Lots of Christmas love to everyone!!
If everyone only knew what we had to go through to get a picture for our dear mother...these are diva dogs and do NOT like their picture taken...
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
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.
The Barrier Girls...
Family is a wonderful thing. I'm fortunate to have a great family. They are sweet blessings in my life!
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...
Family is a wonderful thing. I'm fortunate to have a great family. They are sweet blessings in my life!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
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.
Monday, November 14, 2011
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!
#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!
Friday, November 11, 2011
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!
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!
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