Monday, December 31, 2012

365 Days of Thanks - Day 366 (Leap Year...remember?)

Thankful for the new year to come after midnight tonight, on New Year's Eve.  A new year brings all kinds of freshness, beginnings, and new found determination.  I am thankful for the blessings of 2012 and cannot wait to see what the Lord does in our life in 2013.  I'm thankful that He already has a plan and for the things I do not even know about yet.  Thankfulness makes you feel full inside.  Full of blessings and love...and those are two things I intend to dwell in deeply in the new year and share with others.  And, that's a thankfulness wrap!

365 Days of Thanks - Day 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, and 365

Day 359 -
Thankful for Christmas Eve traditions.  The way we do things on Christmas Eve have been around for as long as I can remember.  These are the things that make our family get togethers so memorable and special.  I'm thankful for the gathering of my family on this day...and on Christmas day too.  The traditions and laughs are what make it so much fun to look forward to each year.  Thankful these ideals have stayed with my family for so long and to be able to share them with my family in the future.

Day 360 -
Thankful for Christmas.  Thankful for the birth of our Savior.  Thankful for the ultimate gift from God.  What a beautiful day and a beautiful story.  A baby sent to save us all.  A king born in the simplest of ways.  Thank you, Lord, for your son.  Thank you for the reminder every year on this day of your unconditional love for us.  Truly, the most wonderful time of the year.

Day 361 -
Thankful for snow days.  We got a big surprise this year with a white Christmas.  So, what better to do when there is snow outside on a cold day?  Clean, organize the new gifts, and snuggle with the husband while listening to his new worship cd!  Bliss.

Day 362 -
Thankful for nurses!  With Daddy's recent knee replacement surgery, Mom (and all of us) have been chipping in on chores we've never done before.  Daddy has had to have someone take care of him!  Man, there are just special people that choose to work while taking care of others and in some really yucky ways too.  Thankful for these doctors and nurses who don't mind doing these jobs and caring for everyone they come in contact with.

Day 363 -
Thankful for a new addition to our family.  Steve and I got a kitten!  She's precious and seems to be a fabulous fit for our little family.  I was so excited to save this baby.  I hope she loves our home and becomes a true member of our family.  Thankful for how animals and pets can give so much to their owners.

Day 364 -
Thankful for a great Christmas with Steve's family.  We were blessed to not have to split our time this year for the holidays, so we got a full Christmas at each family's house.  It's been a long time since we were all at the Libick's house for an extended period of time.  Everyone was full of laughs and good times, so it was a great memory made.  Thankful we had the chance to do this and that we got full time with both families this year.

Day 365 -
Thankful for this journey of thankfulness during 2012.  There were days when I didn't think I had much to be thankful for, but the Lord blessed me with seeing the good in each and every day this year.  It taught me to dig deep, look for the simplest of blessings, and that my life is good.  I learned to find positive things in bad situations.  I learned to be thankful for things that didn't even happen to me.  I'm thankful and proud that I stuck with this commitment.  I know I will be able to look back on this and feel the blessings of the Lord...some I may not even know yet.  I know that God gave me this opportunity to bring me closer to Him and see His hand in every aspect of my life and those I know.  Thank you, Lord, for helping me be thankful. 

Sunday, December 23, 2012

365 Days of Thanks - Day 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, and 358

Day 352 -
Thankful for the resiliency of children.  Thankful for their innocence.  I was so blessed today that none of my students asked or mentioned last Friday's school tragedy in Conneticut.  I love how they can press forward without fear.

Day 353 -
Thankful for Evan passing his test and becoming a registered EMT!  Goooooooo, baby brother!  His hard work paid off, and the Lord has walked him through every step of this!  Bring on paramedic school!

Day 354 -
Thankful for good work news for Steve's parents.  My father in law is still employed, and my mother in law is changing her work and work schedule.  It is such a blessing of provision, stability, and positive changes for them and the family.  Definitely an answered prayer.

Day 355 -
Thankful for two successful knee replacement surgeries for my dad.  Both of his surgeries went smoothly, he is recovering as best he can, and I know God has His mighty hand on him for the pain and recovery process.  I'm thankful things have gone so great so far and thankful for the opportunity he has to live a long, healthy life.

Day 356 -
Thankful for Christmas break!  Made it through the first semester!  Half way done.  Bring on the much needed break!

Day 357 -
Thankful for sleeping in this morning!  I never sleep late and have lazy mornings, but it sure was nice and much needed today.  Thank you, Lord, for the chance to rest!

Day 358 -
Thankful for the Christmas sermon at church this morning.  Thankful for the words and reminders of Jesus being the reason for the season.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

365 Days of Thanks - Day 351

Thankful for the prayers of others.  I've asked several people to pray for my family and different reasons for support for the next couple of days.  Thankful that when I ask people to pray - they do.  Thankful that God has given us brothers and sisters in Him to support and lift each other up.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

365 Days of Thanks - Day 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, and 350

Day 341 -
Thankful for the basic daily things and blessings I have.  During this season, we hear so many stories of families hurting from loss, devestation, or hard times.  So many ways to give during this time, so many ways to help out.  I praise God that I, nor my friends and family, are in any of those situations right now.  He has blessed us so richly.  Even the most remote things I use or take for granted everyday, I'm reminded many don't have this time of year.  Lord, thank you for taking care of us.

Day 342 -
Thankful for how my grandparents are giving us so much to be able to continue to make our house a home. Definitely thankful for free furniture and house necessities!

Day 343 -
Thankful for Christmas movies.  These are some of my favorite movies ever.  They bring such happiness, memories from my childhood, and Christmas spirit to any moment.  I love the messages, the chances to believe in magic, and celebrating the birth of our Savior.

Day 344 -
Thankful for brother/sister Christmas shopping traditions continuing!  It's always a fun time when Steve, Sherri, Evan, and I go out to finish last minute Christmas shopping.  I'm so thankful that we all get along, as we're connected in so many ways.  I am beyond grateful for our closeness as the "Quad Squad!"

Day 345 -
Thankful for a dinner at my grandparents' new home with the family.  Just like old times when they lived here before.  :)  Thankful to let Steve experience a part of my childhood. 

Day 346 -
Thankful for an evening of warm food, Christmas movies, and wrapping presents with my husband.  Just the enjoyment of togetherness makes me feel so blessed.

Day 347 -
Thankful for Christmas cards.  Another one of my favorite things about this time of year.  It's so nice to receive a little holiday joy in the mailbox during this time.  Everyone sharing their families, smiles, and holiday cheer.  I know getting a Christmas cad always makes me smile, and I hope the ones we send spread the joy too.

Day 348 -
Thankful for my students' great Christmas program tonight.  They did such a great job.  Thankful to be able to support my students in their endeavors and that my family and friends support my students too.  They are so cute!

Day 349 -
Thankful that God has chosen me to be a teacher.  Thankful for the gift of children - their innocence, their joy, their worries that I can make better.  Thankful for the compassion God has given me for my students.  Thankful for the gift of each of them and teaching them each day.  Lord, bless our children.  Keep them from harm.  They are precious in your sight.

Day 350 -
Thankful for haircuts.  So fresh, so new.  Just a nice way to relax and take pride in your looks without being materialistic.  Thankful that I liked the new girl who did my hair too.  :)

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

365 Days of Thanks - Day 338, 339, and 340

Day 338 -
Thankful for Christmas music.  This music is some of my most favorite.  The happiness that comes with Christmas music can carry you thru any mood or situation.  Then, there are the Christmas songs that sing of the birth of our Savior and the true meaning on the Christmas season.  It's one big birthday party for Christians!  I truly believe that those Christmas songs are some of the most beautiful prasie songs ever written and sang.  I long for the time every year when the Christmas songs come back on the radio, and it's one of the parts I'm saddest about going away when the holidays are over.  Christmas music pretty much makes everything better.  :)

Day 339 -
Thankful for a principal who supports his teachers.  There is nothing better than support from your administration, office staff, and counselor.  It definitely empowers teachers.  When a principal has your back and will tell that to any other teacher or parent, it makes every situation a little easier.

Day 340 -
Thankful that my husband got off the couch after working all day and went to the store to get me medicine for my super chapped lips...all at 7:15 at night.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

365 Days of Thanks - Day 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, and 337

Day 331 -
Thankful for Steve's and my aunts, uncles, and cousins.  These are very important members of our family.  They are each a part of so many laughs, memories, and playful times.  Aunts and uncles give you support and are role models, unlike parents...and also give you built in playmates.  I know we both love our's and each other's aunts, uncles, and cousins very much.  Thankful for all they teach us and our close relationships with each.

Day 332 -
Thankful that my students loved and are loving their unwrap a Christmas book a day activity we are doing at school.  I love the power a book can bring to a kid.

Day 333 -
Thankful for chances to, unexpectedly, make my husband happpy.

Day 334 -
Thankful for tv with DVR.  So lucky that if we have something going on or can't watch a show, we can simply record it to watch whenever we can.  Our DVR is a great "go to" on nights Steve's not home or when they're is nothing worth watching on live tv.  Seems so frivilous, but why not be thankful for even the simplest forms of luxury that we have?

Day 335 -
Thankful for an amazing week and a step in the right direction for a special student of mine.  I know she needs me, and I hope I'm there for her until the end.

Day 336 -
Thankful for my amazing mother-in-law.  December 1st was her birthday.  She is a great mother to my husband, and a great second mother to me.  She has a loving heart, loves to give, and is more talented than she gives herself credit for.  Her wise ways, specific skills and methods, and love for her family are all things I admire about her.  I know how great she is because of how much Steve loves her.  So thankful, for many reasons, for her presence in our life.

Day 337 -
Thankful for a successful (and hilarious) Christmas shopping outing with my sister!