The Lazy/Busy Days of Christmas Vacation

I don't know if there is anything I enjoy more than just hanging out with Steve on the vacation days that we share!  Nothing big on the schedule except for planning some fun into each day. . .   Today we watched a really dumb movie while waiting for Steve's new iMac to arrive.  Then we headed downtown for our yearly trip to King Books.  (If you like books - ya gotta go there sometime!)

Four floors crammed full of books!

And, well, no trip downtown is complete without a lunch stop at Lafayette Coney Island!  (Not American Coney Island, which is owned by the brother and is right next door, but Lafayette Coney Island!)  The place was packed today, but we had seats right up front enjoying all the action at the counter! 

Great fun was had by all!  

But to be honest, anywhere I go with my Sweets 

constitutes "great fun!"

Catching Up with Christmas - #2

Well, in the waining days of December, I figured, I should do a final "Christmas Catch Up."  It has been an insanely busy month, so this will be just a quick fly by of the events and activities that have taken place. . .

December 7th

Had a wonderful speaking engagement at Kirby Church!

After three times of speaking (at their three Christmas teas),
I've grown to love the ladies there.

God sure is great to allow me the opportunity
to touch the lives the other women!

December 8th

All I remember is 

that every time I looked out my classroom window,

it looked like a Winder Wonderland!

December 12th

My favorite neighborhood tree looked especially awesome

with a new coating of snow.

December 16th

Everything is set and ready for the church Christmas play -

  The Gifts of Goody Grisom.

[Note to self :  NEVER use hay for any church program - EVER!!]

December 17th

Didn't get a picture of the classroom party
(the first annual NCS 5th Grade Minute to Win It),

but I did get a picture of the Christmas bulletin board finished
AFTER everyone left for Christmas Vacation!

My students wrote about why 

they felt Christmas so so important.

Gotta love their heart-felt sincerity!

December 18th

After a family Christmas party at Nicole's, 

Steve and I dashed to the Redford Theater,

and made it in time for the Wurlitzer concert 

and a showing of White Christmas.

What a sweet way to spend the evening with the love-of-my-life!

December 21st

Due to clouds, this was the best view 

I had of the lunar eclipse during the winter solstice.

(At 3am, the computer was a poor substitute for the real thing.)

December 23rd

Finally got the Christmas tree up!

December 24th

Spent the afternoon celebrating Christmas with the family, 

celebrating Christmas Eve with our church family and grandma,

took grandma home
(who, by the way, really enjoyed the service!),

went looking for dinner

and found some beautiful Christmas lights!

Lefty's was the only restaurant we could find open.

The beefsteak was so good,

 I almost forgot to get a picture!

December 25th

Merry Christmas!

No pictures, just memories of a wonderfully relaxing day

spent with my sweets!

December 26th

Knowing how much I love Christmas lights, 

at my request, my dear one willingly drove me
all the way out to Rochester to enjoy Main Street 

decked out in its Holiday finest!

December 27th

After finding an online coupon that expired this week,

Steve took me all the way down to 

Toledo's Libbey Glass Factory

to get stuff for our All Daughter's Dinner (in May)!

And of course, 

a trip to Toledo wouldn't be complete

without a trip to Tony Packo's!

[Note to self: You don't care for the regular chili - it is way HOT!]

Catching Up with Christmas - #1

It's official, we're into December: we're celebrating "Christmas" stuff with the family, we're singing carols at church, I guess I need to just get with the program!  Rather than forging ahead at breakneck speed, I'll snag a moment here or there to "catch up with Christmas."  I don't want to forget the joy that leads up to the celebration of Christ's birth, but sometimes, during this time of year, I can get a little overwhelmed. . . Figured I'd use my moments to make the memories stick before they get lost in the shuffle.

So here it is - - my first Christmas Catch Up!


December 1st

Yup!  It snowed right on cue!

and it continued  for most of the day!!

December 2nd

Had a really fun ladies' activity at church and enjoyed the decorations that had already been set up. Thank you, Cindy, for always making the auditorium look so beautiful.

Needed, not enjoyed, but needed the devotional about being a "pretty present"

for the Lord at Christmas.

December 3rd and 4th

Nope!  No pictures. . . 

Had a crazy busy day at school.

Enjoyed a relaxing evening on date night 
with my husband.

Had a 9am Christmas play practice.

Had a 12:30p lunch date with my friend Lisa.

"Helped" my dear husband finish the rigging
for the backdrop at church.

Ran around with Steve doing errands and dinner.

Got my "costume" for the Christmas play.

At home, worked on play stuff and
speaking engagement stuff.

Called it a night!

December 5th

Sunday School and Church time
with the most wonderful group of believers!

then off to Grandma's Christmas!

We ate at Sweet Lorraine's near Laural Park
and then went back to Grandma's house.

During the course of the evening, we were discussing
tooth fairy tales

and wouldn't ya know it!
Juanita's tooth "popped" out!!

(You can barely see it, but it's the bottom right front tooth!)

Yay me!  I'm getting "caught up" with Christmas!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 30

It's hard to believe that I've made it through the entire month of November!  I guess when you are on the lookout for things you are thankful for, it makes the journey quicker and the burden lighter!  As I wrap everything up, I guess the only thing that I haven't really - at least on here - been thankful for is my Abba Daddy.  Since I don't have a dad on earth any more, it has become more precious and more real that I have an Abba Daddy who loves me when I'm a mess and is always more than willing to show Himself strong on my behalf.  I may feel sometimes that I'm walking alone, but in my heart, I know He is always right there with me.

From Ladies' Retreat at Gull Lake

2008

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 29

Today I'm thankful for the international influence my husband and his family have been on me!  It's awesome to shop at the Dutch store, and actually know what Spekulaas to pick, and which Stroopies are the best.  To have the option of  Puur or  Melkchocoladehagelslag for your bread.  To purchase the finest almond banket.  To realize that 'licorice' candy actually comes in a bazillion forms!  To be able to enjoy the best Hoppjes and Tum-Tum ever - oh, and don't even get me started on the chocolate!  And tonight for an evening snack to partake of  a delightful currant rolls with Gouda kaas. . . I feel so cosmopolitan!

My currant and Gouda roll

The color is a little off, but the flavor definitely wasn't!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 28

I am so thankful that I am allowed the privilege to go to a church where worship in the entire service is a priority.  I don't mean just in the song part of the service, but in the entire service.  The Lord has blessed us with a praise band and singers who aren't just there to bring the focus on themselves, but rather to point our hearts to the Lord.  We have a generation of younger folks who are beginning to take an active role in our worship time too; from Craig and Jeff (our 'interns') to Megan (a sweet little girl who used her talents to worship the Lord - and bless us - with "Be Thou My Vision" yesterday.)  We have an assistant pastor who prayerfully considers the song choices for each week.  And we have a Pastor whose heart is to present God's Word without hesitation or modification.  It is a joy to gather with fellow believers and raise your hearts and hands in worship focusing on such wonderful ideas as:

Jesus Christ, I think upon Your sacrifice
You became nothing
Poured out to death
Many times, I've wondered at your gift of life
I'm in that place once again
I'm in that place once again

And once again I look upon the cross where You died
I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside
Once again I thank You,
Once again I pour out my life
Once Again by Matt Redman 

Photo used from FreeFoto.com

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 27

This may seem like a really strange thing to be thankful for, but still I am thankful. . . it was nice to come home from Grand Rapids and NOT have a tree on our house this time!  Come to think of it, I'm glad I have a house to come home to at all!  It's not that big, and currently it's not that neat, but it's ours!

What we saw last time we returned home

from Grand Rapids!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 26

ROAD TRIP!

I am so thankful for the get-away weekends that my dear husband plans for us!  For the past four years we've been going to Birch Run, but this year we decided to try something different.  On Friday morning (around 9a) we headed to Grand Rapids for the day - and night.  As always, hanging with my handsome hunk o'husband makes for a very fun day!  Some shopping, breakfast at Cracker Barrel, some more shopping, lunch at Arnies, some more shopping, dinner at Carlos O'Kelly's, and then a relaxing evening in a Holiday Inn Express suite!  Can't think of a better "black Friday" day!

Yeah for Arnies' cupcakes!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 25

Happy Thanksgiving!

I must admit, that Thanksgiving has taken on a whole different meaning to me in the last handful of years.  Where it used to be a special time spent with my mom and dad, just the three of us (until Steve was added to the picture) where I would make a HUGE feast that we would eat on for almost a week, after mom passed away, it became a time spent with my dad and Steve's folks.  And after my dad passed away, it was a meal shared with Steve's side of the family.  After a few years, Steve and I made our own traditions which included dinner with the family and then just the two of us heading up to Birch Run for a midnight shopping adventure.  Our new tradition seemed wonderful until two years ago, when that Thanksgiving trip was what started me on my journey through breast cancer.

Some people may think, "Wow!  You must really dislike Thanksgiving now, huh?"  And I would have to reply, "Absolutely nothing could be farther from the truth!"

I may miss my mom and dad something fierce,
but Steve's family has become my family now too.

I love the chance to spend time with my two wonderful nieces,
who I absolutely adore.

I don't have to cook a thing,
and yet get to enjoy a fantastic home-cooked meal.

I have a fun, and ever changing, tradition
that I get to share with the love-of-my-life.

And above all, 
I am reminded 
every single Thanksgiving, 

that God is good
all the time.

My "little" nieces

all grown up!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 24

Happy Half Day!  For all the teachers out there, need I say more??

It was really a very good day!  My kidlets had some fun and made a really cool craft project!  (Thanks Sophia's mom for such a neat idea!)  We wrote thank you notes to people who have been a blessing to us, and we wrote cards to PV2 Storey, "our soldier" currently stationed in Alaska.  We ate some nifty snackies and had the opportunity to sit around and chat.  Overall, a very good day!  Especially since it ended at 12p, and I was ready to walk out the door by 12:20p

This is just the "left-overs" of my class

after most had left early for the Thanksgiving break.

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 23

I wish that today's picture would actually be able to capture the moment I'm most thankful for, but it doesn't.  (I was too busy enjoying everything to take a picture. . . )  Today was our first day to visit Oakmont, an assisted living place.  We go five times during the year (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and for a WWII Panel Discussion).  Each time we go, we put on a little performance of songs and poems and the like, and we also bring a small gifty to give to each of the residents.  After our performance, my kids will go around and pass out the gifts, and then they will chat with all of the residents who came to see them. Their first time they are usually so nervous, but today I was so proud of them, and so grateful for the fact they they "got it" - they actually understood the concept that it's not about them, but it's about taking the opportunity to be a blessing to someone else.

Kind of reminds me that I should have the same philosophy in my live in general - it's not about me, but it is about being a blessing to someone else.  Thank you, Lord, for such a sweet reminder.

After our Oakmont visits, 

we always enjoy pizza at Mothers!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 22

Short, but truly a sincere gratitude tonight  for my dear husband who so willingly helps me with all of my "responsibilities."  Tonight that included painting almost 50 frames for a ladies' activity next week. It would have taken me a lot longer by myself - and wouldn't have looked as good.  Thanks, Steve, for the set up ideas and the "fix up" spraying!  You're a real keeper!  (SHMILY)

Thankful too the the almost perfect temperature

and the big church garage to paint in!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 21

On Sunday we find

In His infinite grace

God in His wisdom

Gave us a place

Where we come to worship

Where we come to praise

Where we come together

His majesty raise.

Ekklesia are we

"Called out" ones by name.

The Body of Christ.

His greatness proclaim.

As one we give honor

As one we adore

As one we we profess

His love evermore.

Thanksgiving, just one day,

But all the year through

We acknowledge His greatness.

Declare His deeds true.

His will that we worship

His joy that we praise

His thrill that we join

His majesty raise.

Outdoor Service - July 2009

I thank the Lord for my wonderful church family -

the Ekklesia that I get to worship with every Sunday.

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 20

Today I am really thankful for my grandma (actually she's my grandma-in-law, but I don't think that really matters to her - or me!).  I have become her new "project" for sewing (you may remember the skirt she helped me make a few months ago) and now for cooking!  Mind you, it's not just regular cooking, it's Dutch cooking!  A month or so ago, she taught me how to make Hachee (and onion and potato dish with a little meat).  Today we tackled croquettes (a flour, broth, and seasoning fried dish with a little meat)!

Because all of my grandparents passed away many years ago, it's been fun hanging out with Grandma sometimes.  She makes me laugh, especially when her Dutch/English gets me lost.  Case in point - here was a conversation we had a while back.

Grandma: something, something, something.
Darlene: (in a very agreeing tone) "Uh huh."
Grandma: (with somewhat of an accusatory tone) "You were not listening to me!  That was not a 'yes or no' question!"
Darlene:  "I was too listening.  I just had no idea what you said, so I figured a 'uh huh' would be a safe answer!"
(At which point both of us began to laugh hysterically!)

Gotta Love Grandma!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 19

Today I can't even begin to put into words how thankful I am for my dear friend, Linda.  The "Lucy to my Ethel" as Steve likes to put it.  We don't get to spend much time together, but when we do it is truly special. Out of the blue I called her today telling her I needed a Linda Lunch - and being the dear friend that she is, she pretty much just dropped everything to meet me for a quick lunch - and then she even paid!  (Hey, Steve, you are not the only one to hear the "I forgot my wallet!" now.)

We enjoyed a really good lunch at Pizza Pappolis - well, it was really good the second time around - the first time it was quite cold. (Linda, when you read this, I still think you should have asked if they always serve their pizza cold!!)   Needless to say, we laughed a lot and talked a lot and generally enjoyed our brief time together.  Thank you, my friend, for living out the verse, "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up." (Ecc. 4:9-10)

July 2008

For some reason, this quote makes me think of Linda:

“'Supposing a tree fell down, Pooh, when we were underneath it?

 'Supposing it didn't,' said Pooh. 

After careful thought Piglet was comforted by this.”

(Thanks for also being the Pooh to my Piglet!)

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 18

After a packed half-day of teaching and a very long afternoon of conferences, I'm glad for a quiet moment in my classroom before I head home for the night.  I love teaching.  I love my "kidlets."  I enjoy planning fun activities. I treasure the fact that every day I get to speak the Lord into the lives of my nineteen students.  All that being said, I don't usually care much at all for conferences.  This year seemed busier than most with a lot to talk about, but overall I'm thankful that the day went well.  I'm thankful for a wonderful, supportive administration.  I'm thankful for a generous, thoughtful group who organized a very fancy dinner break for us.  I'm thankful for fellow co-workers with whom I got to spend the day.  I truly am thankful for all for all of that, but I'm especially thankful that the day is over. . .

Can't you just "hear" the quiet!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 17

WOW!  That was all I could think as Steve, Rick and Ricky helped load up the Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes into the church van!  WOW!!  The final counted ended up being 123! WOW!!  That's exactly 20 more shoe boxes than last year! I am so thankful for the wonderful folks at First Baptist of Farmington.  It's so exciting to know that there are 123 young lives that will be introduced to Christ because of their generosity. 

I know this isn't the best picture, but it was taken with my iphone in the dark after we had unloaded up the boxes at Northridge. (By the way, it was really fun going into the lobby and saying, "I have approximately 123 shoe boxes.  What should I do with them?")

Thank you, Lord,  for such a unique opportunity
to show Your love!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 16

Okay, I'm finding that you don't necessarily have to "like" something to be thankful for it!  Case in point - today! I started my day off in a very relaxed, hang-around-the-house fashion, but that was only because I had to take a half a personal day for the dreaded yearly physical for my insurance.  As much as I absolutely despise going to the doctor, I must say that I am grateful for the following:

1.) That I have a doctor that is very kind and is always willing to give me the time that I need.
2.) That medical attention is so easily available in our country.
3.) That medical technology has improved so much in the past hand-full of years.
4.) That medicine is available for just about anything.

Well, I could go on for at least a few more. . . Suffice it to say, I still dislike going to the doctor, but I am grateful for the opportunity.  (and thankful that the yearly physical is still only yearly.)

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 15

Today I am so grateful that even in the midst of stress, the Lord can be our place of comfort and peace.  Not only is He willing to do that, but He also puts us in places where He will allow others to encourage us to rest in that comfort and experience that peace.

Thank you, Lord for being my Prince of Peace, and for giving me wonderful co-workers, administrators, and friends who are your messengers of Peace.

Not a picture from today,

but definitely one that pictures peace.

(Taken at Chicago's Navy Pier stained glass exhibit - Aug 2008)

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 14

Today, I am so thankful for my FBC church family and their wonderful support of the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox program.  Last year we collected 103 shoeboxes, and this year we passed that goal by as many as 20 boxes!  (We currently have 95 sitting in our church lobby, but there are about 25 more boxes coming in that people forgot or weren't able to have finished by this morning.)  It was such a blessing to see the outpouring of generosity from so many people.  It was also exciting to see the children of our church getting involved.  (Had one young lady tell me that she did two boxes out of her own saved money!)  God has been so good to us, it's nice when we can bless others in return.

Today's picture is of my favorite Fancy Nancy fan. (Between the sparkly shoes and the fashionable shades, you can see why she's a Fancy Nancy fan, can't you!)   She helped me load the wagon with boxes to take out to the lobby, and then hopped in for the trip back to get more.  We just had to grab a photo by the tree in the process!  (Thanks for your help sweetie, and mom and dad, for letting us have some fun!)

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 13

I know this picture can't even begin to capture it, but I'm extremely grateful for the picture postcard beautiful lighting I experienced this evening as Steve and I were heading into Costco.  It was perfect!!  The lighting, the color, the "feel" - it was all absolutely perfect!!

Brought to mind the saying that I heard so many years ago about the fact that God could have made the world black and white and we would never have known the difference.  He didn't need the color, but He made it just for our enjoyment.

Thank you, Lord!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 12

I doesn't matter how long the work week is or how stressed out I have become, I always am grateful for Fridays.  Not just for the tradition reason of it being the weekend, but because almost as long as we have been married Friday Night = Date Night.  After dinner, my dear one and I will head to Borders in Novi where we will pick up some magazines, grab a table, order a "fun," usually coffee-based beverage, and sit to enjoy a relaxing evening together.

We've gone through SEVERAL barristas - all of which have become "friends" of some sort.  One now works at Starbucks in Novi Mall - he still smiles and waves every time we see him.  One is on an eleven month mission trip around the world (The World Race - 11 countries in 11 months) - we keep up with her via her blog:  http://bethanyeason.theworldrace.org/.  And one of the current barristas was a former student at Wixom Christian - small world, huh!

Well, all that to say, it's not the coffee, it's not the barristas, it's not the books, it's not even the time to sit and just chill.  What I'm grateful for is all about the time I get to spend with my sweets!

I "think" he didn't even realize I was taking a picture!!

(thought I was just playing with my phone)

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 11

With Veteran's Day today, I am extremely grateful for the men and women who have been willing to sacrifice their very lives to insure we continue to enjoy the freedoms that make us the best country in the world.  Unfortunately, even with all they gave, the future of our freedom and greatness still rests firmly with us, the people of America.  As Alexis de Tocqueville said, "America is great because she is good.  If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

Thank you, Veterans, both past and present, 
for what you've done to assure our freedom.  

May we, as Americans, do our part 
to insure that America stays "good."

In honor of Veteran's Day, and in conjunction with our classroom study of the three branches of government, I couldn't help but share a few pictures from class today.  After our first attempt to "get a bill passed" through our classroom House of Representatives and Senate, one of my students comments, "I never realized that people in government had to actually work so hard!"

Under the watchful eye of the opinionated and ever present media,

the House of Representatives works on the THIRD revision of a bill.

The Supreme Court prepares themselves for any ruling necessary

on the new law by familiarizing themselves with the

Classroom Constitution (Student Handbook)

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 10

I am so grateful that the Lord has given me such a wonderful school to call "home" and such an awesome group of co-workers to call my "family."

There are times when we are so much like a family, it isn't funny!  We have a dad-type person (our principal) who is very logical and yet compassionate and understanding.  We have a mom-type person (our vice-principal) who will cheer us on and yet challenge us if we start to get off track.  And we have a wonderful bunch of sisters (and a brother) who can laugh together, cry together, learn together, and pray together.  We can openly share our frustrations knowing we'll find a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on, yet we won't be allowed to wallow in our misery.

David couldn't have described NCS better than when he said:


How good and pleasant it is
when God's people
live together in unity!


For there the Lord bestows His blessing,
even life forevermore.

Psalm 133:1,3

Wish I could have better caught how

neat the school looked in the fog

this morning.

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 9

Sometimes there are things that happen that just strike me as incredibly funny! I'm grateful for moments like that!

Tonight one of those moments occurred while I was starting to get dinner ready. Steve had picked out some meals from Trader Joe's, and he had decided tonight that turkey meatloaf muffins layered with Parmesan mashed potatoes and spinach sounded good. I got them out of the freezer, opened the package and was slightly amused to find that they were really shaped like funny, little muffins! The truly funny part was when I tried to pop one out of the package. It flew out of the little plastic container and went zipping across the counter! When I finally got it back under control I couldn't help but smiling. I am so grateful for my sweet husband and his attempts to make my life easier when it comes to making dinners!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 8

I like Mondays!  They are one of the LONGEST days of my week, but I still really like them!  I'm thankful that I have two "specials" on Monday (specials = prep. times).  I'm also thankful that Monday is Hands-On-Science day where I don't have to teach Science, but instead I get to sit back and  immensely enjoy Mrs. Whitehead teaching Science!  I'm also thankful that I never have to feel rushed to get out of school on Monday, so it makes a good catch up night.  See, I have a lot of reasons to be thankful for Mondays, but I must admit the reason I'm grateful for Mondays takes place between 7pm and 8pm.

Our church has been offering sign languages classes for the past year since we have had a good sized group of deaf folks attending our church.  Deborah is our main interpreter for church, but Greg, her husband, is our classroom teacher.  Just like our Spanish teacher at school who speaks mainly only Spanish during classes with my students, Greg speaks mainly only sign language during class with us.  It's a wonderfully challenging, frustrating, encouraging, and fun hour.  We learn A LOT - too much most nights.  We laugh A LOT - paying a quarter when we actually talk.  We look perplexed A LOT - but Greg is a very patient teacher.  I'm thankful that he is helping us learn to communicate better with him, 'cause he's deaf too.

Greg (at the board) and Richard (at the podium)

our teacher - and his "assistant"

Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with such wonderful

fellowship and friendship!

If you'd like to see Richard taking part in our Sunday Praise and Worship time, head to

First Baptist of Farmington

In case I didn't mention it earlier, Richard is also deaf

and knows how to truly praise the Lord with ALL that is within him!!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 7

I like Sundays!  I don't always like the rush of getting to church in time for Steve's Praise Team practice, and I don't always like how long the day sometimes seems to be, but I do LOVE time spent fellowshipping with my church family, having the opportunity to raise my voice in worship with a group of fellow believers, sitting under the powerful preaching of a solid, biblical pastor, and yes, the occasional Sunday dinner with friends.

Our dinner today at LaMarsa, started out with just a bunch of ladies (and Steve tagging along), but we ended up joining with another group from church that came to the same restaurant.  Fortunately, they had two guys with them, so Steve wasn't so outnumbered.  Well, we had a wonderful meal, laughed a TON, and even shared a birthday dessert 10 ways!  (Happy Birthday, Gail!  Thanks for sharing!)  It was a great way to spend the afternoon; thank you Lord for wonderful friends and sweet fellowship.

Steve, Gail, Denise, Narcisa, Cindy, Norm, Sharon, and Tim
let's do it again sometime!

{and maybe next time we'll even let Dave and Pastor join us!}

LaMarsa in Farmington

Happy Birthday, Gail!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 6

This morning I have to admit that I'm EXTREMELY grateful that the Lord has given us technology that can help to make me more organized.  I'm thankful for my Toodledo account where I can make my "to do" lists and then carry them with me on my phone.  I'm thankful that I can have a phone that allows me to carry my "to do's" and still get in touch with my husband when I'm out running frantically around to do errands.  The use of technology to make our lives easier goes on and on.

Admittedly an un-named technological elements (with the abbreviation of FB) can make our time LESS productive, but we'll just be grateful for the brain breaks that it allow us!

This is just the visible portion of this weekends

ToDo List

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 5

Another "school related" gratitude - but this one is not quite as it appears.  I am thankful that we are able to stay as late as we'd like (or more aptly put, "as late as we need to") even on Fridays.  Today I'm glad I was able to stay and get some grades finished, get the scary mess hiding behind my desk taken care of, get a wall display taken down (to prepare for a new one the kids will help with on Monday), and get the old bulletin board  down and the new one set for my kids to add their leaves of gratefulness to during the week.

I'm glad I was able to get all of that done, but tonight I am most grateful for my wonderful husband and the tasty dinner he made and plated so I wouldn't have to worry about him beating me home.

Our Thankfulness Tree

We learn the difference between thanking God and praising God

as we spend the month filling the whole board

with beautiful leaves on which the students have

written their praises and thanksgiving.

God sure is good!

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 4

Okay, I guess I'm am thankful for our monthly faculty meetings.  It really is great to be encouraged and challenged as educators; however, my gratitude today focuses on our FOOD and FUN committee who does such a wonderful job of giving us food so our meeting can be fun!  You ladies are the very best!!  Thank you for making our meetings measurably more meaningful!  (Yeah, "meaningful" isn't really the right word, but the alliteration works!)

Attitude of Gratitude - Day 3

Today I'm thankful for Starbuck's coffee (Pumpkin Spice Latte to be exact).  After a VERY LONG day at school, a trip to the chiropractor where I got pretty 'beat up', and facing the prospects of a long night that consists of nothing more than making dinner and grading papers, a Pumpkin Spice Latte was just what I needed.  Yep, it's the little things that make me thankful!  (That's not bad, is it??)