30 Days of Thanksgiving: Students/Job

Today I am thankful for my job and my students. We had conferences tonight and most of them were a celebration of how wonderful the students I have are.

I am lucky because my students are differently abled. Yes, each day is a challenge. Yes, it takes much more time for my students to master what a typical kid can do. But, I love it. I feel SO blessed that God had this job in His plan for me.  I never expected to do special education...and for right now..I just love it.

The other night, a past student of mine from my first year at Johnston popped in. He just wanted to say "hello".  "I was just looking at the book fair and thought it would be nice and you would like it  if I came into your room to say hello" (in his very matter of fact voice). Seeing the way he bloomed over the past two years is another reminder of the wonderful job I have as an educator and the power I have to change a child's life. That's kind scary....

Here are some triumphs in my classroom and some of my top fav's of all time:
*One of my students started in my room with only the word "no". He left using conversational communication...I cried the day he came in and talked to me. It was like a light just went off! Its a moment I will never, ever forget.
*Last week, we sat through a whole story at group time! YAY! This is huge!
*Using a picture (because a child has no communication skills) to communicate to me what they want and need
*Eye contact with a smile like they just realized I was there after all this time :)
*There is so much much more! 

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Nieces and Nephews

Today, I am So So So thankful (and everyday) for my nieces and nephews. So far, I have Jackson and Addie, Jada and Jayden. They are SO sweet. Luke and I have no kids, but it is awesome to have these little gems to brighten our lives!

This weekend, I got to spend time with Jackson and Addie. It was a good reminder of why we dont have kids yet, but also gives me a little itch to want them ;).  Dillon and I traveled to help out with babysitting (which turned more into me babysitting) LOL. Jackson was waiting up for us when we got there and was just so excited to see us! He was jumping with joy!

Our weekend was a whirlwind filled with shopping, parades, naps, and just time to chill.  Of course, when Auntie Kenzie and Uncle Dillon come to visit "Cyclones" gear had to be purchased for our God children!

Jackson's "4 year old boy" personality just lights up a room...and Addie, is SO opposite! She is so chill and just takes in the moment with a calm smile. She is SO sweet and I love love LOVE bows, pink, and frills! i LOVE having her as a Godchild to girl up!

I was very very blessed to live with Tasha and Michael the year after I graduated college. I was so blessed with this, because I was able to experience a part of Jackson that my other sibling did not. I believe that I will always have a special place in my heart forever because of that.

Some funnies from this weekend:
**When asked what he wants for Christmas--Jackson says "I want a fourwheeler that I can take into the woods and shoot a deer"
**"This is Somethin About a Truck! THIS IS MY FAVORITE SONG! Turn it up Uncle Dillon!" --Jackson
**Giggling like crazy when Addie is in the back seat making grunting noises
**Yelling "CYCLONE, POWER" in the parking lots
**And tons more that I just cannot think of!!

30 days of Thanksgiving: Technology

This is a thing that I am sometimes thankful for and sometimes not. However, today I am thankful for technology.

Its amazing how far we have come..Just this morning, I a. called my sister on my cell phone b. was able to have a video conversation with her and the kids.

Technology is SO nice to have when you have distance in your family. Its so easy to email, call, facetime, or follow pictures on facebook. It helps the distance and time gap in seeing those I love feel shorter. :)

30 days of Thanksgiving: Lucas

Today, I am thankful for my husband Luke. He is truly a wonderful, wonderful man. I got to spend a lot of time with him this weekend and it was definitely well needed. He is so patient and easy going..and I need that in my life! I am so thankful that he had supper ready to go when I got late tonight:)

A little over a year ago when we got married, we wrote "He is..." "She is..." things about each other...Here was mine about him..

* is a hard worker * loves all sports * loves his dogs * is very spontaneous * does anything that involves being outside * has a beautiful heart * hates when I am messy * will push my buttons to irritate me, then crack a joke to make me laugh * secretly loves shopping * looks cute in work clothes and boots * is calm and collective * loves that I am a farm girl * adores his niece and nephew * will do anything to help a friend in need * has the best eyes * enjoys fishing and hunting * is a master griller * looks good in a ball cap * drinks Busch Light or BV- 7 * has a fear of failing * loves country music * hates to do laundry * dances his socks off after a few drinks-otherwise will not dance at all * enjoys cuddling * respects my morals * slows me down to appreciate the simple things in life *

I am thankful that can count on him to listen to me vent and love me even at my worst. I love knowing that I have him only a phone call away at most when I need to talk to somebody.  Yes, we have our moments. But, that is what makes us stronger...I am thankful for my best friend...

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Home 2

Today, I am thankful for my home. Not for the house...for what "home" is.

I had a really hard time when my parents bought a house in town and moved from the farm. I was so sad. Then, I went to visit and realized that wow-the house was not home without the people in it. I am thankful for the many years I lived there, the memories my family made, and the part of me that it built inside me.  I love being a farm girl and I LOVE to go "home".  There is something inside my soul that wakes up when I get close to home. Maybe its the farm, maybe its the country, maybe its just my family :)

There is a song called "My Front Porch Looking In" by Lonestar. That song reminds me of what a "home" really is. If I were to look into my house to see the beauty it beholds, it wouldnt be the architecture of the house or the material things inside it. The beauty of  it would be my an amazing husband, a big fluffy white dog, and the love that dwells there.

I am so thankful that I have not only a house but a home. There are many people who do not have a house and I am so grateful that my husband and I make enough to have a house. But, no matter what may happen I know that these walls do not fulfill what a home is. Home is wherever the people I love are :)

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Home--Day 1

Today, I am thankful to live in the United States. I am so thankful to live in a country where we have so much freedom. I am so grateful for those who have worked to give me that right. I think we dont realize how great we have it here.

I had a dream the other night that Luke and I were in another country that was in a war. We were staying in a hotel that had been raided and had to hide under the covers. I woke up and my heart was pounding...it felt so real....

I couldn't imagine what it would be like to go to bed every night and feel like that. I know there are people who experience this everyday. I can say that every night I am able to get a good nights sleep and not have to worry about what might happen through the night. I dont have to worry about crime, war, and I have a peaceful mind and know I am safe.

Tonight, as I drove home the lake had the most beautiful sunset over it. I am thankful to live in the state of Iowa where crime is low, the corn grows, and you can see for miles. I love being able to see a sunset and sunrise. I am thankful to be "safe".  People call me "naive", but I am happy that I did not experience the some of the things I did until I was old enough to make the correct choices.  I think living in Iowa has been a huge reason that I am the strong woman I am today.  Iowa's lifestyle is much slower than states with big cities. Personally, I think that's okay with the strain a fast pace puts on society.  Yes, not all people would agree that Iowa is so great..but out here, it's God's country!

Iowa was rated 5th on www.livescience.com's 2010 ten happiest states list. The list was based off of physical health, access to healthcare, safeness in the community, work environment, and emotional health.

30 Days of Thanksgving: Colleagues

Today, I am thankful for my colleages/coworkers. They are simply amazing. One of my associates even went out and got me lunch today!

I am truly blessed to work at Horizon. Everyone is so welcoming and loving. I have been in schools where people dont even say "hello" as you are crossing paths in the hallway...this is NOT true at Horizon!

I was able to engage in some good conversation with our dean of students, Shannon, today. She is a wonderful person and I cannot express how GREAT she is at what she does! I am thankful for her constant concern and listening ears. I also admire her task completion. You can always count on her.

I am thankful for other friendships I have made this year, also. I "share" special education students with multiple teachers, and this year the group of teachers I get to work with are wonderful! I enjoy their personalities and helping hands in genuinely wanting the best for our students. I have also really enjoyed getting to know Miss Shermer this year as we have worked very closely with the students we share. She is really a dedicated teacher and works her tail off to meet the needs of all students in (or not in : ) ) her classroom.  This year has been the most challenging in all of my teaching career and the student we share has brought that on for us. Even though it is a challenge, I am ready for that, but am so thankful that I have a "village" to back me up! I am also SO thankful for Mary and her allowing me to vent constantly!

Last, I am so incredibly thankful for my associates. I think I could do a whole day of Thanksgiving for them. I would be unable to do what I do without them. I have been overly lucky to have been "given" them. They have the most patient hearts and truly, truly, have the best interest of my students in their sight. And most of all, they love the kids. Trust me, I have experienced associates who have not been like this, and I can say with the most confidence that they are the best around.  They are open to feedback, always willing to raise a helping hand, and best of all...they keep me sane :) Whether its a simple story about something our students did, or just talking about "monkey balls" (hehe...Lynne and Chris will get that) its so nice to have their help..educationally and emotionally!

30 Days of Thanksgiving:Sundays

When Sundays are played out like their **supposed** to be...they are most beautiful! This world is spinning faster and faster with each passing day.  I think a problem we have is that we dont take advantage of what Sundays should be about. Today, I was able to do that..it was wonderful!

First, I got to go to church...Then, I came home..enjoyed some conversation with my hubs. I got to take a two hour nap, clean just a tid, take Rye for a walk, and closed the night by having supper with family. 

I tend to forget  how awesome Sundays can be when they are played out like they are supposed to. God intended the day for going to church and rest.  When iI get the chance at it, I see why He intended that. I am rested up for school tomorrow and had a mini vaca from reality :)

30 Days of Thanksgiving:Health

Today, I am thankful for my health! It is something that I take for granted 100% of the time. I am thankful I can feel my toes, move my fingers, walk, talk, even just sit up, breath on my own, etc.

Typically we as humans do not notice or appreciate our health abilities we have until we get injured or sick. Then it becomes the problem.  Like most things, we don't realize what we've got until it's gone. 

I have this huge fear of getting injured in a car accident..or whatever..and losing those skills, but even still, I do not thank God enough for being mobile.

I am also thankful that I am generally a healthy person through each school year, etc. Of course, Im always good for one bout of strep a year, but other than that I am pretty healthy!

And last, I am thankful for the health of my family. There are so many families that I know with physically disabled family member of some sort. I also know many people who are experiencing cancer and other illnesses within their family. Everyone is alive, healthy, and well.

Praise the good Lord!

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 2-Country Music

Today, I am thankful for country music and the way it moves my soul. There is nothing like it. I dont know of any genre (and maybe I am partial) that can pick me up, change my mood, or relate to my life like country music can.

The reminder for why I love country music came last night as we watched the CMA awards. It was so great to watch how "real" all of the musicians were at the awards show. I have never felt so connected to any awards show as I do when I watch them. I also think there is no "fluffing" it in country music. Country artists have raw talent like no other. They can play numerous instruments and there is no margin for error in their pitch.

 Luke and I have spent hundreds of dollars on concert tickets, music downloads, and albums on country music. And, even our satellite is always tuned into the "Highway" every night when we get home making supper!

My country music history started when I was a little girl, listening to "King George Strait" when bailing hay with my dad and cousins (I have very vivid memories of this)...or I remember being jealous when my mom and sister went to Garth Brooks in concert when I was just too young to go.  There is something to say about how you can relate to the lyrics...mmm...its just hard to even explain sometimes! And, I like old country...Luke thinks I am crazy...but there is this AWESOME station 107.9, that plays new and OLD country..I love the simplicity of the melody in the "old" music. It brings me back to the time when life was just..simpler..

Here are some of my all time favorites:
*American Honey-Lady Antebellum
*Lay You Down-Conway Twitty
*Crazy- Patsy Cline (written by the great Willie Nelson)
* My favorite of all time--Chicken Fried-Zac Brown Band
*Hey Good Lookin-Hank Williams
*Cross My Heart-George Strait
*Rodeo-Garth Brooks
*Small Town Southern Man-Alan Jackson (Reminds me SO much of my dad :) )

And some of my favorite artists at THIS moment:
Brad Paisley (this man has some mean guitar skills)
Keith Urban
Carrie Underwood
Luke Bryan
Martina McBride
Scottie McCreery
George Strait
and of course--many, many more

So, I leave you with these song lyrics by Brad Paisley that seem to be ever so true...

 You're not supposed to say  

The word cancer in a song 

 And tellin' folks Jesus is the answer

 Can rub 'em wrong
It ain't hip to sing about tractors, trucks 

 Little towns and mama  

Yeah that might be true  

But this is country music and we do

 
Well, you like to drink a cold one  

On the weekend and get a little loud 

Do you wanna say I'm sorry or I love ya 

But you don't know how?
Do you wish somebody had the nerve 

To tell that stupid boss of yours  

To shove it next time he yells at you? 

Well, this is country music, and we do
So turn it on, turn it up and sing along 

 This is real, this is your life in a song 

Yeah this is country music

 
Are you haunted by the echo of your mother  

On the phone? Cryin' as she tells you that  

Your brother is not coming home?
And if there's anyone that still  

Has pride and the memory of those 

That died defending the old red, white and blue 

This is country music and we do

 
So turn it on, turn it up and sing along 

This is real, this is your life in a song 

Just like a road that takes you home 

Yeah this is right where you belong
This is country music 

 This is country music

 
You Stopped Loving Her Today (This is country music) Hello Dolly (This is country music) God Bless the USA (This is country music)
Amarillo by the Morning (This is country music) Stand by Your Man (This is country music)
Take Me Home Country Roads (This is country music) I Walk the Line (This is country music) Country Boy Can Survive

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Last year, I decided to do a 30 days of Thanksgiving leading up until the holiday. I posted it on Facebook, then my amazing sister had a better idea to do it to her blog, so she could look back someday and see what she was thankful for had changed. So, following my wonderful sister and guider's footsteps (like I usually do) I decided to do that also. I think a lot will change, and a lot will stay the same. Right now, Luke and I are working toward our 2nd year of marriage and I am sure those things will change after we have a family, move, etc.

So....

30 Days of Thanksgiving:

Right now, I am coaching this fabulous drill team in the down we live in Panora, IA. This year there is alot of mixed talent, but I am thankful for that. I am learning so much from them.  And, even when things aren't so easy..(like getting up at 6:00 am for practice) they still have a way to make me laugh! They are a wonderful set of girls and make getting up for practice fun. There are some very unique personalities within the team, but overall they seem to get along wonderfully. This year just seems to be going to smooth.

I feel so thankful that I can not only wake up at 6:00 am and be happy...BUT that I am able to continue my dance experience by coaching high school girls. There is SO much that is happening during the high school years and I hope I can be an inspiration (in some way) in their life. But, what they dont know, is that I am so thankful for them, their awesome attitudes, and that I get to watch them experience that LOVE for dance that I have had embedding in my soul my whole life. Girls--Thank you for just being who you are :)