Friday, December 3, 2010

The Right Word at the Right Time

December 3, 2010  Blessing #210

I am pretty optimistic.  Most days, I decide to have a great day and that is exactly what happens.  However, there are times it is hard for me to find the blessing.  This is one of those days. 

I am tired-I have had a hard time sleeping this week.  There is always something to wake you  in pregnancy--a trip to the bathroom, a cramping leg, a sore hip, or a powerful kick. I suppose it's preparation for sleepless nights with an infant.  In any case, at the end of this long week, Trey and I have begun to look hard at the realities of bringing a new baby into our family (a little late, you say?  Well, I may be smart, but I am not always rational-I suppose that is the blessing and curse of a woman--certainly of a Sanders woman).  The realization that my daughter's tuition gets more expensive next year-which means a smaller take home paycheck for me-while we add childcare expenses on the homefront is sobering. Basically, we are going be making a little less and spending a lot more.  If you've been following, you know that this is happening just as we are making headway on our get out of debt, build a nest egg program--the very one I was gushing about the other day.

So, tonight, I feel a bit overwhelmed with how we will make it all work.  I'm tired, pregnant, and emotional-so I'm sitting here typing through tear-filled eyes.  Isn't the roller coaster of pregnancy something? I mean I had a fabulous day with my students, my children are healthy, my husband adores me and I him, and here I am sniffling over a problem slated to begin in August.

Anyway, I sat down tonight to do my daily Advent devotional--and these were the word of wisdom on the first screen:

People of faith are not unrealistic. We know that the world can be a dark place.

But we also know that the darkness is not all. There is a reason to hope, because there is a light always shining.


Watch now for the light...and have your hope renewed.
 
It is the standard opening screen for the devotion, but tonight it really resonated with me.  The world can be dark-sometimes the darkness comes from outside of us and sometimes it comes from inside.  Sometimes we get so overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and fatigue that we forget to find the light.  Tonight, that is what happened to me.  So, I'm thankful tonight that I am engaged in this discipline-not because it keeps the darkness away, but because it means even in the darkness I look for the light.  And 2nd, I'm thankful that I found the right words at the right time in my devotion.
 
Following The Star Advent Daily Devotion (in case you want to follow along!)
 
Not a one of my concerns is life or death-we will work it out somehow.  We always do.  There will be sacrifices to be made-tough choices to navigate, but this family will proceed carefully, thoughtfully, and with lots of prayer.  We will make decisions and then make them the right ones--and after those decisions, we will still be together--one more laugh around the table, one more personality to watch unfold, and one more light in our world. How silly of me to focus on the dark stuff.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

The Wonders of Yoga

Thursday December, 2 2010  Blessing #209

I have been worried about finding time to exercise. It is always important to me, but I know that it is even more important when I'm pregnant (for sanity, but also b/c I get gestational diabetes).  This working full time and gestating is new to me, and it is tough to get it all done.  Anyway, the other day I was wishing I could find a yoga class that would work with my schedule-and just a few minutes later I got an email from a colleague announcing an after school yoga class for teachers at our school every Thursday for the rest of the year!

Talk about good fortune-practicing yoga is so important to me. It is a time for  my mind to be still and for me to appreciate and listen to my body.  In a way, it is an exercise in finding blessings. In my practice I concentrate on being grateful for my body-and practicing with Henslee inside of me I am even more in awe of the gifts my body can bring forth.

Today was the first class, and it was marvelous!  It isn't everyday that an activity for my health (mental, physical, or spiritual) is so convenient and possible.  Today I am thankful for my new yoga class.

Moving right Along!

November 23, 2010  Blessing #208

I left school today at 1:30--I had already finished teaching for the day, and headed to the Doctor.  Henslee and I needed a check up.  I didn't end up getting seen till 5 or so--he was busy delivering a baby, so I got a leg up on my errands and got the last harvest wreath from Hobby Lobby for 50% off.  Then I headed to Kohl's and bought flat ware and new glasses for the crowd of 25 I'm anticipating on Thanksgiving day.  I even got the kids Happy Meals (a major treat--they never get to go to McDonalds) before I picked them up and toted them with me back to the Doctor's office. 

The good news is everything is moving right along as it should-but I did find out I'm a touch anemic.  Dilutional anemia in pregnancy is pretty common, and easily corrected with an increase in iron intake.  It was great to start my break with 3 happy healthy children.  I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday!

Just in Time

November 22, 2010  Blessing #207

It is a Monday morning, and I'm tired.  It just seems like at work I have been stuck in a rut with a steady stream of deadlines and more than usual things to do.  Something is going on with my hip--I think I'm having IT band discomfort from my spreading pelvis and time on my feet, and that is making me think I need a break.  For teachers, that is code for we need a school holiday.  All teachers know it way more work to miss school than to be there.  Well, today the good news is that I'm about to have that break. Monday just seems a bit lighter when it is the Monday of a 2 day work week.  So, except for the limp and odd stance as I try to stretch my IT band, there is an extra spring in my step today!  I'm thankful for the upcoming change in routine for my whole family.  We all need the rest!

Pump it up

November 21, 2010  Blessing #206

Today we hosted Chip's party at Pump it up--a giant inflatable zone.  It was a great party for him--family and friends, tons of exercise, pizza, and one of my Granna's homemade cakes.   I was so pleased that we could do that for Chip-I know there are parents who wish they could and can't for financial or scheduling reasons.  Don't get me wrong---it was pricey, but we planned for it.  That's our new thing--we only spend on what we plan for. 

Speaking of, we have paid off a few things since the "come to Jesus" meeting with our new financial adviser also known as my super-here loving father.  We got a car paid for, one credit card paid off, almost paid off Trey's student loan, and finished paying our IRS bill from 2009.  Oh do we still have a long way to go--however, it is important to stop and acknowledge what we've done, if only so we'll keep working.  The trick is to pay all this stuff off while keeping enough cash to avoid using credit cards for things like gas and groceries.  We're doing great so far, but when you send most of your cash to debt eradication and the rest to food and gas, it doesn't leave a lot for extra spending or saving.  I am loving that we are being so disciplined--even though with the Holidays approaching it is hard. I mean, I LOVE to buy Christmas presents for folks--and this year will have to focus on only doing what we can instead of what we wish we could.  We're looking at  few more years like that till all the credit cards balances are gone and the student loans are paid off but we are resolved!

So today--I'm grateful we swung one last party at pump it up.  I'm proud of our progress and grateful to my Dad for helping us plan our strategy.

No where to go??

Saturday November 20, 2010 Blessing #206

So, today was the first Saturday in a long time without a soccer game to get to across town.   I got to stay in my pajamas, make a big breakfast, and snuggle with my children and husband on the sofa.  There is something very special about time to be still together-and we've really needed it.  When our hectic weeks are capped with hectic weekends, we all begin to feel frazzled. They kids get irritable, over tired, and if we're not careful sick.  I get short tempered and overwhelmed, and Trey works himself to exhaustion.  We have gotten better about saying no to weekend engagements, but somethings aren't going away.  We love our church, and it is important. Chip loves soccer and we all love to watch him play. We are still working our kiesters off to dig out of debt while not incurring any more, so the extra revenue Trey is generating right now is such a blessing and a priority.  Today, I am thankful for the still morning moments with my family-and I'm going to try and create more of them.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Colder the Weather, the Warmer the Home

Wednesday, December 1, 2010  Blessing #205

A few years ago my Mom bought an Nativity Advent Calendar for my family-it is 3D, hand painted, and each day there is a little door for the kids to open.  Early this morning, I stuffed it--not with anything fancy,  just knick knacks and candy to brighten their day.  It has become a favorite tradition of ours, and I love that it gets the kids excited about getting up in the morning.  I go in to wake them and they know they can't visit the calendar until they are dressed with shoes on and teeth brushed.  Normally, getting them up and dressed isn't easy--especially as we near the end of a semester and all of us are fatigued.  Today, they got Christmas tattoos-and they were so excited to wear them to school.  It was precious!

Anyway, each family has those little traditions that make the Holidays special-it is so neat to think that I am old enough to have a family that has traditions. How did this happen? 

The weather has turned colder all of a sudden, the Christmas decorations are up, the Advent Calendar is stuffed, and I love the warmth I feel in my home right now.  I couldn't wait to get home and cook tonight-to say the blessing with my family, and to read our Advent devotion.  I guess the cold weather and the miracle of this season make me more aware than usual of the gift I have in this family and in this home.  Truly, my cup runneth over with blessings.  Now, I just have to figure out how to stay focused on them-instead of the dust bunnies, piles of laundry, and financial worries.

Students and Teachers

November 29, 2010  Blessing #204

One of my students, Anne Lanier, was chosen as the Rotary student of the semester.  She was honored this morning at a Rotary breakfast at 7 am.  She got to pick a teacher to join her for breakfast and be recognized as the Rotary teacher of the semester, and she picked me.  I could go on and on about this young lady-she is bright, engaged, compassionate, and a natural leader.  Truly, she is one of those students who makes my job easy.  She has been in my Human Bio class, worked with me in Interact, and traveled with me to Haiti.  It has been my honor and good fortune to be her teacher. 

It was a wonderful morning--students from the 5 area high schools were recognized-I got to hear about all the wonderful things young people in our community are doing.  I got to hear those students  thank their teachers and acknowledge the importance of our work, and I got to visit with inspiring colleagues.  Trey had to change his schedule so I could attend-which meant I got to get up and leave the house before everyone else.  I don't remember the last time I just hopped in the car and drove off without thinking about whether the kids were buckled in, had enough protein on board for a productive day, had their teeth brushed, and their lunches packed. It was nice--but again, I missed them after mile 5.

So today I am thankful for a easy morning and a wonderful student.

A Pat on the Back

November 18, 2010  Blessing #203

Teachers don't teach for accolades (or money!).  However, it is nice when we receive them.  Today there was a lovely article about the Outstanding Biology Teacher Award for Georgia I won from the National Association of Biology Teachers.  It is a nice honor, even if I feel undeserving. I think the nature of my job is such that  I never feel good enough....but for today I am going to pause and be thankful that someone thinks I am doing a good job at this important work.  Here's the link to the story.Teacher lets her students be creative with science

And then, everything changed

November 17, 2010  Blessing #202

It is hard to believe that 8 years ago today, Chip was born.  I know that each child is special, but the day he was born is important for another reason.  That was the day I became a mother.  Everything changed in that instant-and I am only now able to fully appreciate the changes that took place.

Suddenly, another human being's welfare was more important than my own--and yet keeping myself alive and healthy to care for this child was important.  My Grandmother who had 4 kids used to say, "Once you become a mother you think twice about crossing the street."  I got it on the day 8 years ago.

It was also the day I gained a new appreciation for the miracles of life and a mother's love. I understood my Mom in a way I had never been able to before, and I began to look at the world through a mother's eyes. I noticed things for the first time; people driving too fast, young people making reckless decisions, educational policies that our squelching childrens' imaginations and our country's future, people abusing the environment my grandchildren will inhabit, and how much I have in common with mothers all over the world.

I am thankful for that precious, healthy little boy. I am thankful I am still alive to parent him-and I am thankful for the perspective motherhood has given me.

A Stolen Moment

Tuesday, November 16 2010  Blessing #201

Tomorrow is Chip's birthday-and my busiest day of the week.  So, today I stole a few minutes during a planning period and headed to his class with donuts.  I just have to pause and be grateful that I work where he studies-it makes so much possible that I know other parents must struggle with.  I popped right in his class--gave him 8 birthday kisses and a "pinch to grow an inch", watched his friends sing Happy Birthday, and was back in my classroom in 20 minutes grading papers.

I am a lucky, working, mommy. And I am thankful!
Monday, November 15, 2010  Blessing #200 (Wow--I can't believe how many I've done!)

When my parents sold their house and bought a farm, they needed someone to "store" the piano.  I volunteered because I had a room without enough furniture.  I had no idea that Chip would ask to learn to play it.  He asked just as he was starting 1st grade, so now he has been taking lessons for a year.  Today is lesson day.  The child loves it-he loves learning a new song, the feeling he gets when he masters it, and spending time with his teacher, Mrs. Robertson.  Today, I am thankful that an empty room in need of furniture was really just a room waiting on a blessing.

A Healthy Obsession

November 14, 2010  Blessing #199

My husband is ridiculously good looking.  It just gets better as we age.  A magnificent jaw line, an incredibly fit build, and gorgeous blue eyes.  Now, I know that looks aren't the most important thing, but I can be grateful for them, can't I?  You should see the ladies turn their heads when he walks in a room.  You just can't help but notice him.  Plenty of this is genetic, but I have to tell you, Trey takes care of himself.  He exercises, he eats right (usually), and he is still into playing competitive sports.  Every Sunday he plays soccer for a team at the Y.  He is always looking for races and triathlons to enter, and he never compromises on his workouts.

Sometimes, this frustrates me.  I love to exercise, but it is just not as easy for me to get it worked into my schedule.  Then, today, I would really like him to be here helping me cart clean clothes upstairs and put them away.

But today, I'm pausing to be thankful.  He is healthy and active-he is setting a wonderful example for my children, and he just gets better looking.

Greatest Game Ever Played

Saturday, November 13, Blessing #198

Oh it is a busy day!  By some miracle Trey has seen a personal training client, we have gotten to see Chip play his last soccer game (2 left footed goals-I'm telling you the kid has skills), get his medal for a great season, and we got Chip to his first basketball practice.  Reading over that, it sounds like it was easy--I should mention we had to hurry to a chick fil a to get Katie some eggs as she headed into a low blood sugar meltdown and then we had to go to Target to get socks for basketball since the ones from soccer were wet and nasty.

Anyway, I was tired, and I really had hoped Trey was going to take Chip to basketball.  Turns out he had to work with wrestlers, so it had to be me.  Even with my fatigue-heading into that gym brought back the most wonderful memories.  The smell of the wood floor, the sound of the basket balls bouncing, and the swishing of the net instantly put me at ease and made me feel at home.  I was never a star player--but I was pretty good and I was consistent.  I loved the intellect involved in the game, and I loved coaching it.  Hopefully--as the kids grow up, I will be able to again.  Anyway, today I am thankful for that moment of nostalgia-I felt like a teenager again.  How wonderful that I have so many happy memories from my youth.  Add to that Chip's great practice, and it was a terrific day!

Friday Night Lights

Friday, November 12, 2010  Blessing # 197

I love the community of teaching.  It is great to meet them in my classroom and talk biology, but I also love to see them out with their families at sporting events, plays, etc.  However, as much as I love to see the kids play football, it is not always practical for me.  First of all, Trey is working all the football games for the Academy, so he is on the sideline.  That means it is Chip, Katie, and me.  But, it isn't us at our best-in fact, we are all 3 pretty zonked on Friday nights from a long week.   When we go, the kids usually  make it till about half time-then one or both end up in meltdown mode and we have to leave.  So, tonight I'm not going to brave it.  The coolest thing is that I can still watch the game in real time!  Our school Media and Tech club produces live web casts of the games-so I can see my students shine on the field while my children are tucked snug in their beds.  Tonight I am thankful that via technology I have almost achieved being in 2 places at once. I always feel pulled between work and home--and tonight I am can do what I want to do for both at the same time!