The warmth of winter

Where does the time go? January is half over already... We have only been in school 8 days this month so far because of ARCTIC temperatures! I am good with that unless we have a lot of snow days. We have 3 built into our school calendar and we have used 2 already. I will be honest... it is was nice to teach 3 days and then have a 4 day weekend after returning from Christmas Break. However working 5 days last week nearly killed me. Thank goodness for a 3 day weekend this week! :)

I am so not a fan of winter and cold. I am longing for pool days and summer fun. I know I will blink and it will be that time. This year, I am going to work extra hard on enjoying the moments life brings. I have been quite "reflective" over the last 7 1/2 years since Daddy has been gone but I am really going to work super hard on that this year. I am amazed at how fast my girls are growing up. I know my time with them is precious and will not last forever.

Blessed to have such amazing friends in my life!

I admit, it is difficult to not wish away winter because I am ready for the days of endless sun and tons of time with friends and family. However, I am going to hold onto the things that warm my heart for now in hopes of enjoying life's moments along the way.

Things that warm my heart in the winter...
~ Watching snow fall and cover the ground
~ Hot chocolate with peppermint candy cane stir sticks
~ Emma curled up with her blanket sleeping
~ Unplanned shopping trips that last all day
~ Seeing Katherine in her cozy socks
~ Sitting in church with my family
~ Singing in harmony...or trying really hard to stay on key!
~ Receiving a letter from the parents of my dearest friend
~ Snuggling up under my electric blanket with Todd
~ Naptime on a Sunday afternoon
~ Hot Tea with a sprinkle of sugar
~ Sitting in the sauna @ the gym
~ A roaring fire in the fireplace
~ Alabama Football ROLL TIDE!
~ Planning my summer cruise... Oh! I can't wait!!
~ Dinner out with my husband and dear friends
~ Baking chocolate chip cookies
~ Watching my girls make snow angels
~ Lazy weekends with unplanned fun adventures
~ Reflecting on days gone by and how much things change in a season

I am thankful, grateful and blessed. It is such a gift to live this life

and get to share it with those you love.

Blessed to have people I can always count on in my daily life!

2009 What a year!

What an amazing, life-changing year it has been. It makes me kinda tired just thinking about everything that happened in 2009. I must say, it was one of the most AWESOME I can remember. My family is closer and stronger than ever. My closest friendships have endured some emotional roller coasters over the last year... which I truly believe only builds strength as well as deeper understanding and care for each other. I am back in church... and I am LOVING EVERY MINUTE OF IT! I never really understood what a 'church home' or a 'church family' was. I am so blessed! I watched a rare and wonderful group of kindergartners walk out of my room in May...and into first grade. This school year has tested every bit of me... 27 children in one room is WOW! I am pushing forward and we are half-way through. I will say this is the first (AND LARGEST) group of students I have EVER taught who are ALL on grade level...ALL. That is an amazing thing if you have ever been a teacher!! This year, I became a 'real runner'. I think Kelly and I both earned that title when we crossed the finish line in April of our FIRST (not last) HALF MARATHON. There are no words and if you haven't run a race, I just can't explain the incredible feeling of accomplishment there is at the finish line... it is one of those moments you never forget. I have worked really hard at making this year one that holds no regrets. I don't know if I completely met that goal but I tried to always say what was on my heart at the moment it was there, to communicate honestly in every situation, to share my feelings at every opportunity (even if I was called 'sappy') and I worked to connect on a deeper level with all the people I value the most. 2009 was an incredible year. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to embrace the journey each day.

Happy 2010! I am blessed beyond measure and thankful for each day God grants me!