Day 142 - Patience


Patience is a virtue. Patience is a virtue. Patience is a virtue. A mantra that is sometimes the only thing that gets me through the day. That and caffeine. *wink*

A big, nasty, what-do-I-do-here situation came up in class today. Fortunately I have an amazing set of parents (of the kids in my class) who worked with me via email to come up with appropriate consequences for the situation.

But man was I ready for 3pm, even if I do love them to bits!

I am thankful that God is patient with me and that allows me to be patient with these little children.

I am thankful that, while frustrating, it's not the end of the world.

I am thankful that I have a big bowl of dark chocolate, peanut M&M's at home!





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Day 141 - When It Rains... It Pours!

 
Yesterday was a heck of a day, and today started out little better.

My husband, who works from home, woke up to realize that our internet connection was out due to a storm in the area. So we needed to figure out what he was going to do asap.

We decided that he would take me to work and then stay in town at the central office to try to get some work done until the lines came back up. Easy-peasy, not a big deal.

Hop in the car at 6:50am, we're actually leaving a few minutes early and I'm excited to be at work on time!

Sixty long minutes later I got to work late. There had been a stalled 18-wheeler and my normal 18 minute drive turned into an hour! I got to work about 1 minute before school started. Yikes!

Good news though, I wasn't late for class and the internet is back up at home!

I am thankful that I wasn't actually late to pick up my class at morning assembly.

I am thankful that my husband had a place to go while the lines were being worked on.

I am thankful that we have an excuse to eat out tonight (since he will have to come back and pick me up after 5!). So no cooking :-)

Hope you're having an amazing day!


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Day 140 - Tiny Tuesday {Late}


Such a little thing can cause a huge ripple effect.

For example, my alarm clock not going off this morning. Just a little piece of technology, that when it fails, has the ability to cause quite a tailspin.

I bolted upright this morning and saw that it was bright outside my window. Right away I knew something was terribly wrong, since I normally leave my house while it's still dark.

Two seconds later my phone rang. 

"Victoria, are you ok??"

"MY ALARM DIDN'T GO OFF!!! I'll be there in 40 minutes!"

I am so blessed to have co-workers who know that I would never leave them hanging on purpose and who so kindly stepped up to help with my class until I could get to school.

When I walked through the door at 8:35 my class came running to me, telling me how glad they were that I made it (and that they wouldn't have to have a sub).

So amazing that my class and I have the type of relationship that causes them to prefer their own teacher than a sub (which most times would mean an easier day)!

Once the adrenaline from the rushed morning wore off a little bit, a migraine set in and I could barely open my eyes. My class once again stepped up and kept quite during seat-work time and even during free time. What a blessing to have nine little 5-6 year olds care enough to stay quiet until my headache went away (which it now has!!)

I am thankful co-workers who are willing to help pick up the slack with I stumble.

I am thankful a class who was so sweet to help me when my headache got too bad.

I am thankful that, despite a rocky start, this day is going well!


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Day 139 - Manic Monday



After the storms of the weekend (I love to sleep and just relax when it's storming!) and lots of fun with family and friends, I'm not quite ready to get back to work.

But then, I hardly ever am on Monday morning.

I was able to get all my lesson plans done through Thanksgiving break though! So that's a huge blessing!

I am thankful for the weekend of fun and rest.

I am thankful for the focus that was granted to me so that I was able to finish my lesson plans.

I am thankful that in just a few days it will be November. I can't believe it!


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Day 139 - Super Short Sunday


I am thankful that our power didn't go out in the storm last night. I know many people who did lose power in our area.

I am thankful that my husband got up with me during the eye of the storm (at 4:30am!!) to watch a movie until it passed.

I am thankful that we hadn't watched our new copy of Joss Whedon's Much Ado About Nothing and were able to enjoy that this morning :-)

Hoping the rest of your Sunday is amazing!


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Day 138 - Little Pumpkin

 
I am thankful that I got to see both of my brothers, my sister in law, AND my little niece tonight!

I am thankful that I have such a beautiful little niece to cuddle and love!

I am thankful that I have one more day left in this weekend. :-)

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Day 137 - Last Minute Friday

Today has been such a full day. 

Up at 5am to get to school on time... 

Half day with my class and then parent teacher conferences until 4pm....

Vision banquet event for my school from 5:15 - 10:00pm...

Wonderful chat with my mother in law until 10:30!

I can't believe I'm still awake! I'm even posting on my phone from bed. Going to sleep asap!

I am thankful that God got me through the day safely.

I am thankful that I am home with my wonderful husband.

I am thankful that I get to sleep in tomorrow!

Goodnight!

- Victoria
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Day 136 - Traffic


Driving to work it struck me. No not another car, though I wouldn't have been surprised; a thought struck me.

Traffic is a powerful testament to God's protection over each one of us every single day.

Without His guiding hand, surly many of those near misses we experience each day would be wrecks.

I am thankful that God holds all things in His hands.

I am thankful that He provides so much protection.

I am thankful that for 40 minutes everyday, I get to see the real reminders of His protections!

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Day 135 - End of the Day

 

Well, I made it.

Thank you God for getting me through another day. It is by Your grace and strength alone that I can put one foot in front of another. I am so grateful for Your faithfulness.

I am thankful for a God who knows where I am mentally and spiritually.

I am thankful for a God who cares where I am mentally and spiritually.

I am thankful that no matter where I happen to be, He provides my every need.

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Day 134 - Teacher Bladder {Tiny Thanks}




Teacher bladder. It's a real thing.

It may be something that you are not excited to hear about, but today it is one of the many things that I am extremely thankful for.

Here's why.

10:30am - Knock on the door...

"Ahem, excuse me. I just wanted to let you know that the bathrooms will not be available for the next two hours due to plumbing work."

WHAT???

Deep breaths. DEEP breaths. Everything will be fine. Yes you have a class full of little children, but It. Will. Be. Fine.

"Can they wait 15 minutes so that I can take my class now?"

"Yes that will be fine."
 Whew. Crisis averted.

11:45 - Realizing that I took my class to the bathroom, but not myself. That's ok, I'm a big girl... I can hold it.

1:15 - Still no bathrooms...

2:15pm - Over the loud speaker...

*Krrk* "Teachers, please be aware that all bathrooms on campus are now shutdown. Please be patient and we hope to have them working again in 1 hour."

4:30pm - Still no bathrooms...

I am so thankful that I have developed such an iron clad teacher bladder! ("Eeeww" and "Yay" at the same time!)

I am thankful that God was so wonderful with my kiddos. There were no accidents and we all made it through the day.

I am thankful that no matter what the circumstances, all the things work to the good of those who love Him. :-)

Wishing you a never ending supply of available bathrooms *wink*



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Day 133 - Manic Monday



The alarm bleeped it's hideous siren at an unholy hour this morning.

My sleep filled eyes searched for the time in hopes that the sound was coming from my nightmare; praying that I could sleep for just a little while longer.

Alas, it was not to be.

So here I am. For another manic Monday.

I'm not sure why Monday is really all that hard. I mean, I know I'm coming off of the freedom of the weekend, but still. 

As a kid I just knew that Monday would be easier as an adult. Heh. Boy was I wrong!

In times like this, I am reminded of God's faithfulness. He gets me through each day, most of the time with far more energy and grace than could possibly be expected.

I am thankful that God looks past my complaints and grants me patience and strength.

I am thankful that when satan attacks my sleep, God lifts me up with more energy than I know what to do with.

I am thankful that I get to extend God's grace and love to these little kiddos today :-)

Wishing you a happy and not-so-manic Monday.




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Day 132 - Super Short Sunday


I am thankful that I was able to haggle the price down on a new couch. We saved 40%!

I am thankful that my brother was available to help bring said new couch home.

I am thankful that this weekend, despite quite a bit of running around, has been very restful.

Hopefully your weekend has been wonderful too!


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Day 131 - Fall Festival



Had a great time today getting to see most of my class today at our school's Fall Festival.

The way they squeal and run up to me, you'd think they had seen me in years, instead of the 20 hours it's really been!

I am so thankful that the weather cooperated and the festival didn't get rained out.

I am thankful that I have such a sweet and loving set of kids in my class.

I am thankful that the get to work at such a wonderful school!

I hope the weather where you are is as amazing as the weather here!


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Day 130 - Laundry {Five Minute Friday}



Laundry. Ugh.

That word evokes emotions in me that are less than pleasant.

I can almost feel the crushing weight of the many, many loads awaiting me in the clean clothes basket beside my dresser... and on the couch... and in the arm chair... and still left in the dryer.

It seems that most people have at least one chore that they hate above all others. For me, it's laundry.

It wasn't always that way. When I first got married, I prided myself in keeping everything neat and tidy.

But, as they say, time changes everything.

Now it's just one more household chore that has to be done day in and day out.

There is a blessing in the laundry though. My husband doesn't mind dealing with it at all! *wink*

I am thankful that I have been blessed with such an amazing partner.

I am thankful that he is truly a helpmate.

I am thankful that the chores I hate, he doesn't mind, and vice versa.

Happy weekend! I hope it is not filled with too much laundry!


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Day 129 - Fall


Pumpkin Spice this-and-that litter the shelves and menus of every place I visit.

The smells of baking apples and spices lingers in the air in all my favorite stores. 

Fall is officially here.

The rain, the cool breezes, the crisp feeling in the air... I'm so in love with this season.

I am thankful that God would create such a beautiful system of seasons... and that we here in Texas get to enjoy them. Sometimes :-)

I am thankful that this year the cooler weather is actually colliding with the proper season.

I am thankful that fall is only just getting started!





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Day 128 - Relief

Whew, it's been an emotional week.

And really, I'm not sure why. Nothing has gone all that wrong. But it just seems like each little thing has come at exactly the wrong time.

I know god is growing my heart, I can tell because there were some serious growing pains this week!

However, with the completion of my observation today I have a huge sense of relief. Like a 500lb weight has been lifted from my shoulders... If only some of those pounds had come from my waist. *wink*

I am thankful that this week is winding down.

I am thankful that others were so patient with me this week.

I am very thankful for the beautiful and energizing weather we were blessed with today.

Praying that your week is going well!

-Victoria 
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Day 127 - Tiny Tuesday {Imitation}


My sweet class is such a source of joy.

Don't get me wrong, they're also the reason I'm developing an odd bald spot above either temple where I constantly grip my hair in frustration.

But most days, it's all good stuff.

I love getting to listen in on their little conversations and hear myself imitated.

I pray that God helps me to be a source of all good and just things in their life. It's a big responsibility, but I love to see and hear that God is having an impact on their lives through me.

They say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. I don't know about that, but it is one of my favorite parts of the job :-)
I am thankful that God gives me the words to speak into their lives and that I am not relying on my own wisdom to guide them. 

I am thankful that I get to hear these pearls of wisdom that God grants to me repeated out of the mouths of 5-6 year olds.

I am thankful that I get to be their teacher... even with the bald spots.


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Day 126 - Manic Monday



Heh.

Do you remember yesterday when I said I really didn't have as much to do as I first thought?

Lies. Terrible, stressful lies. There is much to do.

One of the biggest events being that I have an observation with the Headmaster this week, and though he is so very kind, I am so very nervous.

Having a bunch of 5-6 year old children in my class, you never know what's going to come out of those sweet little mouths.

That is happening on Wednesday. Please pray for me! 

I am thankful that I have so many to turn to when I am overwhelmed who will help put things into perspective for me. 

I am thankful that in a few days this week will be done with, come what may.

I am thankful that in the grand scheme of things, these issues are nothing :-)



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Day 125 - Super Short Sunday

I am thankful that my husband knows how to help me find a foothold when I am stressing out. (A little Into The Future essential oil in the diffuser!)

I am thankful that making lists calms me down.

I am thankful that I really don't have as much to do this week as I first thought :-)

Praying for a restful Sunday for you!



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Day 124 - Rainy with a Change of Brain Fog


The weather has been so amazing today. That plus a few additions and it's been a good day.

Rain and thunder, a birthday celebration for my mom, and some deep cleaning have rounded out the time well. But it's left me in a bit of a fog.

Do you ever have those days? No matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to get your thoughts together?

I'm hoping that I snap out of it soon!

I am thankful that my husband can keep my on track when needed :-)

I am thankful that I didn't have anything too terribly pressing today.

I am thankful that I have a whole other day left in my weekend!

I hope your day has been full of productivity and relaxation!


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Day 123 - Feeling Frazzled Friday

I stared at this screen for hours today, but the words just won't flow through my hands.

So I will leave you with a few thankful thoughts.

I am thankful that my allergy medicine kicked in so quickly today and I was able to enjoy the day with my sweet little class.

I am thankful for the beautiful sweet girls in my class who always ask to hold my hand when we go from class to class.

I am thankful that it is Friday. Truly, truly thankful.
See y'all tomorrow.

-Victoria
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Day 122 - Timing



Two months ago I sat down with my husband to discuss Christmas plans.

That may sound way too early to be talking about Christmas, after all, it was still in the 100's outside! But since I've been making homemade gifts for my family, I usually start in February with all the projects.

For me, Christmas is year round!

And for the past few years my in-laws have joined the two of us and my family to have one big Christmas celebration. That is such a wonderful time. I've talked about the relationship I have with my in-laws and Christmas has helped so much to solidify and grow that relationship.

They usually stay at my parents house, but this year, I really wanted them to stay with us. So we decided we would get a murphy bed with a nice pillow top mattress for them to sleep on while they are here.

To just buy a pre-made murphy bed can cost "as little" as $2500 and on up into the tens of thousands range.

We decided to build.

I priced out the parts for the project and we began saving.

Finally the day came to order the parts; this past Tuesday in fact. After all the extra fees that were added on for this and that, our total was almost $200 more than we had planned for!

I called my husband and we decided to shuffle some money around and go ahead and buy the parts. I was a little bummed, but I was trying to be excited about finally getting the project started.

A little voice whispered in my mind to check eBay first.

Now, I normally do this, but there hadn't been any parts available when I checked the day before. But I checked again.

Listed just that morning was the exact part that I needed for $50 less than we had originally saved! Add onto that the $25 for shipping we were well ahead.

I added the item to my cart and was about to hit the final ok when I saw the seller's handle, something to do with Texas, and it made it stop.

I clicked on it only to discover that they lived in the same city as I do.

Two minutes later I had emailed him about meeting in person and saving both of us some time and money. He responded that he would love that and would have his wife text me.

Thirty minutes later, his wife and I discovered that we spend our afternoons literally on the same street. 

She brought the part with her and I grabbed it after work.

Only God could so perfectly orchestrate something like that!

I am thankful that God's timing is always perfect.

I am thankful that He always provides for my needs.

I am thankful that decent, honest, trustworthy people really do still exist!






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Day 121 - Patience



I prayed for patience a long time ago, and sometimes I think that it was one of the most life changing things I have ever done. Take it from me, do not pray for patience unless you're ready for God to grant that request.

Six years ago I prayed for more patience in general and man, oh man has He come through. I have been asked to wait for so many things. And most of them have been without explanation or reason. 

I do my best to walk in faith and follow God's path for my life.

Some days it is very difficult.

Some days I fail.

But God has been so faithful to continue placing tests and trails in my path. And I know it has helped me to grow so much.

I am so thankful that God is more patient with me than I sometimes am with others.

I am thankful that God would take the time to shape my character.

I am thankful that, even though I fail often, I know this is a worthwhile endeavor.


















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Day 120 - 55° {Tiny Tuesday}


I am so thankful that when I walked out the door this morning, on my way to work, that the temperature gauge read 55°.

I am thankful that the cooler weather allows my class to be outside for longer each day.

I am thankful that we have had several days in a row of amazing weather! Please God, don't let up!


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Day 119 - Heart of Stone


This weekend I had an amazing opportunity to witness the work that God has done in my heart over the course of this Year of Thanks project.

I set out with the goal of growing a thankful heart and I feel like that idea  is really taking root in my heart with each passing day.

Like I said, this weekend was a great witness to that work.

After church yesterday my husband and I went to my parents house to grab a few things that they had picked up for us. About five minutes into our stop, my little brother (17) came into the living room with a pained look on his face.

"I hit the back of your car." He was devastated. 

He was waiting for the hammer to fall and he just knew it was going to fall hard.

"It's fine, don't worry about it at all." Were the first words out of my mouth.

To fully understand this whole story we have to flash back to Saturday...

I was looking at my old 13 year old Honda. It's a great car. Runs well, looks great... except for one little part. The back right bumper. 

A deer ran into it about 5 years ago and we still hadn't gotten it fixed. Money and the time to have it fixed just never seemed to coincide. 

Just this past Saturday I was looking at that back bumper and praying that we would be able to have it fixed soon. It really is the only part of the car that gives away the age of the car and I was planning to start saving for the body work.

And we're back to Sunday.

I walked out to assess the damage and literally the only part of the car that was damaged was the back right bumper!

My very first thought was of thankfulness. Even in this, God has our best in mind.

I prayed for that part to be replaced and my brother hit that part and nothing else.

I could have been upset and scolded him, but instead I high-fived him for being the bringer of answered prayers.

What a wonderful perspective to have! Six months ago that would not have been my reaction.

I am thankful that God laid the idea of Year of Thanks on my heart and wouldn't let it go until I followed through.

I am thankful that God loves me enough to push me out of my comfort zone in order to help me be a better person of character.

I am thankful that this one little act is such a confirmation of what God is doing in my life and in my heart.

Here's to the next 246 days of growth!






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Day 118 - Super Short Sunday


I am thankful that I get to go to church for the first time in three weeks!

I am thankful that this week has been free from family tragedies and illness.

I am thankful that the weather is so unbelievably beautiful today!

I hope your Sabbath has been wonderful!








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Day 117 - Book Fair


What makes a perfect Saturday?

Rain.

Cold breezes.

A fall drink in hand.

And a book fair! 

The local library is having a book fair this weekend. I am such a sucker for 25 cent books... that's probably why our library numbers in the 3000+ book range.
I am thankful that my husband loves books (and reading) as much as I do.

I am thankful that we enough room to have all of our books beautifully displayed.

I am thankful that it is finally fall... summer was too long!

I hope your Saturday is amazing!


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Day 116 - Write {Five Minute Friday}




Linking up with Lisa Jo Baker and her sweet, wonderful community for Five Minute Friday!

No editing, just five minutes of pure writing.

Go.

Writing.

It seems like the only way this ADD brain came manage to get a single thought out is through writing.

Even my prayers tend to be written out. If I don't channel my thoughts on paper, they float around and I realize that after just a few minutes I've jumped somehow to making a mental meal plan for the next week.

More than just a useful way to focus, writing ideas seem to spring up everywhere. A funny sentence or a stray object can spark an idea and off I go.

My fingers flying across the keyboard, or with pen in hand they fly across the paper... desperate to release the sudden flood of ideas.

I love those moments... hours... days. Full of inspiration and blessed with the time to write it all down, that's when I feel I'm truly where I should be; when I'm writing.

It is one of my heart's true desires to be able to write full time.

I so love my little class of Kindergarteners, but I am so tired at the end of the day that not much writing takes place.

But that longing has not been taken away, so I know that someday I will write again.

Even now, it comes in fits and spurts. Just this week I sat down and wrote several thousand words on the novel I am currently working on.

I am ever thankful for the gifts and blessings that I have been granted in this life, and the love and ability to write is nothing short of a blissful blessing!

I am thankful for this love of writing that God has blessed me with.

I am thankful for the unending inspiration that He grants.

I am thankful for the longing in my heart to write more. I know that God has a purpose for that desire and I can't wait to find out what it is!


Stop.


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