Fox News--then he goes into the kitchen and finds KLove on the computer there and turns up the volume so that he can hear it over Fox news. Then the drama queen starts her daily reign. On a normal day she will clash with her brother at least 12 and a half times before we leave for school. The 15 minute drive to school is sometimes tense, often quite pleasant, but ALWAYS noisy. I won't even try to describe my school day--but here are a couple of things I will tell you: 1. I have taken to eating my 30 minute (supposedly anyway) duty-free lunch in my room alone. Right now that 30ish minutes of quiet each day is the only thing standing between me and some kind of pharmaceutical intervention. 2. I have 13 students and 10 of them were named ineligible for the conduct award this week based on their behavior in PHYSICAL EDUCATION. Something is so wrong with this picture. In summary, I need quiet and today I seized the opportunity. A little peace and quiet is truly something to be thankful for.

Day 3--LOL!!

Today I'm thankful for laughter. This may be the cheesiest blog post ever, but I really am just so thankful for all things humorous. I was born with a sarcastic, dry sense of humor and I suppose it will be with me for life. Don't see myself becoming a supermodel OR losing my sense of humor at this point in the game. Thank goodness.

I read two different blogs tonight, a daily part of my routine to destress and get ready for sleep--two blogs that made me laugh so hard that I had tears. Crazy, happy tears--the kind that can lead to slightly wet pants if one who had an 11 pound baby isn't careful. Here are some things over just the past few days that have made me laugh:
1. Pictures of my nieces Brilyn and Jacelyn as Dorothy and Toto.
2. My son's teacher imitations--side splitting hilarious if you're fortunate enough to catch a performance and even funnier if you know these men and women. He doesn't do it to be rude, or in a mean way. It's all out of love.
3. Taking group pics at school yesterday. Got all the kinder kids lined up on the risers. I was placed with my back to them, where I could not see them, and told to smile and not to worry. This is what I heard--"One, two, three...CHEESE! CRASH!!!" Turned around to find an empty spot on the back row. Sorry, but it WAS funny. The risers were NOT high and no one was injured.
4. Same child made up a song to sing on the way to group pictures..."I've got a wedgie, I've got a wedgie. Oh yes I do! Oh yes I do!"
5. Caleigh. Seriously, when the child is not driving me crazy, she makes me laugh harder than anyone else in the world.

Laughing is cleansing for the soul, good for the body, and a gift.

Thankfulness--Day 2

Today I am thankful for the right to vote. I grew up in an interesting political environment--mainly in the fact that my parents cancelled out one another's votes for many years. Thank goodness for my Uncle Don--his larger than life personality, his years in public office, and that he made SURE that I knew the RIGHT way to vote! Seriously, I love this country and pray that God's blessings will be on this election.

Giving Thanks--Day 1

Oooh I debated mightily, with myself, as to whether or not I would participate in this for November 2010. I knew I would be giving thanks in my heart...but to share? Not sure. Then I reread my posts from last November. I didn't always keep up daily, sometimes I gave thanks for 2 or so days in a row. But rereading it was a powerful experience. In the midst of the chaos and stress, I felt a sense of calm...I even laughed out loud a time or two and sort of fell in love all over again with some of my blessings. In a world that doesn't always give us affirmation, we sometimes have to claim our own. I think I've made that clear of late. Counting our blessings is a great way to start. With all that being said, once you have shared in this way there's some pressure to come up with different posts. No promises, but I'm going to try to be very spontaneous and go with the first thing that pops into my mind each day for which I am thankful. Here we go...

Today I am thankful for sunrises. I saw a beautiful one this morning and it brought to mind the old saying "Red sky at night, sailor's delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take warning." Or something like that. Interestingly, we are under a severe weather watch right now. But I digress. That sunrise spoke to me. It said: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life?" I think that sunrise was telling me that whatever each day holds, I am covered. Something to be thankful for.