30-some-Thank-Things

November: that season of the year in which people construct impressive lists of things for which they are thankful. I'm not opposed to these lists... Nor am I an advocate of them, unless that spirit of Thankfulness is indwelling the entire year-long. 

This Thanksgiving season, rather than simply writing a list of things I'm thankful for (which I also did), 

I tried something completely new and out-of-the-ordinary. 

Beginning the very first week of November, and still in progress today,

every time I walk in a room, flip on the light switch,

sit on my bed to check my email, dig through my sock 

drawer for a different pair, send a text on my phone, 

I try to remember to thank God for everything involved in completing

each of those tasks. (not limited to these tasks, just 

an example.) Does it take time? yes. 

but it does help you become aware of God's blessings

in a different way. 

That being said, I do have a 'list' of thankful things, which I will share. 

But, I am attempting to apply thankfulness to my entire year,

not just this month of November at Thanksgiving festivities. 

So, here we go...just to name a few:

1. Family- near and far
2. Friends- from acquaintances to dear friends
3. Electricity and running water
4. Comforts of home often taken for granted (furniture, insulation, heating, air conditioning, etc.)
5. Job- doing what I love, and exactly where God wants me right now
6. Nice car
7. Great camera- to capture those 'kodak' moments. I love pictures!
8. Ability to see colors- how boring would life be in darkness all the time? 
9. Ears-to enjoy laughter, chatter, and music
10. Music- a connection to the soul
11. My piano- no caption needed.
12. iPod- to enjoy music and great books on long trips or at work
13. Freedom to worship
14. Hot tea- medication of choice
15. Literacy and the ability to read- among my books I have formed the best of friends.
16. Good health- (except for the horrid cold I now have)
17. Candles and nice smelling things- they make the world a better place
18. Chocolate- all forms. it makes the world go 'round. :)
19. Rainy days- replenish the soul and satisfy my melancholy side
20. Books- choose a good book, treat it well, and you have made a friend for life
21. Mentors- people who care what I do with my life, and are willing to invest time to help make it better
22. Love- 
23. God's grace and forgiveness- where would we be without them?
24. Students- their laughter and antics keep me young, but I treasure my time with them
25. Education- betterment of life, career, and expansion of knowledge
26. Internet- irony, I know! - for those late-night-research-emergencies
27. Computer- thank you, Jesus! Type-writers and I would not get along well, I'm quite sure
28. Personalities- make the world an interesting place. if everyone were like Obama....
29. Changes of weather- fall, winter, spring and summer- I love them all!
30. Christmastime- the long-awaited season of the year
31. Vacuum- yes.
32. Disinfecting wipes- they make my day better
33. Germ-x- no explanation needed.

So, there you have it! My thanksgiving list for this year. A few of the things, anyways. Cheers for a terrific holiday season! 

November...EEK!

You must be wondering, "Is she EVER going to up date that blog, or let it die a slow, painful death??" Well, good news and bad news. (didn't you just hate it when your dad used to say that?)
First, the good news: No, the blog is not dead! Very much alive and well (contrary to first glimpses); Bad News: Life happens. Namely, teaching happens, which comes first, and I don't always get to share those fun times as often as I'd like. Sigh. So, there you have it. :)


fun times decorated November! Allow me to share a few with you. :D
The last week of October...

The last week of October, I had to privilege of going to Indiana
to play for my cousin Debra's wedding. Another plus to the
wedding was getting to spend time with the Bride's sister, Tiffany,
who has been my very best friend since we were kids.
Three weeks apart, both pursued ED degrees in college,
and alike in many scary ways!
Love you, Tiffany! 

First, a few school-views of November. . .

My November bulletin in Jr. High- really
happy with how it turned out! Nothing
like trying something new...simply because
you can. :) 

In History, the students made 'log cabins' for the Colonial
Period. Several kids are missing in this pic, but you
get the idea. I loved the creativity! 

                                   Next, of course, comes Thanksgiving! And turkey. and stuff. 

The day before Thanksgiving, the students decorated
our classroom for Christmas. Here is our cute little
tree. They did a great job! All that's missing is Linus' blue
blanket, which I forgot to take that day. :( But as of tomorrow,
it will be our 'tree skirt.' Isn't creativity a grand and glorious thing? :)

                                                           Now, on to Thanksgiving. . .

Grandpa and Grandma Davis came over for the afternoon-
we were so glad they could come! Dad, Kimberly, and I
got an pool lesson from the 'expert.' aka: Grandpa.

 Grandpa, showing up how to shoot it right. He's great!

Our Thanksgiving feast was delicious!
Turkey, of course, Sweet Potato Cass.,
Squash Cass., Oyster Casserole made by
Grandma (one of my favorites!), home-made rolls,
cran-apple salad, cranberry sauce, Pumpkin/Pecan
pies. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but it
was scrumptious! I am so blessed.

And that about wraps up my November re-cap post. Check out my next blog post, "30-some-Thank-Things," which is about my 'thankful' list. Until then. . .