Give Thanks

Give thanks 
With a grateful heart...

My last post is a little bit of everything, but a lot of thanks.  I wanted to challenge myself to the days of thanks to realize all the wonderful things that are around me.  I hold a lot of anxiety in my life.  It's easy to get frustrated and bogged down with the hard parts of life, but I need to always remember how much good there is around me.  I really believe that there is good in the world and all around me.  All I have to do is look around at my sweet family or my incredible group of friends.  I see good in the students that despite all odds, come to school and try to learn.  I see good when I see people help for the sake of helping.  They want to be good people because that's how God wants us to live.

Give thanks
To the Holy One...  


For the past month I've had this hymn in my head.  "Give Thanks"  It is one of my favorite hymns.  It's simple and pure.  It's short, but says so much.  Give thanks with a heart that is full of love.  Give thanks with a heart that has so much to be thankful for, it's over run.  Mostly, it makes me realize that all of this would be null and void if it weren't for God.  I am constantly reminded of His love and I know that all my blessings are because of Him.  I don't talk about my relationship with God out loud a lot.  I know that I should, but my hope is that through my actions, I show His love and the Christian that He wants me to be.

And now let the weak say
I am strong
Let the poor say
I am rich
Because of what
The Lord has done
For us
Give thanks...


I leave with a full heart of thanks and blessings.  I am thankful on this day for so much.  For my health, my job, my family, my friends, and the life that God has given me.  It's not always perfect, I am far from perfect, but I am blessed and I am thankful.

Catch Up! A lot of Thanks!

I've neglected the thankful blog for a few days!  I'm playing catch up today as I am enjoying my time at home...that's where I'll begin.

18. Morganton (Home) - I love coming home.  I love the mountains.  I love the way it feels when I turn the bend right as I get into Hickory and see the mountains in the distance.  It's a wonderful feeling.  There's the old cliche that states, "Home is where the heart is", and that is true.  Morganton is where most of my family resides and I know that I can always come and see them there.  It is where I grew up.  It is where I learned lessons.  It is where I will always return.  Morganton is a great place to grow up and I think I only really realized that after I left for college.  It's just the right size and people are generally really nice.  Great little restaurants and hidden treasures.  It's a great place to grow up, to visit, and to call home.

19. Job - As much as I sometimes complain or get frustrated, I am very thankful that I have a job.  In an economy that finds many people jobless, I am fortunate to have a place to go to every morning and work.  More than that, I feel that my job allows me to use the gifts that God has given me to teach students to the best of my ability.  I have been very blessed to teach some extraordinary students and hope that I inspire them as much as they do me.  It might sometimes give me a headache, but it is a blessing.  Most things that we love can bring us a little pain at times!

20.  Second Mom's - I have a wonderful mom (as you'll read at the end of this), she could never in a million years be replaced, but I've also been very blessed to find several 'second mom's' along the way as well.  These ladies have guided me in their own special way.  Mom's can't be around all the time, and if you're lucky, you'll have a few extra to help you out too.  I am very blessed and consider myself very fortunate to have these ladies in my life.  So, Sherry Suttles, Tammy Severt, Spring McKinney, Nancy Hasty, Carolyn Rutledge, Mickie White, and Sylvia Ross, thank you all for being so special and helping me out when I needed you!  I know my birth mommy thanks you too!

21. Megan - My sister, Megan, is a great blessing in my life.  She's funny, kind, and truly one of a kind.  I don't think I was the best sister growing up, actually, I know I wasn't, but when I left for college, everything shifted.  I realized how important family relationships were and I think it was not living in the same house that made me realize that.  Over the past years, our relationship has changed and has become a lot closer.  She knows all my secrets, my past, she understands me in a way that no one ever will.  It is a bond that only sisters have.  She's an incredible person, someone that I know is going to do great things with her life.  I'm proud that I get to say she's my little sister.  I love her and am very thankful for her.

22. Dad - My dad has always been a source of constant love and steady devotion.  I can't describe my dad.  He's one of a kind too.  Most of my family is.  He gave me my passion and love for music.  He taught me how to dip my peanut butter sandwich in tomato soup.  He went to my band concerts.  He always told me good night and I love you.  He's a man of few words, but the words he says have deep meaning.  He's a great man.  I am very thankful for his continuous support and constant love.

23. Mom - My mom is probably the most important person in my life.  She knows me inside and out.  She knew me first.  I don't have children, but I can only imagine that the bond between a mother and her child is one that is one of pure love.  That's how I describe my mom, pure love.  She is a huge supporter in everything in my life.  From the little things like reading a book to me every night when I was a little girl to the big things like helping me pay for college, she's love.  She's warm, funny, kind, would give you the shirt off her back if she knew you needed it.  She's always been there for me, even in my darkest times, she was there.  I know that she always will be.  I love her and am beyond thankful for her.

Sweet Family- Blessings 16 and 17

Granny - My grandmother is one of my favorite people in this world.  She is my only living grandparent and has been since I was 3.  I was never able to meet my other grandmother, she died before I was born.  My grandfathers died when I was 3.  Growing up, I was always kind of sad when I heard other kids talking about all their grandparents, but somehow Granny made up for all that.  She is so amazing!  She is like 4 grandparents in 1.  Even though I would've loved the opportunity to know my other grandparents, she's enough.  She has always been my rock and constant supporter.  She offers love, hugs, smiles, songs, and grilled cheeses.  My cousins, sister, and I used to always stay with her on Saturday nights when we were growing up.  Her house was paradise to me.  When we would get settled into bed, she would sing us a song or tell us a story and it was magical.  One time in college I was particularly homesick and I called her and asked her to sing to me.  She did.  It was awesome.  She still cooks for all the family once a month and you can find her in the kitchen at every holiday getting ready for all of us to come and eat.  My favorite thing about Granny is that she has this incredible amount of love for everyone.  She always wants to give and helps others all the time.  I can't imagine my life without her.  She always tells me, "It'll come out in the wash."  I believe her.  She is one of the biggest blessings in my life and I'm truly, truly thankful for her.

Cousins - I have a normal size family and was fortunate to be able to grow up with my cousins.  On my dad's side, I have Leah and Katy.  Leah and I are 12 days apart and have literally grown up together.  We have played every 'make believe' game imaginable, she's attempted to teach me lots of sports and how to ride a bicycle,  and she makes me laugh like no one else.  Leah is incredibly talented and very down to earth.  We pick up right where we left off whether it's been 1 week or 4 weeks since we've seen each other.  It was great to be able to grow up with someone so close in age.  We were always together and I cherish every memory made with her.  Katy is my other cousin on my dad's side.  She is my sister's age.  Katy is creative and sweet and very much like me.  We have the same quirks and laugh at a lot of the same things.  She is the only person I've ever allowed to highlight my hair!  Katy brought a huge blessing to our family when she had her daughter, Stevie.  Stevie is the sweetest, smartest, most gorgeous kid you'll ever meet!

On my mom's side, I have 2 cousins, though I lost one cousin when I was in college to cancer.  Melissa was an incredible person, she lost her battle to cancer in 2005, though I still remember all the sweet memories I have of her.  Kara is my other cousin and she is hilarious!  I don't get to see her as often as I'd like.  She has a sweet family of her own.  We see each other on holidays and family gatherings and when we can.  I remember wanting to be like Melissa and Kara growing up, they're great people.

                                          Leah and Me back in the day...

                                                 The Barrier Girls...

Family is a wonderful thing.  I'm fortunate to have a great family.  They are sweet blessings in my life!

Thankful 15

Full Circle Moments - Today I am thankful for moments that I am able to see the full circle.  I can see what I was and what I have become.  It's a moment that I can really see how I have grown and what has happened in my life to make me appreciative of all the small moments that make the bigger picture better.  I had two of these moments today and they all culminate to the same idea.  My teaching has made me grow so much as a person. I had the opportunity today to help my administration conduct an interview for one of our positions and then I observed my student teacher teach a lesson.  I remember so vividly each of the times I was in their shoes.  I remember the nerves, the fear, the anxiety.  The first solo lesson and then the interview.  They are scary.  However, from seeing them do those things, I realize how far I've come since that was me.  How much I've grown as a teacher and as a person.  I am grateful for these moments because they shape me and teach me to realize who I am.  They make me thankful for all the people and moments that have helped to shape the person I am today.  They are few and far between, but when full circle moments happen...they're wonderful.

Blessings Abound - 12, 13, and 14

I am behind a few days!  Let me get down to business...

#12 - Old Friends
I am blessed beyond belief to still be friends with 2 girls I've known since I was 5!

Amber was the first person I met in kindergarten!  I walked into Mrs. Hairfield's classroom (after getting lost) and Amber was sitting on the big rug.  We had the same necklace (and she had the matching earrings - so cool!) and the rest was history.  We've been through Glen Alpine, Table Rock, Freedom, and college and post college together.  She's always there and it's amazing to have someone that you can say, "remember that time in elementary school?"  Amber is getting married next June and I am so excited to see her wear her beautiful gown.  Amber is truly beautiful inside and out and I'm so happy that we're still friend TWENTY years later! I look forward to many, many more years!

Courtney (who is my co-author on our other blog) has been my friend since I was four.  We met at church and have been best friends ever since.  Growing up I looked up to her and thought she was the best person ever.  She has never disappointed me in being that.  She still is one of the best people I know.  She is kind, loyal, and wants to heal the world.  She was also the inspiration for ending up at UNCG!  I had the privilege of rooming with Court for a couple years.  We vented, ate, yelled, cried, laughed, shopped, and watched a lot of Criminal Minds.  I loved every minute of it!  She is currently pursuing her master's degree at UPenn and will be a family nurse practitioner very soon!  I love and miss her so very much!

#13 - Sunsets
I have told some people this, but I will share with everyone.  I really believe that God speaks to me through sunsets.  He speaks to me through other means too, but I always feel the closest to him when I look up into the sky and it is an array of brilliantly beautiful colors.  I am always reminded in that moment that He is in control and I need to step back and have faith that everything is going to be okay.  We all need to be reminded of that sometimes.

#14 - Weekends (Especially long ones!)
I LOVE and am so thankful for weekends.  After a long week of teaching, it's all I can do to make it to Friday at 3pm!  I usually try to either do nothing or visit friends/family during the weekend.  I was able to do all three this past weekend because it was a 3 day weekend for me.  I went to Morganton, visited with family, and then went down to visit Casey!  I even made it to a Clemson game (well, down to Clemson to watch the game at a bar)!  Weekends are the best and I try to never take them for granted!

10 and 11 - Kelly and Linds

Ending the week of best friends, I am thankful for my sweet friends, Kelly and Lindsey.

Kelly - I have always said that everyone needs a Kelly in their life.  They really do.  She is a bright burst of energy and love anytime you need it.  She fills the room with light and laughter.  You just can't be sad when she's around!  Kelly and I met in high school, though I've always told her that I wanted to be friends with her so bad in middle school!  I'm glad we finally did meet up because life is better when she's around.  My favorite memories with Kelly always involve the beach.  We went to the beach one time in college and (even though we were at least 20) had a full fledged sand fight.  We emerged from the ocean and beach full of sand and laughs.  She'll always cheer you up with a funny story or hold your hand when you're crying and upset.  I had the privilege of being her maid of honor and I loved the experience of being there for her on the 'big day'.  Her husband Matt is our original "Garland Guy" and he is always so amazingly kind to all of us.  I love them both dearly.  Thankful I am for a friend like Kelly Gay.  (The pic below pretty much sums our friendship)

Linds - Lindsey Leigh.  My sweet, sweet friend.  I told someone the other night that you can't be in Lindsey's presence without feeling loved and blessed.  She's one of the kindest, most genuine people I've ever met.  She is lovely, honest, and true.  Linds always calls to check in and make sure you're doing okay.  She'll listen and advise and offer her truest wisdom.  She also has a hilarious side too.  We always laugh and joke and have fun when we're together.  Linds and I were able to become closer though going to the same college.  Many road trips, late nights, flat tires, and college assignments later, we made it to the other side, still together.  Lindsey is also (in my opinion) brilliant!  Very smart and motivated.  She has completed (almost) 2 marathons, grad school, a wedding, and lots of other impressive things :)  I'm happy she's in my life because she always makes me happy.  Love you Lindsey Leigh!

So happy you girls are in my life!  You two are kind, inspirational, and so supportive!!  Love y'all!

Blessings 8 and 9

Continuing the best friend week (and since I forgot to blog yesterday), today's post is about 2 very special people.  Caro and Case, today I salute you!

Caro - I have been fortunate to know Caro technically since I was four, but fate was kind and put us in beautiful red marching band outfits when we were sophomores and the rest is history.  10 years ago, Caro and I became best friends, and I really can't imagine my life without her.  She's my therapist, my rock, and the person that tells me the 'how it is'.  She's brave.  She takes risks.  She will truly change the world, I have no doubts about that.  She has this infectious laughter that always makes me smile. I admire her because she's not afraid to say what she thinks and she loves unconditionally. We have survived babysitting, 8 hour drive to Bham, high school, college, living several states apart, and becoming adults.  Everyone needs a Caro in their life.  I'm certainly glad she's in mine!

Case - When people find out that Case and I have only known each other since our senior year of high school, they're usually surprised.  We have a deep bond that makes it feel like we've known each other for much longer.  In the years we've been best friends, we've experienced a lot!  We've traveled together (Cali, Nashville, Charleston, the beach x 20), I had the privilege of being her maid of honor, and we've helped each other with tons of 'life problems'.  I admire Case because she's not afraid of risks, she is currently going back to school to pursue a nursing degree and I'm so proud of her!!  She's incredibly kind.  She loves her friends and family (and puppies!) with all her heart.  She'll sing and dance and make you smile (we're pretty sure we're going to be famous one day).  I'm so thankful that we did find each other and that she's in my life!

I'm so thankful for you girls.  You both are so incredibly special to me.  Thank you for putting up with me.  Love you both!

Twice Blessed (Thankful #7)

I've decided to dedicate this week's 'thankful' days to 6 of my best friends.  It's only appropriate to dedicate today to the birthday girls!  

Day 7 - Em and Carrie

Em - My English soul mate.  Former roomie.  Confidant.  Keeper of secrets.  Incredible writer.  Em is one of the best people you'll ever meet.  She has this warmth and love that encompasses everyone that she loves.  She is one of those people I call when I'm down and she'll talk me into seeing how wonderful life is.  She is crazy talented and I wish I could be a student in her English class!  Whether it be a birthday card or a longer composition, the way she writes always leaves me breathless and awestruck.  The thing I love about Em is that she can be so funny, but then have a deep conversation with you.  She always wraps me in hugs and lets me know that she loves me.  I am beyond thankful for her!

Carrie - Music soul mate.  Former roomie.  Lover of laughs.  Holder of strength.  Carrie has this incredible smile and laugh.  You can't help but be happy when you're with her.  I always look to her for a beacon of strength and hope, she never lets me down.  We share the same love for great music.  Every time we're together we'll always ask the other, have you heard this?  Do you have that?  She loves with all her heart and takes on the world with incredible grace.  I admire her faith in God and her love for her family and friends.  She'll pull out a picture of her niece, Ellie, in a heartbeat (Em will too).  My favorite memories (there are a ton) always involve dancing, car trips, singing, and trying (key word) to cook.  I am beyond thankful for her as well!

I hope you both had a fabulous birthday!  You have both blessed my life more than you'll ever know!!

Thankful 4, 5, and 6!

Books -
This is coming off of yesterday when I said that I was in a reading funk!  None the less, every single day I get to teach and incorporate books into my classroom, I am thankful for the gift of reading.  People take for granted that they are able to read the words that are on this page.  I have always said one of the best things my mom ever did for me was reading to me every day when I was little.  Such a seemingly small gesture has made me the person I am.  When I read a book, I am in another place.  I can identify, I can point and think, yes, this is how I feel!  I can transform, absorb, love.  Even in a 'reading funk', I still always have a book by my bed, and I'm fortunate that my job allows me to be a constant reader.  One of my favorite things in my classroom is to read to my students and ask them their thoughts.  I look forward to the day that I can decorate my forever house and have my very own big library filled to the brim with books!!  The first thing I will do as a mom is read to my child and I hope I instill the love of reading to my future offspring!  So, I'm thankful for books, for reading, and most importantly, I'm thankful my mom filled my childhood room with books and gave me my love for reading.

Sweet Students -
I have had lots of ups and downs in the classroom.  I've said before that this has been one of the toughest years that I've had in teaching.  Lots of frustration and confusion.  However, every single time I have been curious as to why I stick around, I think about the sweet students that have affected me.  One particular day this semester, somewhat at my wits ends, I made a list.  I listed all the students that had made an impact on me.  Then I thought of my most frustrating students.  The latter list didn't hold a candle to the first one.  I have far more students that have been a blessing than a curse!  These students check in, protect, smile, write sweet notes, and genuinely make me feel I've made a difference. I remind myself (I've done it a lot this year) of these students and why I chose to do what I do.  Teachers certainly aren't shown appreciation in pay...but, I suspect that we do it for our kids.  I know I was affected by teachers, so to pay them back, I will try to teach my best for the students that learn from me.  I'm thankful for each student that I've taught that has made me feel appreciated and loved.

Teachers -
As mentioned before, I have been affected by the teachers that I've had.  I wrote a post about how much I will always adore my educators.  I still call Mrs. McKinney for advice and help.  Every time I plan a lesson or grade a paper I have a stronger appreciation for all of the teachers I had growing up.  I am even more thankful for the current 'teachers' I have.  Carolyn and Heather are two of my current 'teachers' I teach with that continue to educate me on how to be a great teacher.  If you're reading this, go thank a teacher, trust me, they'll appreciate it more than you know!

Thankful

I have neglected my blog...again.  I don't know why it is so hard for me to find consistency within the world of blogging.  This has been, without a doubt, the busiest school year I have ever had.  So, I could blame my lack of blogs on that...we'll go with that!  I feel like I've been in a tailspin.  I've been confused and lost and not sure of where to go or what to do.  The quarter-life crisis hasn't quite made it out of my system.

I was on the phone with my friend, Linds, the other night and as I was talking to her, I realized something.  As crazy as my school/professional life has been, my friends and family have been such a constant in my life.  They have been my rocks.  The ones I turn to, cry to, ramble on to...they've been there.  All this made me realize that I do, indeed, have a lot to be thankful for.  Since this is the month of thankfulness...I thought I could blog about it.  It'll also give me more of a focus for writing, something I for sure need.  I've stolen this idea from a few friends on facebook, but I think it's great.  Express why you're so thankful, cause as crazy as it gets, life has much in it to be thankful for.  My blessings are abound.  They are plentiful and many.

I figure some posts will have a few, some will be focused, some will be short, and some long.  But, I hope that through this I will be reminded of the blessed life I live.  I get so down and frustrated with things that it's hard to see through it to the light. The light is what keeps me going.  Even the darkest times, the times when I don't think there is any light to be seen, there are people and things that offer that.  I hope to convey that through this next series of posts.

So, shall we begin?

I'm a little behind, so we'll start BROAD with 3 things I am currently thankful for...

1. Music - I should make this it's own post.  I am currently in a book funk...shocking, I'm an English major and teacher!  I've just been in a lull...but, I have been a music JUNKIE!  There have been so many good albums and songs that have just been released.  Music is very healing and therapeutic for me.  It brings me up when I'm down.  It brings me inspiration.  It beings me life.  I'm currently in LOVE with music source called Spotify.  You can download it and then listen to THOUSANDS of songs for free (and whole albums!).  So when you're on a teacher's budget like me, but love good music, it's AWESOME!  My new favorite albums currently in rotation are: Kelly Clarkson's new cd (Stronger), Lady Antebellum's latest album (Own the Night), Miranda Lambert's new cd (Four the Record) - also dig the play on words - and Coldplay's new cd (Mylo Xyloto).  I recommend all.  And I definitely recommend Spotify.  Amazing.

2. Fall Weather - You can ask any of my friends, I am NOT a cold weather fan, but I do love fall.  I love getting out blankets, driving and seeing the beautiful trees, and the smell in the air.  I treasure this time in season, so peaceful and nice.

3. Daily Devotionals - Sometime last year my friend, Caroline, introduced me to a daily devotional called "Stillspeaking Devotional".  It comes to my e-mail every morning and I try to read it before I start teaching.  Some days it is like God inspired the writer to write something that speaks just for me.  They are wonderful ways to start the day and take a minute to just sit back and reflect with God.  I definitely recommend it.

Those are three things I am currently thankful for.  I didn't want to get too 'deep' on the first post.  More to come.

CB