Day 328: New Addiction

There aren't very many shows that Chris and I like to watch together. But, thanks to the recommendation of our friend, Sam, we have a new addiction: Sons of Anarchy. Holy crap, this show is amazing. We've been glued to Netflix streaming as we have immersed ourselves into this series. It's a fun way to spend time together and I love the conversations that it sparks between us. :)

For this new addiction, I am thankful.

Day 327: Z's

Winter break is nearly done, but I finally accomplished one major goal today: a nap. By the grace of God, both of my children fell asleep for their afternoon nap at the same time leaving a quiet few hours for me to catch some z's.

It was awesome. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 326: A Little Motivtion

There's nothing like guests coming to your house for the first time that can light a fire under your butt to get things clean and organized. Post-Christmas always feel so overwhelming to me because of all the new toys and general stuff that suddenly has no home within our home. Despite these feelings, it usually takes weeks to get everything organized and settled.

But not this year! I was DELIGHTED when we got the call saying our friends Lisa, Joel and Liam would be in town to visit! Not only were we going to be able to catch up with our dear friends, but they were also going to come over for dinner which would force us to clean and organize all of the Christmas goodies overtaking our house.

Long story short: Our house looks amazing and it was absolutely wonderful getting to spend time with our sweet friends this evening.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 325: Trifecta

Date night to celebrate Chris's birthday. Brazilian steakhouse. Good friends.

Simply awesome.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 324: A Little Escape

Today I had a first. I went to a movie all by myself. I know, lame. After noticing that I had spent 6 straight days with the kids without a break, Chris suggested that I escape for a little while and go see the movie I have been anticipating since I read the book, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I willingly obliged and the movie didn't disappoint. I loved it! But, the best part about the entire day was the feeling when the movie was done and I was driving home. I felt rejuvenated and was really looking forward to spending time with the kids again to eat birthday cake and put to bed.

We all need breaks every once in a while to remind ourselves what it is we get to come home to. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 323: Christmas Birthday Part 1

Whew! What a day! We realized today that it was the first time in 4 years that we woke up on Christmas morning in our own house. It was such a special morning with the kids and we had so much fun soaking up all their exciting and giggles.

Before we knew it, it was time to transition into Chris's birthday. We lounged, ate, napped, played and just enjoyed one another's company.

There was so much joy today and so many more details to share. That's a nice way to feel at the end of a day! And for this, I am thankful.

More tomorrow.

Day 322: Clausin'

Chris and I had SO much delivering the magic of Santa. :) We are definitely going to have a fun morning when we wake the kids up and show them a special message from Santa and all the funny things he did around the house.

I love that we are going to bring a smile to the faces of our children in unique ways in the morning. And for this, I am thankful.

Merry Christmas!

Day 321: Wrapped

For the first time ever (and I do mean EVER) all the gifts are wrapped before midnight on Christmas Eve. I guess I'm officially starting to grow up. :)

I love the season of giving. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 320: Santa's For Real

Sofia has really gotten into Santa, the North Pole, elves and all of the stories surrounding Christmas this year. She and Nico have taken to rearranging their Little People Nativity Scene almost daily and even brought Frosty in for a visit to Bethlehem. She's creative. We just go with it.

The funny part about Sofia's obsession with Santa and all his magic is that she wants nothing to do with him in person. This means no mall trips, no sitting on laps at holiday parties, no cute Christmas photos. Oh well! I'm not going to complain for missing out on standing in long lines each December at the mall.

But today, Sofia stopped me in my tracks. She walked into my bedroom as I was getting ready this morning and told me that she knew why Santa was real. When I asked her why, she responded, "Because he's magic. And, when you believe in magic, that means Santa is real. OH! And, I hear his bells on the reindeer!"

I love this child and I love her logic. I believe.
And for this, I am thankful.

Day 319: Last Dance

We have a little tradition before the kids go to bed each night and it includes dancing. After all bedtime routines have been completed, the last thing that we do is sway to the music playing in the kids' room. It's just long enough to have a moment or two of one-on-one time before the day is done. I love it...and so do they.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 318: Snuggle Songs

Only the Christmas lights lit up the living room tonight as Nico, Sofia and I sat cuddling in the recliner. Nico was a little restless so I started humming. Both kids looked at me and smiled. My hum turned into Away in a Manger followed by Sofia singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Nico was no longer restless and instead began rubbing his eyes and rested his head on my shoulder. It was awesome and beyond priceless.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 317: Redemption

Two nights of sick kids and no sleep sucks. But a day where I got to hang out with my good friend, go Christmas shopping and then have dinner with a group of girlfriends was a delightful redemption for two nights of solid hard work. :)

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 316: In and Out

We were up much of the night with Sofia. After a few days of saying her ears were bothering her, infection officially set in and an ear ache was in full force. Thus, we piled into the car this morning and headed over to Kaiser's after hours urgent care. I was dreading this visit. I've never had a quick visit or a remotely pleasant experience on weekend visits.

But today was different. 

We arrived to find no line at reception, a relatively empty waiting room and a nursing staff that was smiley and super kind to Sofia. We were back in the exam room within 10 minutes and back out with a prescription 10 minutes after that! Sofia was brave and articulate and we were super proud of how well she handled herself. She practically did all of the talking to the doctor herself! 

There is much to be thankful for today; medication to aid in quick healing, a daughter who knows her health and a super fast visit to urgent care that allowed us to still make it down to Highlands Ranch to spend the afternoon with Matt, Stacey and the girls. 

We're two doses of amoxicillin in. Please keep your fingers crossed for a good night's sleep...for us all!

Day 315: California Connection

It's funny where blogs will take you. Over the years, we've encountered several people that we've made and kept connections with. Once such couple is the Tangeman's, a family from California who reached out to us several years ago after following our blog for quite some time. While we haven't ever actually "talked", our internet lives have crossed paths frequently via comments and blog posts. And, each year, we send Christmas cards. They are the most adorable family and each December, we smile at the memory of the first time we heard from them upon seeing their card.

It's nice to know that there are people out there in this big world that have felt a connection with us. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 314: It's Here

Winter Break. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh

And for this, I am thankful!!!

Day 313: Now THAT'S Giving

I love my school and the people I work with. They are unique, brilliant and above all else, kind. This week, it came to the attention of my teammate that we had a staff member in need of some help. His mother is ill and living in Las Vegas and airfare on a moment's notice was simply outside the realm of financial possibility. Quietly, our staff collected over $450 to help this man, the man who helps takes care of all of us by fixing anything that needs it. He received the envelope of cash in the early afternoon and within just a few hours had a plane ticket and rental car booked.

Giving has never felt so good. And for this, I am thankful.

For a more detailed account of this story, head over to From The Sidelines, a blog hosted by my teammate. 

Day 312: Observations

I spent my evening observing an undergraduate methods class at Regis taught by my former teaching mentor. It was wonderful to see her in action after she had provided me with such sound advice so many times at the beginning of my career. Tonight was the last session of the semester and the last class before this group of students would be going off to student teach. They had so many questions, looked terrified and ready to take on the world all at the same time. With complete gracefulness, Margaret calmed each of them down and I watched the world lift from their shoulders before my very eyes. It was incredible.

It's a pretty powerful feeling to be in the presence of someone who is so skilled in her profession. I learned so much tonight and can't wait to begin working with college students of my own!

 And for this, I am thankful.

Day 311: Red Kool-Aid Mustache

There's something reassuring about watching a 12-year-old walk into my classroom at 7:55 in the morning with red Kool-aid stained above his top lip. With so many pressures on our youth to grow up quickly, it's nice to have a reminder that there are some essences of childhood that will remain timeless.

And for this, I am thankful.

Day 310: Clockwork

Sometimes there are days that seem to run themselves. Today was exactly that. Before I knew it, the clock said 10 pm. Busy and smooth, the day had passed me by. And today, I'm okay that. Sometimes it's nice to breeze through a day. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 309: This Makes It Easier

Tonight, I had the pleasure of singing at our church's Festival of Lights. The choir sounded fantastic, the kids' skit was hilarious and the overall experience was simply delightful. When the night was done, I began making the rounds of hugs and hellos to friends I hadn't seen in a while. I was reminded instantly why God puts certain people in our lives when I managed to catch up with my friend Kerry. She conveyed how much I had been missed in the choir and at services. I explained to her that we have simply been swamped with work, family and well, life.

She smiled and said one, simple thing: "This makes it easier" as she gestured to everyone around us.

She's right. When you don't live near family, your friends and church become your support network. It's time to dive back in and shift some priorities.

Tonight, I am thankful for you, Kerry.

Day 308: One Fun Night

We had a great time at the MYC Holiday Party. And for this, I am thankful.



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Day 307: Oh, Christmas Tree!

I'm sitting here, staring at our glowing Christmas tree. It really is beautiful...one of the best we've ever had. I like it especially because it is a White Pine and it reminds me of my front yard when I was a kid growing up on Monroe Road in Michigan. We had five of them in our yard. It's weird the things that stick in your mind. Looking at this tree brings back lots of great childhood memories and a fondness of the holidays that is certainly worth being thankful for.

Day 306: A Little Landslide

Tonight, our school held a talent show to raise money for new computers in our building. It was a huge success! There was standing room only and the kids did a fantastic job. To encourage attendance, the show was also opened up to staff members to perform. After all, what student doesn't want to see their teacher make a fool of themselves in front a large, live audience?

So of course I performed! :) My friend, Beth, and I sang "Landslide" while our friends, Bill and Tim played guitar. We worked really hard and enjoyed every second we had on stage. And for this, I am thankful.

And for your viewing pleasure...the beginning of our piece. ***Note: Beware. This is what happens when teachers walk onto a stage in front of their students.*** :)

Day 305: Hammer Time!

I find that as a teacher, one of the most annoying things about my job getting assignments turned in without a name on them. I mean, come on, take credit for the work you did people! So, as I went through the stack of no names on my most recent assignment trying to match up familiar handwriting, I came across what would be one of the best laughs I've had in a while.

TL2Q

This was all that was written in the upper left corner of the assignment. Huh? TL2Q? What the heck is that? I approached the student who I had guessed the paper belonged to. He immediately recognized it and, realizing that his returned paper meant he wouldn't have a missing score in the grade book, he very excitedly (and apologetically) accepted the sheet from me. 

"TL2Q? What's that mean?" I asked.

"Oh yeah, that" he smiled. "'Too legit to quit.' It's kind of my signature; my thing." 

I had to turn around right then and there to avoid cracking up in his face. All I could see in my mind was MC Hammer and his giant pants dancing across a stage calling, "Hammer Time!" 

Flashbacks and a great chuckle in the middle of the day...for this, I am thankful.

Day 304: Just In Time

I kind of had one of those days. And "those" kinds of days don't get better with crying toddlers who won't go to sleep. With Chris working late, I was seriously on the verge of tears after 30 straight minutes of whining, crying, bedtime-defying Nico.

But then the bedroom door opened.

I hadn't heard Chris come in but it didn't matter. He got home just in time. He swooped in and worked with Nico until he fell asleep so I could take a break.

I know that Chris had a long, hard day as well so I more than appreciated his help when I needed it. It's good to have a partner who knows my breaking points. And for this, I am thankful.

Day 303: Three Suns and Changing Winds

Chris and Sofia decided to play a little game during this holiday season that would be just between the two of them and could last until Christmas. It's essentially a convoluted form of hide and seek....but with two nutcracker ornaments. Each night, one hides the two ornaments around the house and the other has to locate them the next day.

Tonight, while Sofia was on her quest, we laughed so hard! She is such a little stinker in ability to weasel out the hidden treasure locations from Chris. At the same time, she's super smart! Chris's hint to her was you will find the nutcracker near the three suns and the changing winds. 

Seriously? Even I was confused. But, Sofia was not! She looked right up toward our light fixture (with 3 lights on it!) and found the ornament hanging from the center! She has yet to find the other ornament sitting on top of the ceiling fan in the living room, but she'll get there.

I love that Chris and Sofia are playing this little game. It's fun to watch them interact and it's awesome to see her little brain try to problem solve Chris's wild riddles. It's going to be a fun three weeks! And for this, I am thankful.

Day 302: Sofia's Santa Wish List

Today, Sofia asked if we could write out her Christmas wish list for Santa. So, after we finished decorating the tree, we sat down to talk about what she might like to ask Santa for. Here is what followed...

My favorite was the toy she asked for. It's quite possibly the most random and hilarious thing I've ever heard. She is SO our child! And for this, I am thankful. :)

Day 301: Team Gingerbread

I have loved my 7-2 teammates this year. We all have so much in common and it goes far beyond the walls of our classroom. Tonight, we all got together to have dinner with our families and make gingerbread houses. It was beyond fun! I am truly thankful to have such wonderful people in my daily life. :)




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Day 300: Done

This week is done.

It was a hard week no matter what angle it was looked at and frankly, that sucked. But now, I'm moving on and that's important. Tonight, I found the place where I can just throw my hands up and let go of it all.

And for this, I am thankful.
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Day 299: Cozy Car

It snowed last night. A lot. But this morning my car was not under a pile of snow. Instead, it was tucked neatly away in the garage; the garage my husband spent the weekend organizing so I could park there. I so appreciated not having to scrape and warm up the car with two little kids in tow on a day that began with temperatures in the teens.

A cozy car and quick get away...for this, I am thankful.