Day 226 - Late Night

I got a call tonight at 7pm; a mom with a sewing crisis!

Pretty fun that I was her first call :-)

She came over and we worked on the outfit until midnight! We got it to the point that she will only have a few hours to work on it tomorrow before it's finished.

But I have now been up for almost a full 24 hours... so I'm going to bed. Goodnight my friends.

I am thankful that I was able to help a friend in need.

I am thankful that it was so much fun.

I am thankful that I get to sleep now :-)

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Day 225 - Blocked

Today has felt like my mind is under lock and key.

Everything that I have tried to get done has been halted as soon as it's begun.

If you've never experienced this, be glad! It's terribly frustrating!

I am thankful that God's plan never fails. If He wants me to accomplish something, nothing will stand in the way.

I am thankful that God grants strength when it is needed, whether we think it is or not.

I am thankful that He has given me the desire to accomplish these things. I look forward to seeing them done!

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Day 224 - Excited

It constantly amazing to me how I can lose sight of all the wonderful things in my life and focus on the negative.

It never ceases that satan tries to distract me from God's plan and blessings.

A few days of self-pity and prayers for wisdom and God snaps me back into shape.

I am so excited for what the future holds and hopefully I will be able to remember that for longer than the attention span of a brain-damaged lab rat!

I am thankful that God is willing to remind me of His blessings when I forget. 

I am thankful that His blessings are all around me.

I am thankful that my resistance to satan's lies is getting stronger and stronger everyday. 

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Day 223 - Snow Day, the Sequel

I'm really not sure if I will be able to deal with a full 5 day week after all these breaks!

But I was glad for the break today. Turns out that I woke up sick anyway, but I didn't have to miss a day at school.

I am thankful that I was able to stay home and rest today.

I am thankful that because I was able to rest up for a full day, it looks like I'll be able to head back to school tomorrow.

I am thankful that I won't have to drive on ice to get there :-)

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Day 222 - Manic Monday

Today is the first Monday we've had in 2 weeks! I've gotten used to Monday's off... and last week with a Monday holiday AND a snow day, it was a three day week!

Not sure how I'm going to handle a five day week... but rumor has it that we might have another snow day tomorrow. Here's hoping!!

I am thankful that God is ever patient and liberal with His mercies towards me.

I am thankful that He grants me and abundance of love so that I may pass it on to my students.

I am thankful that He will get me through anything... even through a five day week :-)

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Day 221 - Super Short Sunday

Almond flour pancakes.

Sweet potato hash browns.

Green smoothies and 3 more pounds gone.

It's been a great day :-)

I am thankful that sweet potato hash browns are so dang good!

I am thankful that green smoothies are waaaaay better than they sound.

I am thankful for yet another week of God's faithfulness in helping us stay on this very straight and narrow path to regaining our health.

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Day 220 - Game Day

Today I get to host 5 teenage boys, my youngest brother among them, for a game day.

They come over every other Saturday to play games with my husband. :-)

We don't do football here, but gamers are always welcome!

I'm so thankful that my brother and husband get along so well.

I am thankful that I have the privilege of hosting my brother's friends and helping to give them a fun safe place to meet.

I am thankful that fun is had by all :-)

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Day 219 - Snow Day

 That's right. A snow day in South Texas!

I know there are many Northerners who are laughing at us right now. With our paltry flakes of snow barely amassed on the tops of our cars.

However this is a day that Texas school children have dreamed of, but never really dared to hope for. A day off of school, not for a hurricane, or threat of tornado... but for SNOW!

Hallelujah, glory be to God!

I know my students are thrilled that their prayers were answered.

I am thankful that we get a day off to enjoy this beautiful winter day!

I am thankful that it's not going to stay this cold/icy for long ;-)

I am thankful that I know this day will be talked about for years! "But do you remember when we really DID get a snow day??"

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Day 218 - Little Reminder

I wrote those words quite a while ago. But man, did I need a reminder this week.

This week has been difficult for a few of my students, and consequently me.

I wish that I could say I responded to every situation with a smile and a sickly-sweet word of wisdom.

But I can't. 

This classroom is real; I am real and so are my students.

I pray that I am giving them real Christian principles to lean on during hard times. I pray that they will continue to trust me and work hard at the tasks set before them.

Not just math and phonics, but also the growing of Christian character. 

Learning how to love others, to put their needs before your own. 

Learning how to trust God with your life and struggles.

Learning how to be patient.

Learning how to pray, to thank God, and to seek His wisdom.

God help me to remember that I too need grace and patience. Remind me (gently please) that I too am stubborn and thick-headed at times. Help me to have the love and kindness that You show to me every day.

They are little. And so am I.

I am thankful that God doesn't get frustrated when I ask the same question for the gazillionth time. 

I am thankful that His reminders are usually gentle. 

I am thankful that I get to be in a position to grow my own Christian character in addition to helping my students grow theirs.

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Day 217 - Tiny Tuesday

I am thankful that God has continued to grant me motivation.

I am thankful that this new diet is working SO quickly!

I am thankful that I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

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Day 216 - Relaxation Monday

Usually Mondays are crazy.

Trying to corral a room full of 5 and 6 year old kids after the freedom of the weekend is tough.

There are lots of questions like "why do we have to (do this thing that we do every single day)?" or "can't we just (do this thing that we are never allowed to do)?"... and even though I love them and am so glad that I get to be a guiding part of their lives... it's difficult!

But today I'm at home.

It's Martin Luther King Jr. day and we don't have school!

So I will rest up and enjoy the silence while I can. I hope your day (holiday even?) is filled with whatever you enjoy the most!

I am thankful that I get to spend the day at home making food for the next week.

I am thankful that my husband works from home. Even though he doesn't have the day off, I still get to see him!

I am thankful that this next week will be a short one.

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Day 215 - Super Short Sunday

I am thankful that the glass bulb that EXPLODED today didn't hurt anyone.

I am thankful that tomorrow is a school holiday.

I am thankful that we finally got the Christmas tree put away!

- Victoria

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Day 214 - Progress

Today has been a great day of progress. 

Being able to look at the time we are putting into this new effort and see that even though it it difficult it is totally worthwhile.

I am thankful that God has bolstered us against temptation.

I am thankful that though it won't be all smooth sailing, He will continue to help us.

- Victoria 

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Day 213 - Encouragement {Five Minute Friday}

More often than not encouragement comes from others.

A kind word. A nod of approval over a project... and so on.

But where do you find encouragement for those struggles that you don't share with anyone?

How to you get over the hump of frustration, fear, or uncertainty?

I know that during my darkest time dealing with childlessness I just let myself wallow in that fear and frustration. I didn't tell anyone that I was struggling.

I don't even think I fully realized that was going on.

But there was One who knew the whole time.

My Heavenly Father.

He saw my heart, my pain. He reached out His hand and I swatted it down.

It wasn't until I was completely broken that I turned my face to Him, looking for that hand.

When I took hold of it, I found not only encouragement that He would get me through anything; but I also found hope, courage, comfort, and peace.

In a world that fosters the mindset of keeping everything to yourself lest you be thought a "Drama Queen"... how will you find your encouragement?

Turn to The One who knows your struggles better than you yourself. He will lift you higher than you could possibly imagine.

I am thankful that God never thinks me a "Drama Queen". 

I am thankful that He knows exactly what I am dealing with and lifts me up accordingly.

I am thankful that my encouragement and hope comes from no man, but The Creator Himself.

Linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker and the Five Minute Friday community here! 
 

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Day 212 - The Valley

I had the chance to speak with an alteration client yesterday whom I have know for a few years.

She knows the struggles I've had with childlessness and always wants an update when I see her.

We spent about 30 minutes chatting on her front porch and she said something that really got me to thinking.

"I'm so glad you can walk with God while you're in this valley."

I was temporarily blown away.

All the work I've seen God do in my life over the last year shows me that I'm not in a valley. I might have thought I was at one point. But I never was.

I'm just walking the path that God has for me. And the "valley" is all in your mindset.

I told her as much and she started laughing. "Good for you" she said.

It was a great visit, and even more than that, it really helped me to see how far God has brought me in the last 12 months.

I am thankful that the valley mindset is far from me.

I am thankful that God is on this path with me... I wouldn't make it on my own.

I am thankful that such a simple comment could bring such reflection.

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Day 211 - Evaluation

 
All my evaluations of the 2013/2014 are over!

I had my 2nd semester visit from the Headmaster today.

The kids were amazing and everything went really well. Glad to be done with that for both my sake and the kids. They were really, really nervous, whereas I didn't even get a single butterfly!

I am thankful that God gave me the calm confidence to teach as I always do, even in front of my boss.

I am thankful that I was able to help the kids relax somewhat and that they too performed as they always do.

I am thankful that the week is all smooth sailing from here!

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Day 210 - {Tiny Tuesday}

I am thankful for so many big things that sometimes it's really hard to come up with something small to give thanks for!

But after dinner tonight I can say without a doubt that one tiny thing I am SUPER grateful for is garlic.

I made kale. Which is very good for you... but I'm not very fond of the flavor.

So I chopped it up, threw it in the skillet with some butter, salt/pepper/garlic and let it brown a bit. The garlic did wonders for the taste!

I am thankful that God provided us with such amazing food in nature.

I am thankful that all the nutrients that we need are freely given by The Creator.

I am thankful that we are not doomed to a life of bland dishes!

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Day 209 - Monday, Now Brought to You With ENERGY!

That's right, you read that correctly!

A Monday that is FULL OF ENERGY! What's happening??

I love it!

This new diet that we are trying is working amazingly well, to say the least.

With other things that we have tried there has been very little change in our physical situation, even after 6 months of diligence. That can be SO frustrating and discouraging.

Not this time.

Even after day 3 I felt a huge change.

At this point (day 14) almost all of my Candida symptoms are gone and I've lost about 12 pounds.

My energy is through the roof and I am so relieved that we didn't just throw in the towel after the last failed attempt.

PRAISE GOD!

Just wanted to update y'all. Please continue to pray that all continues as it has; I truly appreciate all the prayers and support!

I am thankful that GOD is faithful to see us through the hard times.

I am thankful that He did not let me relax into a place of defeat.

I am thankful that His power of healing will be seen through my life.

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Day 208 - Super Short Sunday

I am thankful that I got to see my little niece today for her baby dedication at church. 

I am thankful that I got to spend the afternoon with family!

I am thankful that once again I was able to go to a restaurant and not cheat on my new diet! 

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Day 207 - Field Trip

My dad called me up today to take a trip with my mom and him.

They found a property that they are thinking about purchasing and wanted me to go too!

It was a great day of dreaming and planning, driving and chatting.

A wonderful way to spend a Saturday!

I am thankful for the chance to spend time with my parents.

I am thankful that I was able to maintain my diet during an impromptu 6 hour day trip. 

I am thankful that God seems to be unfolding a plan for our family right now!

- Victoria 

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Day 206 - Whew... Made It!

The first week back to school after a long break it always difficult.

But we made it through.

All of us; the teachers, the students, the parents... It's done!

The kids did amazingly well. I am seriously so proud of them! The break really did them a lot of good and they came back refreshed and ready to learn!

I hope next week (our first full 5 days back) goes just as well!

I am thankful that this first week is under our belts.

I am thankful that I have an opportunity to sleep in tomorrow.

I am thankful that I wasn't even tempted to cheat on my diet. We're on day 11 and I'll have an update for you on Monday.

Happy weekend!

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Day 205 - Rest

Well, rest was only halfway achieved last night.

After a few hours of sleep I was wide awake.

I probably would have been fine if I had just gotten up and done something in those wee hours of the morning.

But I didn't.

I let myself drift in an out of sleep for the next few hours which really seems to have messed me up!

Not tonight.

Tonight I hope to sleep like my dear niece here!

And if I happen to wake up at some seemingly ungodly hour... I will get up! God must have something He wants me to do with that time.

I am thankful that I at least got enough sleep last night to make it through the day.

I am thankful that today is Thursday and there is only one more work day left in this week.

I am thankful that in just one day I get to sleep in for as long as my body will let me!

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Day 204 - Sleep

This is exactly how I feel right now.

I got a great deal of rest over the Christmas break... and even the night before my first day back I was able to get about 10 hours.

That's where my amazing sleep story begins and my horror story of missed REM cycles begins.

Monday night, I only slept in 15 minute increments.

Last night, I only slept 3 hours.

At this point I am so exhausted that I'm not even sure that I'm really typing this. Maybe I'm just staring at the screen and hallucinating the words as they form on the post.

But I digress.

SLEEP! I need it. Goodnight.

I am thankful that God saw me through two full days of teaching when I really hadn't gotten enough sleep to even function on my own, much less with a bunch of little kids in my care.

I am thankful that I didn't get in any wrecks going to and from work over the past two days.

I am thankful that it is only 8:40pm and I am ready to lay down to sleep. Yeah. Not even ashamed to admit that. :-)

Goodnight all!

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Day 203 - Tiny Tuesday {Two-Vowel Words}

Today was an amazing day back to school.

After spending quite a bit of time mentally evaluating each of my students over the Christmas break, I began to have some fears that I wasn't living up to the standards I have for myself as their teacher.

I worried that I hadn't firmly enough ingrained this fact or that bit of knowledge into their little brains...

I spent many hours planning exactly how I was going to remedy this lapse once school started again.

First crack out of the gate we were rolling.

Math problems on the board. 

Reading races.

Review after review.

They remembered everything so well in fact that I was able to move on to two-vowel words today. This is something that I had been leery of introducing because I didn't know how a few of my students would handle the new information.

Two-vowel words being as follows: bale, sail, take, tail... and so on... where one vowel is long and the other is silent.

But to my amazement everyone did absolutely wonderfully! What a blessing and a great day back!

I am thankful that my fears and anxiety was all for naught.

I am thankful that it appears I'm not actually failing as a teacher.

I am thankful that we kicked this new semester off right!

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Day 202 - And So It Begins...

Christmas break has flown by and here we are again.

School starts back up tomorrow.

Everything is all set up and ready to go.... hopefully I'll be able to sleep tonight!

After two weeks of sleeping in (sometimes), I'm not sure I'll be able to go to sleep early. We'll see!

I am thankful that my detox is over and I'm bright-eyed for this first week back.

I am thankful that my lesson plans are finished for the next 3 weeks.

I am thankful that this is only a 4 day week ;-)

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Day 201 - Super Short Sunday

 

I am thankful that the first week (ish) of this new attempt to beat Candida is behind me.

I am thankful that I have had an amazing Christmas break with my family.

I am thankful that my house is cleaned and ready to go for this first week back to school!

I am thankful that I have a freezer full of meals ready to bake and eat for this week. Hopefully all will be smooth sailing!

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Day 200 - Another Milestone

Day 200???

How could this have happened? I can't believe that we've already been here for 200 days!

There are so many things that have changed since I started this blog.

So many great and wonderful things. 

So many sad and terrible things.

But one thing has never changed.... Not once. Not for any begging or pleading. Not for any wailing or gnashing of teeth. Not once.

God.

He has been the same forever and will continue to be the same forever more.

I am thankful that my Lord in heaven is willing to listen to my prayers with love and in love answer them. Even, and possibly especially, when it was not what I wanted to hear.

I am thankful that He has guarded my heart during these last 200 days against attacks on my hope and joy.

I am thankful that He will continue to do so.

I am thankful that I have an amazing group of people who help remind me why I am doing this blog and are there when I might not feel so thankful... they remind me of all that I have to be truly grateful for.

Here's to another 165 days!

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