Alphabetical Randomness

I...

...am almost thirty. That blows my mind.

...bought a watch yesterday. I figured it's time I stop looking at my phone to know what time it is. And since I paid for it with a gift card, it was basically free to me :)

...am ready for the Christmas get-together with my parents, brother and sister-in-law, and nieces. Sunday's the big day!

...like driving. It's a stress reliever for me. It's a way to just get away for a bit. Driving in traffic, though? Not my cup of tea.

...think the elephant is a cool animal. Not only is it Alabama's mascot :), but think of all an elephant can do. It's huge. It's strong. And it's actually kind of cute :)

...finally finished wrapping all of our Christmas gifts yesterday (with my mom's help). There's one perk to having family Christmas a few days after Christmas :)

...went to the Galleria yesterday. It was the day after Christmas. What was I thinking? The crowds were insane! But you know, I didn't encounter one rude person. So that made it worth while.

...was happy to treat myself to Chik-fil-a yesterday. Yum!

...have been intrigued by the previews of a few of the movies recently premiered. Although, instead of spending $10 plus to see them at the theater, I think I'll wait and see the $1 Redbox version :)

...am not a big jelly/jam fan. There are only a few flavors I'll eat. And even then, I'd almost always prefer something else instead. 

...have a Korean dress ornament hanging on my tree. It's actually a bookmark, and was a gift from a student's parent my 2nd year at DA. Every time I see it, I think of this sweet family. I love it!

...am looking for a new devotional to start in January. Anyone have any suggestions 

...read People Magazine every week. 

...have played nurse to my mom a lot this week. The poor woman couldn't win for losing. First it was her back and then it was this flu that's going around. 

...found Christmas ornaments on sale for next to nothing while shopping yesterday. Yay for cheap after Christmas deals!

...have a couple projects I want to tackle next week. Here's hoping the creativity works out :)

...saw this quote about moms floating around Facebook the other day. It made me think of my own mom, one of the most hardworking people I know.

...like the song, Rest, by Downhere. It's such a good song!

...love shopping with gift cards. It's like having free money :)

...think some people post way too much personal stuff on Facebook. If you have issues with your family, I personally think you should discuss those privately. It doesn't look good to constantly bring them out for the world to see. But that's just my opinion... 

...want to go to the Unclaimed Baggage Center one day. It's in Alabama. And I think it's only a couple hours away from me, so I should go try it out sometime. 

...will get to visit with a friend later today, whom I haven't seen in a few years. I can't wait! :)

...enjoy wrapping presents. I guess it's one of the few creative bones in my body :)

...am eXpecting great things in 2015. It's going to be a great year. I know it!

...have been thinking about my New Year's Resolutions and I've almost finished. 

...want to go to the zoo. Who's with me? Anyone else want to go?

Merry Christmas Blog!

Merry Christmas Blog! I had a few things I wanted to say to you, so in the spirit of a Dear ____ style post, here we go...

Dear Blog,

Thank you!

Merci!

Jerrejef! 

You have followed me across the big pond and back again. You have celebrated with me. You have cried with me. You have helped me rant and helped me climb on my soapbox.

You have helped me share most of the news of my life, whether big or small.

You have shared photos and quotes and videos and song lyrics.

You have shared prayer requests and praise reports.

You've been my outlet to help this extremely external processor say what she needs to say.

Thanks for all you've done.

Merry Christmas Blog! I've enjoyed the ride!

Love,

Your Author 

The 128th Dear _____ Post

Dear Elf, You're my favoring Christmas movie. You came on tv last night so I was a happy girl :)

Dear Starbucks, Thanks for making the tasty Chai Latte. Yum!

Dear Heart of Christmas by Matthew West, Thanks for having your lyrics remind me of the point of Christmas. Thanks for being that wake-up call of sorts, which made me open my eyes.

Dear 14, You're how many chairs were set around the table, including my own, at my Christmas party the other day. Normally I only see one or two of my kids at a time, but for our party, I pulled them all at the same time. It was such a fun time! I loved it!

Dear Christmas Break, I'm so over the top excited that you're finally here! 

Dear Photo a Day Project, I can't believe it, but I have actually stuck with you for almost an entire year. We're on day 355 today and it seems like just yesterday I started. Thanks for being such a fun way to document my life this year. 

Dear Dad, You're a good preacher. Just so ya know :)

Dear Family, You 6 mean the world to me. I'm so blessed to call you mine!

Dear Brother, You're such an awesome husband and father. I love watching you with your girls. 

Dear Cuteness, You're what the photo below possesses. I so love this little girl and her sister :)

Dear Smile, You're what my youngest niece did a lot of today. She's such a happy baby!

ABCs

I...

...set my alarm for super early this morning since I needed to make a Walmart run before work. I will so NOT miss setting that alarm these next couple weeks! 

...am so blessed by my job. God definitely knew what He was doing when He placed me in that position.

...went to my parents' church dinner Wednesday night. Yum!

...will definitely enjoy not having to set my alarm for super early the next two weeks! That will definitely make me a happy lady :)

...enjoyed hearing one child sing part of Jingle Bells this week. To think that this child was almost completely non-verbal when she started school this year, and now she's doing this. Yep, I totally teared up on that one.

...will get to see a friend over Christmas Break that I haven't seen in a few years! I can't wait!

...brought goodies to share with my kids at our party this morning. Seeing their little faces lights up was awesomeness :)

...am so happy that we're getting paid today! Woohoo!!

...am intrigued by the disabilities my students have been diagnosed with. I'd love to know meow about each of my babies, and what makes them "tick."

...am slightly jealous of my parents who got to see my nieces yesterday and will be able to see them again today :)

...love the Hershey's kisses with almonds. They're my favorite!

...am looking forward to our family Christmas get-together this coming Sunday. This will be the time when my dad and all of his siblings and their kids all get together for delicious food, presents, and spending time together.

...miss being able to make my weekly run to Sonic on Fridays. But when I went by the other day, I saw that it'd been totally demolished. I'm not sure what happened.

...think there's nothing sweeter than the laughter of a child. I love it!

...ordered a chef salad from a church fundraiser this week and it was delivered yesterday. Oh my word - It was so delicious!

...wore pajamas to school on Wednesday in honor of Polar Express day in the Special Ed. classes at my school. I personally think we should make every day Pajama Day. Who's with me :)

...am looking forward to quiet time over the break.

...love reading the Facebook statuses of one of my cousins who got an awesome Christmas gift this year. You can almost feel her happiness coming through the computer screen.

...started a To Do List for my Christmas Break of the work-related things I want to finish while I actually have the time to do so. 

...think the item above is probably a little sad :)

...don't understand certain things in this world. I was faced with a certain issue today and was just completely blown away at the ridiculousness of the adults involved. It's just sad.

...think non-verbal children can teach is a lot. Creativity, patience, acceptance, love and so on and so on. And I must say - The challenge that comes in working with them is honestly one of my favorite tasks at work! P.S. Have I mentioned lately that I love my job? 

...on Wednesdays, go to my parents' church as I wouldn't have time to get to my own church on time after work -mk  especially now that we end up having a faculty meeting every Wednesday afternoon.

...was eXcited to participate in the Secret Santa thing at work. We drew names and the brought our person a $1 gift on Tues., Wed., and Thurs., and then we're bringing the "big" $20 gift today. I love shopping for others, so that part was fun :)

...had so many kids yelling Merry Christmas to me as they were getting in their cars to go home. I loved it!

...am ready to catch up on my Zzzz's during Christmas Break. Sleeping late and taking naps, here I come :)

Beautiful

My Photo a Day prompt for today was "Beautiful." So it got me thinking of all the beautiful things I've encountered lately. 

Beauty can come in many different forms. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? :)

I looked back through the photos on my phone and found these that embodied the word, beautiful. Photos like...

My brother texted me this one yesterday. It totally looks like my oldest niece is reading to her little sister. How beautifully sweet is that?! :)

Or this one which holds the beautiful memory of driving to work and watching the sunrise the whole way. 

What about this one? To me, there is something beautiful about being on vacation, not having to set an alarm clock, and getting to be lazy and catch up on reading.

Then there's this photo, which shows a beautifully written letter to Santa from an 11 year old boy.

I thought of this picture, and the time spent exploring a beautiful part of the country with a beautiful friend.

On that same trip, I was able admire the beautiful architecture of the capitol building in Texas.

I kept going back and found this photo. Look at the incredibly beautiful details that went into this chair. The guy that made it has such a beautifully creative eye.

I thought of the beauty of the red, white, and blue flag I call mine. I think of the beauty of all our flag stands for.

...or what about Senegal? 5 1/2 years ago Senegal stole my heart. I look at this bracelet and think of all of the beautiful people I met along the way. I think of their beautiful spirits and beautiful hospitality.

Then that made me think of the beauty of friendships, like the one made with this  beautiful lady and her family.

I thought of the beauty of technology allowing me to hear the beautiful laughter of yet another beautiful friend.

And while I was looking through my photos, a song came on the radio. ...a song whose beautiful words inspire me to focus on the truly important parts of Christmas.

Beauty can come in many forms. It can be seen in a person, a memory, a song, and more. We just have to look for it.

Christmas ABCs

I...

...definitely anticipate Christmas Break. 2 weeks off from work, and more importantly my alarm clock, is pure bliss :)

...love buying gifts for family and friends. It brings me such incredible joy getting to buy for and give to others.

...love Christmas carols. And yes, I do listen to them all year long :)

...drink hot chocolate a little more than usual during Christmas time. Is there anything better than a nice hot cup of peppermint hot chocolate? :)

...always shop early due to the madness of stores this time of year.

...am not a fan of the madness that hits stores this time of year. Have you been in a Walmart around Christmas time lately? Oh my word! It's crazy!

...love wrapping gifts. I always have. It is one of the few creative skills I have.

...am happy to be with my family this year for the entire Christmas season, and not just for a couple weeks like I had the past 5 years.

...am incredibly blessed to be able to experience all of this and try not to take any of it for granted.

...miss hearing Joyeux Nöel. 

...know that my mom and I will be making all sorts of Christmas goodies and I can't wait. The goodies are great, but the time spent with my Mama is the best part!

...love looking at Christmas lights! There's just something about those bright, colorful lights that brings a smile to my face. I love it!

...am missing not getting to see the DA Drama Team's Christmas Presentation this year. 

...need nothing more than family and my Jesus to make me happy this year :)

...order quite a few of my Christmas gifts online. But if I can I like to go to the store because I really do like buying them in person more. 

...think Polar Express is a fun movie. Even if I'm not Santa's biggest fan, I can't totally enjoy the fun in this movie :)

...question the need for so many business to be open on Christmas. Why can't your workers enjoy the day off with their families too?!

...focus more on the REAL reason for Christmas - the birth of Jesus Christ. 

...have never been a big Santa supporter. I have no problem with others doing the whole Santa thing, and I'll never knock someone's beliefs in the man, but it's just not for me...

...take a zillion and one photos during Christmas. It's so nice capturing those memories :)

...have never been to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. 

...like the version of 12 Days of Christmas sang by Straight No Chaser the best. 

...love watching Christmas movies. Elf is definitely my favorite - followed closely behind by the Charlie Brown Christmas movie :)

...eXpect many naps, long chats with my mom, Christmas movies with my dad, and lots of Christmas goodies to be present in my Christmas Break :)

...am considering making a yulelog this year. My parents and I watched a show where they showed how they were made and now it's got me wanting to make one. 

...don't zoom through opening my presents. I'd rather take my time and enjoy the moment.

The 127th Dear ____ Post

Dear 5, You're how many more school days are left 'til Christmas Break! I'm so ready!

Dear Pajamas, You're what I'll be wearing to work on Wednesday. Watching Polar Express with some of my favorite kids? Great. Spending the entire day in comfy PJs? Even better :)

Dear Sonic in Selma, I'd planned on visiting you after work yesterday for my weekly treat of a cranberry limeade. Clearly it wasn't meant to be since you were totally demolished - as in one huge pile of rubble. Sad day...

Dear Christmas Party 1, You're what's happening later today. Bring on the family, gifts, food, and laughter. I can't wait :)

Dear New Journal, I bought you the other day in preparation for the upcoming year.

Dear Sweet, You're how it sounded hearing my niece talk to her Pawpaw and Granny on the phone last night. You could hear that sweet little voice loud and clear. I loved it :)

Dear It's Cold, You're what I said many times this week. I guess Winter's ready to be here already. Brrrr

Dear Cranberry Oatmeal White Chocolate Chip Cookies, I have one word for you... Yum!

Dear 2015's Photo a Day Project, You're almost finished. When I started this back in January, I honestly didn't know if I'd stick with it and be able to finish. But I have stuck with it. And I love it. I can't wait to compile my 365 photos into a book when I'm done.

Dear Senegal, I still miss you a lot! But I am so loving being with family this time of year!

Dear This Time of Year, You're my favorite. Just thought you should know :)

Dear God, Thanks for loving me in spite of my many shortcomings. 

The 126th Dear ____ Post

Dear Christmas, You're only 19 days away. Can you believe that?!

Dear Cough, You are annoying. you're loud and cause me pain and a lack of sleep. I'd really like it if you'd leave me alone. After all, I never invited you here. So please leave.

Dear Skype, Thanks for cooperating yesterday morning. You provided my friends and me with a clear picture and great sound the whole time. Thanks for starting my day off so nicely.

Dear Friendship, What a blessing you are!

Dear Christmas Playlist, I finally made you yesterday on my phone. Now my drives will be so much merrier :)

Dear How The Grinch Stole Christmas, My mom and I watched the tail end of you last night before heading to bed. You definitely rank pretty high on my list of top Christmas movies. 

Dear Christmas Shopping, I am totally finished with you, with the exception of sticking stuffers for the parents. Yep, I'm nice like that :)

Dear Mailed Letters to Their Parents, You're what one group of my students did this week. They got so into it. They loved writing Mom or Dad a letter. And when I promised them I'd put a stamp on them and drop them off on my way home, their eyes lit up. They were so excited! I loved it!

Dear Pricing Plane Tickets, You're what I did this week. Each morning before work, and then each afternoon after work, I'd check the price. It's so weird to me that flight prices can fluctuate that much from day to day.

Dear Great Quote, You're what I saw on Facebook this morning. How often do I say that I trust God to take care of me and them worry about some aspect of my life? 

Dear Polar Express Day, The other Special Ed teacher at my school asked me if I help put with you in her classroom a few days before the Break. I had already decided to say yes when she informed me that we'd get to wear our pajamas too. Umm, hello... Wear PJs to work? Yes, please :)

Dear Racial Discrimination, It's 2014...almost 2015! Why do you still exist? Why can't EVERYONE look past the color of someone's skin? Why does it matter if someone's White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Middle Eastern, etc.? Who cares?! People are people. It doesn't matter what color their skin is.

5 on Friday

I had a few things on my mind, so I thought I'd reinstate 5 on Friday. ...except, I ended up having 6 items instead of 5. Oops... :)

1. I got to Skype with two of my closest friends in Dakar this morning. What a fun way to start my day! :)

2. We got our new school shirts in this week. And a new t-shirt + Jeans Day = Awesomeness :)

3. I'm so ready for Christmas Break! I love my kids. I love teaching. But boy oh boy, is 2 weeks off going to be amazing :)

4. I'm planning to do a little work in my classroom this weekend, including decorating for Christmas. I saw this idea for a door and thought it was cute. But I need to have it say something about learning or school. Anyone have an idea?

5. I love love love this Thirty One bag. Their stuff is a bit too pricey for me normally, but thanks to a fabulous sale price early last month, I was able to snag this one. It's my new go-to bag for work and I love it! 

6. I "love" (insert sarcasm here) when people freak out about Ebola immediately after hearing I used to live/work in West Africa. And now that I'm planning a 2 week trip to Senegal this summer, I'm trying to prep myself for more Ebola comments to come. Seriously people... Get your facts straight before freaking out.

The first ABC's Post of December

I...

...attended the Navy vs South Alabama football game last week with my dad. What a fun time we had! 

...brought home an unwelcome souvenir from my vacation. I have a nasty cold - coughing, headache... It's lovely. Let me tell ya.

...cherish this time with my parents. After hearing of so many deaths recently, it really makes me thankful for the family I still have with me.

...spent the day with my aunt on Sunday. She went to church with me and then we went to lunch and ran a few errands together. I so love this woman!

...expected to be tired on Monday. After all, it was my first day back after Thanksgiving Break. But boy, the tiredness I felt far exceeded my expectations!

...wish my friend, Erin, all the best as she flies back to Senegal today. I look forward to hearing great things from her, and the rest of the team, of how God's working through them, reaching the Wolof of Senegal.

...have a few more gifts to buy for Christmas. I'm contemplating just going online and buying them. I like shopping, but I hate the crowds!

...think the handicapped accessible options at South Alabama's stadium need a lot of work. I think the employees at the stadium need a lot of work too. The facilities and staff were pretty crummy if you ask me. I was surprised at just how much so. But hey, at least the game was good.

...am interested in buying a pair of boots. And I've been looking around, trying to find some, but it's proving to be more difficult than I thought it'd be.

...love jewelry, but I don't wear it often. Maybe I should change that. Hmm...

...am thankful for Kleenex, especially so this week :)

...think losing your voice is one of the worst possible illnesses a teacher could face. I haven't gotten to that point yet, but if things progress like they are at the moment, I might.

...have been thinking about Mary, the mother of Jesus. Every year at Christmas time, I think the same thing. I wonder what she thought. I wonder if she was scared. I wonder how a young teenage mom, such as herself, faced such a humbling, but also monumental birth...

...never imagined how tired I'd be at the end of the day, each day, this week. Oh my word. I so think we should have a required nap time every day :)

...tend to overanalyze things. 

...purchased a new Bible last week. I just thought it was time. I'm starting a new "chapter" in my life. So why not get a new Bible, too? 

...quizzed some of my students on  number recognition the other day. You wouldn't believe how hard this, seemingly, simple skill is for some kids. 

...am working on my resolutions for the new year. My goal is to really spend time in careful thought and prayer, and to come out of this time with resolutions that are positive/beneficial for me.

...wish cough syrup tasted better. It's bad enough that I'm sick and coughing, but then I have to choke down this disgusting tasting medicine too! Yuck!

...am twenty-nine. How is that possible?! Shouldn't I still be a kid with no cares in the world?

...am using the children's book, The Day The Crayons Quit, as the basis of a unit of Reading lessons with all of my students. 

...was so glad for my vacation. I definitely needed it! 

...wrote a fun blog post recapping the Navy game I attended with my dad the other day. What a fun time we had!

...always eXamine the small print on packaging and paperwork. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.

...can't believe this year is almost over. It seem like just yesterday that we were ringing on the new year.

...often use a zester to grate cheese. It makes the cheese pieces even smaller and they melt much faster. So it's a win win :)

Hello December

Hello December 2014! You started yesterday. The 11 months prior to you have all flown by, so I expect you to be no different. 

Here are a few things I'm planning to say Hello to this month...

1. all things Christmas

I can't wait to decorate our tree, enjoy family get-togethers, have a Christmas party with my students, watch Christmas movies on tv, and listen to Christmas music without judgment :)

2. a long break from school

Can I get a big ol' AMEN?! Praise Jesus for Christmas Break and 2 weeks off from school!

3. buying plane tickets for an extra special trip planned for the beginning of Summer Break

I've emailed my travel agent, requesting prices on the dates I'm interested in. So now I just wait for that info and she'll out the dough. I'm so very excited about this trip! 

4. family time

I'm really looking forward to spending a lot of quality time with my family. I do kind of like them a little :)

5. getting ready for my New Year's Resolutions

My goal this year is to carefully think (and pray) this through, so I pick resolutions/ goals that will be both attainable and truly beneficial to my life. Wish me luck!