Thanksgiving 2014

It's been 6 years since I last spent Thanksgiving with my family. So I was over the moon excited about getting the chance this year :) 

My mom did most of the cooking. I helped some, but let's face it. The kitchen is her domain. So I let her do the cooking like she wanted, and I became her sous chef. :) I enjoyed the fun of hanging out with my mom, talking with her, and just spending that time together.

We ended up with a lot of delicious food. There was turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, corn casserole, lima beans, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, cheddar & garlic biscuits, and a chocolate pecan pie. Yum!

Everybody sat around eating and talking and laughing and just enjoying each other's company. I was in heaven :)

My nieces stole the show, as usual. After all, how could they not? :)

These are the times I missed most while being in Dakar. I missed being with my family, having family get-togethers... I missed being together. 

I am so thankful that God gave me the gift of family for Thanksgiving this year. 

Navy Game

Once upon a time, there were two people...

...a father

...and a daughter

They were each dressed in their best blue and gold gear, ready to cheer on Navy.

It's true... They were a bit conflicted at first. Both attended the opposing team's school for grad school. So that meant they'd be cheering against their alma mater. 

But since the father was a former Navy man, and the girl loved her father far more than her alma mater, the two continued to cheer on Navy.

They were prepared for whatever the day threw at them. They bundled up when the wind started...

All the while they kept their eye on the ball...

And you know what happened? They watched Navy beat their alma mater 42 to 40, in the best game ending EVER!

And the father and daughter lived happily ever after, happily cherishing the memory of this special Father Daughter date

The End.

Thanksgiving Week ABCs

For this week's ABC post, I thought I'd make it a Thanksgiving themed post and list 26 items I'm thankful for this year.

I am thankful for...

...answered prayers. I'm thankful that God hears my heart and answers my prayers.

...a brother like no other. He's super funny, smart, responsible, loving, generous, and kind hearted. And now to see what an amazing husband and father he's grown up to be... I'm just so proud of him. And I'm blessed to call him my Bubba :)

...the calling God has placed on my life. It's changed a bit (well, a lot) over the years. But I'm thankful that He's been right beside me all the way, no matter where He's called me to.

...my dog. I've had her since she was a little bitty thing. Now she's this 10 year old, 70ish pound dog who may look old, but still is as loving and frisky as a little puppy. 

...my education. I definitely don't take it for granted. I worked my tail off to get through both undergrad and graduate school, get two degrees, and be qualified/trained in 3 different areas of education. What a gift my education was!

...my friends. I don't call just anyone my friend. To me, saying someone is my friend is a big deal - not one to be taken lightly. So I'm thankful for the meaningful friendships I have with these people. God blessed me highly when He brought them into my life.

...God's Word. What can I say? It's the best book ever written! I'm thankful for the lessons, truths, promises, and commands It contains. 

...the hope I have of a future in Heaven with my Savior. I know without a shadow of a doubt that if I died right now, I'd be with my Heavenly Father. I'm thankful that I don't have to worry or wonder about my future. I know.

...the great I AM. What a blessing it is to know that my God is known as the great I AM! He loves me, encourages me, guides me, corrects me, gives me grace and mercy, hears my heart, answers my prayers, protects me, teaches me, and so much more, including sacrificing His one and only son for me. That's how much He loves me!

...a job that I love. Yes, it's a lot of hard work, and involves the most ridiculously huge amount of paperwork ever. But I love it!

...the kids who, over the past 6 years, have called me Teacher, Miss Nichols, or the latest, Miss Freckles :)

...a love for learning. I'm thankful for the desire to study and learn more - whether that be more of God's Word or for my job. I'm thankful that I never get tired of learning.

...good memories. I'm thankful for all the memories my brain holds. I'm thankful for the smile they bring to my face. I'm thankful for the happiness they bring my heart. 

...the numerous people who supported my ministry in Senegal. Without their prayers, encouragement, and financial support, I don't think I would've made it. They helped me carry out the Great Commission.

...the orange, yellow, and red leaves during Fall. This is one of the things I missed most while living overseas. I missed Fall - seeing the leaves changing colors. It's so beautiful out right now!

...parents who love me, support me, encourage me, and teach me by example. I'm thankful for the Christian principles they've taught me and shown me through their actions. 

...times of quiet. Working with extremely hyperactive and talkative children, not living on my own, and rarely having any free time all leave me with very little quiet time. So I cherish it when it does happen. I think that's why I like living so far from work and church. While driving I'm able to have a good bit of quiet time - just me and God :)

...constant running water and electricity. After not having this (consistently) for five years, I really appreciate it so much more now that I do.

...the security I have in having Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. He's the absolute best part of my life and I am so incredibly thankful and grateful for His love and grace for me.

...Temple Assembly of God Church. This church supported me during my time overseas. And when I got back to the States in June, they welcomed me back, with open arms, and became "home." Sunday is one of my most favorite days of the week...all because it's "church day." I love my church!

...UNanswered prayers. I think Garth Brooks said it best when he sang, "Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers." 

...my vehicle. What a blessing this car has been to me! 

...the woman that married my brother. Y'all, she's amazingly perfect for him. They compliment each other so well. I always wanted a sister and God saw fit to give me an even better sister-in-law than I could have ever imagined. She's awesome!

...my eXtended family - all of the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. that make up our big ol' crazy family.

...the five years I spent in Dakar, Senegal. I cherish those years and am so thankful for the people I met, the lessons I learned, and the memories that were made during that time.

...the 2 girls that call me Zizzie - my two nieces. Those two little girls totally light up my life. 

Scarf Swap '14

I'm linking up with Jessica Lynn Writes for Scarf Swap '14. 

What was Scarf Swap '14? Participants were paired with another blogger and were told to get to know their partner and then send them a scarf. And by doing this, we would "meet" someone new and get a new scarf too :)

I got paired with Natalia from My Wild Things: Adventures in Raising Boys.

 

When I received my package, the first thing I noticed was the pretty envelope. Who knew the post office carried such cuteness? 

When I opened it up, I was surprised. 

Natalia had sent me more than just a scarf. There was a sweet note. 

Side Note - I think handwritten notes/letters is a lost art form. We should go back to this. Just sayin' :)

Then I pulled out my next goodie. 

It was what had made my package smell so good. It was a bar of rose scented, handmade soap from her family's farm. 

I looked them up. Deerhaven Herb & Flower Farm, located in Santa Cruz, California, sells handmade soaps, lavender, and essential oils. Their products all look very nice and are super affordable.

Anyways... Back to the package.

The last item I pulled out was the reason for the package being sent in the first place...the scarf.

I loved it! It's super cute and goes with quite a lot in my closet. And the best part? I, a self-proclaimed hoarder of scarves, do not have one like it already :)

Thanks, Natalia! And thanks Jessica for organizing Scarf Swap '14.

'Til next year, y'all :)

Complain or Rejoice - It's a choice.

I love this quote from Abraham Lincoln...

"We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses."

I can complain because it's raining.

...or I can rejoice over the memories the rain holds - memories like watching the immense joy of "my" kids at DA when the soccer field would become a fun, muddy, pretend "swimming pool" :)

I can complain because I had to drive home in the dark (something I hate).

...or I can rejoice over the time spent with my colleagues at a delicious, and free dinner.

I can complain because I live so far from church that I have to stay in town in between services, so to not waste so much gas.

...or I can rejoice over this time of quiet when I can study and talk with my Savior. 

I can complain because my principal placed me on morning duty every single day, instead of just one week out of the month like everyone else. 

...or I can rejoice because I get to stand at the door overlooking this beautiful tree. Or more than that - I can rejoice because I get to say Good Morning to every single student, the majority of whom greet me with a sweet smile and a hug.

I can complain because it's so cold.

...or I can rejoice because I have a heater and warm, fuzzy socks to keep me warm.

I can complain because the screen and the sound were both a little fuzzy when I was Skyping my friend in Senegal.

...or I can rejoice because I got to speak to one of my closest friends in Senegal and she was able to walk me around to "see/speak to" a bunch of my other former co-workers.

I can complain because I got in a wreck, which made me have to drive my mom's car for a week while mine was in the shop.

...or I can rejoice because I was not hurt in the wreck and because of insurance, it didn't cost me a cent to have it repaired.

I can complain because my flight was delayed.

...or I can rejoice because I now have time to drink my Chai Tea Latte and read that book I've been wanting to read.

I can complain because there's so much wrong in my world.

...or I can rejoice because I live in a free country and can do something about the wrong I see.

A Special Edition Dear ____ Post

In honor of this week being American a Education Week, I thought I'd write a Special Edition Dear _____ Post all about education.

Dear Teaching, For as long as I can remember, you've been the career I wanted. And you haven't failed me. Each year you provide new experiences, challenges, excitement, that make my time so rewarding. I'm proud to be a teacher. 

Dear Lightbulb Moment, You're what I'm striving for daily. I want my kids to learn what they need to in order to have that "lightbulb moment" ...that moment where they finally get something they've been struggling with. 

Dear 7:30 to 3:30 With Summers Totally Free, Ha! That's a joke!

Dear Common Core, Way to stir up trouble. Some people love you. Some hate you. I do find it ironic, though, that the majority of the strong opponents of Common Core don't really understand how you work. 

Dear 3, You're the number of "areas" in which I'm qualified to teach. I can teach Elementary (K-6), Special Ed (K-6), and ESL (K-12). I've taught in all 3 and have loved each one. But I must say... Special Ed is still my favorite :)

Dear Writing Sub Plans, If done well, you require a ridiculous amount of work!

Dear Paperwork, It feels like you are never ending - especially now that I'm teaching Special Education.

Dear Writing IEPs, If done well, you're going to require quite a significant amount of time for me this year.  You're quite the task!

Dear My Kids, You're what I call my students, whether they're mine this year or last year or any other year I taught them :)

ABCs

I...

...will be attending the funeral of my Uncle Junior on Friday. He was my grandfather's oldest brother and was such a sweet man. He'd tell us stories, give us hugs, and always said "I love ya baby" when he said goodbye. I can't help but smile at the thought of a reunion in  iHeaven with him, his sweet wife, and his siblings (including my Papa) that were there waiting on him.

...think Black Friday shopping is quite overrated. That is, unless it's able to be done online because in that case you can be at home in your pj's with a mug of hot chocolate sitting in front of the heater and staying far far away from the crowds at the stores.

...received a candle yesterday with a sweet poem attached about teachers being like candles, lighting the minds of their students. Corny? Yes. Sweet? Definitely.

...am ready for the Duck Dynasty season premiere which comes on tonight. Yay for my favorite Cajun rednecks coming back on tv :)

...earned some major cool teacher points yesterday when I let my last group of the day play this new math game I'd found on the computers. Shhh... Don't tell them they were learning. You'll blow my cover :)

...found out I will be going on a field trip next week. We're going to a place I went to in elementary school. So that pretty cool :)

...have gained a new respect for people that deal with cold temps on a regular basis. These below freezing temps happening every morning are about to kill me. And it's not even winter yet! :)

...had my heart pricked Sunday night about a certain issue. Why am I such a hypocrite? I tell others to trust God, give all control of their life to Him. Yet here I am, worrying, struggling, and holding tight to all my issues.

...incredibly enjoyed our Faculty & Staff dinner last night. What a treat!

...bought a winter jacket. Since it's not professional to wear a hoodie with my work clothes, I was out of luck. Thankfully, Walmart saved the day. I refused to spend a lot of money on a coat, so I was glad to find one at a reasonable price. And it has definitely been put to good use ever since I bought it.

...keep kidding myself saying I'm okay with everything going on in my life. Honestly, I'm struggling a bit. I love my family. I love my job. I love my church. But I feel like I need time away. I feel like I need a "getaway", a retreat from the hustle and bustle of life, from responsibilities, from everything -everything but God. I just want time to "escape reality" for a bit and spend time, pouring my heart out to God, digging in the Word, and listening to what God has for me. I know that sounds crazy, but... 

...am looking forward to having a 2 day work week next week! And since one day of those two will be spent on an all-day field trip, my work week is going to be incredibly short. Bring on Thanksgiving Week!

...find myself missing the closeness of the friends I had in Dakar. I miss just hanging out with a friend, going to one another's house for dinner, going shopping, grabbing ice cream, whatever. It's hard. That doesn't happen much here. People are busier...

...will be watching the Navy vs South Alabama game (in person) next week with my dad. I can't wait!

...did primarily online shopping for Christmas presents that last five years. It was just easier since I was overseas and when I would come home for Christmas, I would usually arrive just a few days before the big day. 

...took a lot of pictures of my nieces when they were here the other day. Aren't they just the cutest? :)

...enjoy times of quiet every now and then. I think that's why I like my long drives back and forth to work and church so much. It's during those "quiet" times that God and I have some of the best conversations :)

...received a message telling me that since my MA assignment is now officially over, they'll be closing my AGWM email address down for good in a couple weeks. I knew it would be happening soon. But it still was sad to read that. I know I'm doing right by doing what God wants me to do. But it was still sad, knowing that part of my life is over...

...love studying and learning. I could totally be a professional student. Well, if it weren't for the cost involved, I could :)

...am enjoying Teacher Appreciation Week this week. Bring on the goodies!

...think I was unprepared for how much some of these kids would steal my heart. Every single year this happens. I get to know my kids, hear their stories, see a glimpse into their lives, and each one steals a tiny piece of my heart :)

...got volunteered to be on the committee for American Education Week this week. So I've gotten to help put all our goodies together and pass them out this week. Fun times :)

...wonder why the price of international postage has gone up so much. Geez...

...didn't eXpect one of my students to do as well as he did on a reading test. PRAISE JESUS for FINALLY breaking through on this child and helping him understand what's going on. I seriously almost cried when I finished grading his test :)

...do not like yams. Whoever says that yams and sweet potatoes taste the same is lying. Yuck!

...wish I was a zillionaire. I'd give anything to be able to just hop on a plane and fly anywhere around the world at a moment's notice and not have to worry about the cost - but pay my tithes and offerings first, of course :)

The 125th Dear ____ Post

Dear Veterans Day, You were this past Tuesday. You provided me a day off from school, which I was, of course, grateful for. But more than that, you provided me a day to focus on my freedom as an American and the sacrifices made by all the men and women that have allowed me this freedom.

Dear Leopard Print, You have suddenly made an appearance in my life. Thanks for the way you accent my outfits so well.

Dear Thanksgiving Meal at School, I have one word for you... Delicious! 

Dear Games, I've found some newer versions of you to use with some of my students struggling with math. It's been nice seeing how excited they get over finally learning a tricky subject while playing a game on the computer or iPad. I love it!

Dear High 20s, You're what the temps were yesterday and are supposed to be most of the weekend. Brrr...

Dear My Two Favorite Girls, You're coming over tomorrow night for supper. I can't wait to see you two (and your parents too, of course).

Dear 319, You're how old 2014 is today. It's so strange to think that this year is almost over. Where has the time gone?

Dear Conversations with Children, You are usually quite enlightening and entertaining. What a fun part of my job!

Dear Quote on Prayer, I found you the other day and thought you were just perfect for me and my life. Thanks for showing up at just the right time :)

Dear Dumb and Dumber To, You came out in theaters this weekend and you look hilarious! I can't wait to see you!

Dear M&Ms, You're a nice snack. I've laughed at myself a few times, thinking I needed to "ration" you and make you last as long as possible. I also have done that with peanut butter, my Dr. Pepper, and some Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes. I wonder how long I'll have this mentality of "I've got to make this last because who knows when I'll be able to find more..." Living out of the country will do that to you :)

Dear Lime and Garlic Salsa, I bought you to go with our meal today. You were on sale, so I thought it'd be fun to try you out since you were so cheap. I have to be honest... You're ok. But I doubt is buy you again.

Dear Duck Dynasty, Your new episodes start this coming Wednesday. Yay! :)

Dear Mail, I love when I have you. There's just something about getting a letter or a card in which someone took the time to actuall (hand)write to me. It makes my heart happy :)

Dear 29, You're how old I am. I feel like I'm in this weird in between type stage. There are days that I feel young - like I'm still in college, still not officially a "grown up". And then there are other days that I feel like I really am a grown up. I've got a grown up job. I pay bills. I moved back home to take care of my parents. 29, You're a weird age. 

Dear America, I love you and I'm proud to call you mine. 

Dear Walmart, I braved you after work last night to pick up some groceries. Oh my word... You were a madhouse. I think the closer to the holidays we get, the more the madness comes out.

Dear Dum Dums, You're my bribe of choice with my students for having good behavior throughout the week and they totally love you!

Dear Just Kidding, You're what I was during that last item. After all, I'd never bribe a child. No, never... :)

Dear LOL, You're what I totally just literally did at myself. Yes, I know. I'm a dork :)

Dear Beef Jerky, Who would have ever thought there were so many flavors of you? You're not something I typically buy, but I needed a couple bags for a care package I was sending to somebody. I just never realized how many choices there were...

Dear Love God Sweet Tea and the SEC, You're what's written on my newest t-shirt. How fun! :)

Dear Bible, Thank you for being there for me, for teaching me, for guiding and correcting me, and for helping me. Thanks for being inspired by God. Thanks for being true and holy and perfect. Thanks for being the best book in my life. 

Now Serving...Alphabet Soup

I...

...learned how to administer an epi-pen and an asthma inhaler today. Our nurse had to train at least 2 people to be "medical assistants..." who'd be able to go on field trips and could administer that potentially life-saving medicine in the event that the nurse was not present. Can we just all pray that I never ever have to administer either of those?

...bought 3 Christmas presents this past weekend. Yay for shopping early and hopefully beating the crowds! :)

...am considering visiting the outlets in Foley (near Gulf Shores) the first Saturday of December. I'm thinking I could get all my Christmas gifts there for much, much cheaper than here. So who wants to go with me? :)

...drove out yesterday to see where my mom lived for part of her growing up years. There's just something about being out in the country. I love it!

...am an early riser. I always have been. I'd much rather wake up super early to get a task done than have to stay up late at night to do it.

...was feeling very patriotic yesterday, while writing my Veterans Day post. I so love my home country!

...enjoyed going out for lunch with my parents yesterday. We went to a good ol' home cookin' style place. It was so good!

...am constantly humming Christmas carols to myself. I love this time of year!

...will be taking Introduction to Theology: A Pentacostal Perspective in January. And so far, I'm thoroughly enjoying the textbook for this class!

...have jotted down so many notes while studying for that class. Y'all this book has been quote-worthy from page 1. I'm loving it!

...love working with kids. There's almost never a dull moment :) 

...sometimes miss living on my own. I love my parents and I so love being here with them. But after 5 years of being out on my own, I do sometimes miss having my own place... Does that make sense?

...took a stroll down memory lane the other day when I found the picture below. It was the day I met my oldest niece. She was only 4 1/2 months old. They all surprised me at the airport by bringing her to meet me :)

...needed to hear our Small Group lesson this past Sunday night. God has been dealing with me on that topic for a while now and I've lately been finding myself consumed by it, which is so not good. I'm thankful for His perfect timing!

...ordinarily don't buy much for myself. But I decided to buy a couple Christmas presents for myself at the craft fair this weekend. My favorite purchase...a new tote bag for work. It's super cute and practical too. So double score on it! :)

...purchased two new books to help me better understand the Common Core Standards and how I can use them to the best of my ability. 

...love this quote from Abraham Lincoln that I found the other day...

...received a package in the mail the other day, containing a new scarf and some lovely smelling handmade soap. Yay for Scarf Swap '14!

...have a new favorite t-shirt. See? :)

...was thankful for a day off yesterday. The best 2 parts? ...not having to set an alarm and spending the day with my favorite Veteran.

...don't understand how people can just pick and choose what to believe from the Bible. How can you totally disregard certain parts? I just can't understand that.

...watched the Bama versus LSU game this past Saturday. What a game! I especially liked how all the smack talking by LSU fans mysteriously stopped when they realized Bama was beating them :)

...worked my tail off for 8 years in college. I'm so thankful for the 2 degrees I have, certifying me to teach in 3 different educational "arenas."

...eXcitedly looking forward to Thanksgiving, especially since it will be the first one spent with my family since 2008!

...sometimes yearn for a simpler life. I realize God is clearly trying to teach me a lesson. I just wish He'd make things a little easier. That's all :)

...have learned to zip my lips when faced with certain situations. I've done so well this past week at keeping my thoughts to myself about a situation that I was faced with. And I must say... That's a huge step for me! Go me and my zipped lips! :)