Pressing on to 1000

902. Joey the cat lapping up milk
903.  camp fire under the stars
904.  holding a baby under the night sky
905. afternoon playing games on the deck on a beautiful Sunday afternoon
906.  He is bigger than "to do" lists and responsibilities
907. the "gooeyness" factor of smores
908.coconut cake
909. someone pulling up a chair to help me with an overwhelming task
910. reading in bed at night
911. a card made by a student "stickered" with love for me  (probably at least 30 stickers on a 5 x 6 surface area)
912.  Trader Joe's peanut butter cups
913.  friend who has "been there  and done that."
914.  good conversations with parents of students
915. parents of my students who trust my judgement and opinion
916. Veteran's Day
917.  an unexpected glimmer of hope
918.  victory over temptation
919.  saturday afternoon at a coffee shop
920.  trick or treating children
921.sleeping in and a snuggle with the kitty
922. chocolate chip pumpkin muffins from a friend
923. new possibilities
924. a clean house that looks and smells like it
925. reflection of the stoplight on the wet pavement
926.  full moon on my way home from school
927. homemade ice cream in November
928.  silhouettes against a November orange sky at dusk
929. a "crafternoon" with friends at church
930.  Friday night pizza
931. migraine relief
932. spaghetti sauce made by my husband
933. meeting new people and hearing their stories
934.  squirrel on our deck (Joey somehow missed it, he would have gone crazy if he'd seen it!)
935. nest of birds in a near by tree
936. Saturday morning walk with my husband
937. student from last year who came to read to my class
938. new morning show on the radio
939. the choice to press on
940. extra hour of sleep
941. student who thinks "Mrs. G makes learning fun." (his words, not mine)
942. a "no plans weekend"
943. wearing favorite sweaters again
944. Monday night date
945. principals who have "got my back"
946. flowers from my husband just because (on 11.11.11 no less)
947. accidentally being called "mom" or "grandma" by a student
948. hot chocolate with friends after a hard day
949. watching "Elf" for the first time of the season
950. the food I brought to the church potluck being devoured within minutes:)
951. friends who tell you a Word they heard from the Lord that was meant just for you
952. Saturday morning breakfast at one of our favorite places
953. friends who ask questions
954. cold and windy Sunday afternoon that gives me a good excuse to stay in
955. homemade oatmeal for breakfast
956. God's clear guidance
957. favorite recipes

almost to 800

766. ivy cascading from the balcony
767. beloved quilt to wrap up in
768. raspberries for breakfast
769. good water pressure
770. God's Spirit delivering a much needed "break through"
771  cold front
772. looking for pictures in the clouds
773. people who are generous with their swimming pool
774. the sun sinking just below the horizon
775. listening to Andrew Peterson
776. an extra day off
777. unknown country roads
778. birds sitting on a power line
779. contrast of sunflowers against the brilliant blue white cloud studded sky
780. pumpkin orange thread
781. chocolate chocolate chip muffins
782. sink full of hot soapy water
783. a plant growing in between the cracks of the wall
784. being made aware of my weaknesses again and again and again (this is a "hard" one on my list...God's Word says when I am weak then He makes me strong)
785. twilight settling in gradually
786. finally believing truths I repeatedly tell myself
787. decaf coffee while lesson planning
788. watching airplanes overhead
789. stamps on sale for card making
790. amazing parent volunteer
791. jackets on September mornings
792. newly discovered morning radio
793. friend checking in just to say "hi"
794. lying in the hammock on a Saturday afternoon
795. Joey the cat lapping up milk in the morning (even though he was in big trouble, mister!)
796. favorite gray sweatpants
797. basil, tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese together
798. "love pit" from last year stopping by to say "hi"

659 and counting

It's been awhile...but I'm still keeping my eyes open for those everyday gifts.
659. a lone sunflower
660. white sundress on a hot day
661. lime floating in a glass of water
662. "cotton candy" clouds
663. hearing my mom tell about how her dad taught her to float on her back. It was a  sweet little story.
664. sharing ice cream
665. mangos 2 for a $1
666. genuine healthcare professionals who really seem to care about my life (either that or they pretend really, really well!)
667. tapping my foot to Michael Buble while driving down the road
668. a cool, dark theatre
669. being home again
670. birthday candle melting in ice cream
671.being a priority
672. grinning, cooing baby
673. blue inner tube at the pool
674. the arrival of a much anticipated package
675. giving a cold glass of water to the UPS man
676. a friend taking me up on helping her unpack boxes after moving
677. fans on high while working in a hot kitchen
678. looking at photos at my mamaw's house
679. the beautiful, rolling "hills/mountains" of Tennessee (my parents have on ongoing debate about which is the correct term)
680. listening to my mom laugh
681. being able to offer something that is a blessing to my parents
682. driving into the sunset
683. my Great  Mamaw's mischievous chuckle
684. kiss from my husband when he gets home from work
685. husband planning a date for us
686. cloudy day after a string of unbelievably HOT days
687. early breakfast with friends
688. homemade peach ice cream
689. pleasant surprises
690. happy and giggling baby "streaking" through his house after a bath
691. coming home to a clean house (and it smells like it too!)
692. new thrift store finds
693. tank tops
694. completing something I started
695. feeling rested when waking up in the morning
696. invitation from a friend even though they know you'll probably say "no"
697.  looking through my awesome birthday cards one more time before putting them away
698. what happens with a little windex and paper towels
699. eating at my Mamaw and Papaw's favorite restaurant
700. aptly spoken words of truth
701. a newly organized closet

702. snoozing and lazy Joey the cat

703. some awesome finds for the upcoming school year

618-658

I always seem to put pressure on myself when I haven't posted for awhile ("awhile" in this case being 2 weeks) like : "This better be good" or "Give your readers something good to read"...and then I delay posting another day or two. I realized (as I have been WAY too often lately) how that is once again rooted in pride. I don't want to do something if I can't do it perfectly.  Not to mention the fact, it's prideful to believe that people are somehow waiting on pins and needles for my next "gratitute post." Not true, I know.  I just want to live "intentionally" and finish something I start.

618. fresh blueberries and banana on my cereal
619. lying in bed listening to the rain...and not having to get up!
620. smell of garlic and onion cooking together
621. free movie tickets
622. lounging kitty
623. smell of cilantro!
624. relief from allergies
625. new buds on the Gerber daisies
626. chocolate icing on little girls' faces
627. donuts and coffee to commence a road trip
628. ruffles on little girls' swimsuit bottoms
629. not wearing a watch
630. produce stands
631. movie outdoors under the stars
632. nap in the hammock
633. 5 year old dancing and bouncing on her bed while lip synching Taylor Swift
634. fruit smoothies
635. sleeping off a migraine
636. light in the dark places
637. shower of birthday cards!
638. starting and finishing a book all in one day
639. string of green traffic lights
640. sacrificial and thoughtful gifts
641. not being in a hurry
642. rescuing the crazy Joey cat from the hot roof (he knows this is a "no-no")
643. pouring over decorating magazines with a friend
644. tackling cleaning projects that are long overdue...I do get a weird sort of satisfaction from them
645. making my husband's lunch
646. walking home in the dark
647. wearing a swimsuit in public (with a cover-up of course!)
648. pictures drawn by a 3 year old
649. a haphazard game of candy land with a 4 year old and a 2 year old (it was hard to keep their attention...this required many interventions:)
650. planning next year's vacation and seeing how excited it makes my dad (being a travel agent for the National Parks was perhaps a missed calling of his:)
651.a loaded car, ready to go
652. sunscreen and beach towels
653. having the pool to ourselves
654. that "summer" feelling  as I shut the last box and close the door "Done, til August!"
655. little boys in t-ball uniforms
656. how you're automatically "famous" when you're a kindergarten teacher and show up at a t-ball game
657. how my mom's face does a cute little crinkle when she smiles
658. driving Bob's car like i know what I'm doing:) (manual which is new to me)

#456 and on and on and on

456. working windshield wipers
457. sweet potato friends, olive oil, and rosemary
458. Seeing one of my sweet students reunited with her mom after a month of not seeing her...I was in tears and swallowing all kinds of lumps in my throat. I've walked this hard road with this little girl the past month and it's been so heart wrenching but it was rewarding to see her joy today!
459. my husband's excitement over his new birthday gift
460. having an apartment full of people that I have "history" with
461. a crayon "masterpiece" by a 2 year old
462. the sky after it rains
463. God using me in the right place at the right time
464. witnessing someone open the card I made them and seeing their face light up
465. a two day break
466. the connection we have with the Father...I can talk to Him anytime! I take that for granted.
467. a laugh with coworkers at 7:30 am
468. hearing someone's story of their walk with the Lord
469. homemade-ish rolls (love Rhodes rolls!)
470. that Thursday afternoon mantra..."One more day, one more day..."
471. knowing I was made for more than this
472. hearing my favorite new song on the radio ("Christ is Risen" by Matt Maher)
473. mexican food on cinco de mayo
474. notes written from moms in kids' lunchboxes
475. being missed
476. rare card making time after school
477. my Michael Buble pandora station
478. a fabulous selection on etsy! One click=awesome and personal gift

307-353

Just a clarification...this ongoing list of things I'm grateful for which my "mentor" Ann Voskamp calls "the endless gifts"...it's not just tapping into "the power of positive thinking." These come straight from God's hand...even if somewhat indirectly. When life is hard or monotonous (when is it not for one reason or another?), it's a comfort to know He's pouring out into our lives. He's there...we just have to look.  And it keeps me as the recipient from my Gracious Father. I deserve nothing...these bright spots in my days are straight from the Giver of all Good Gifts. 

307.friend asking for my help (for some reason I feel honored when someone asks me to do them a favor...maybe because I know a lot of my friends are like me and hardly ever ask for help)
308. cupcakes from our neighbor
309. the weather that matches my mood
310. mail from a 3 year old
311. curling up in the recliner on a Sunday
312. pizza delivery
313. husband who makes my lunch
314. mint crinkle cookies at Panera
315. the long line of cars at the recycling place on Saturday...that means a lot of people taking care of the Earth!
316. migraine meds that work
317. grace from my husband when I don't feel well
318. the path of lamplight
319. conversations about life with my school custodian
320. awesome substitute teachers
321. board games
322. new markers
322. microwave defrost cycle
323. pigtails and leg warmers on a 2 year old
324. students who love to read
325. spring decorations
326. a mix CD from my principal (she comes driving into the parking lot each morning with her music blaring...I can hear the bass. I told her I liked her music. She said she'd make me a CD :)
327. house shoes
328. school nurses...not just there to help the kids!
329. children laughing outloud while I read them a story
330. down blankets
331. outdoor recess
332. genuine concern
333. new shoes
334. airport runs to pick up people i love (the road that circles the KCI terminals is exactly .49 miles long)
335. book fairs
336. oatmeal with peanut butter, bananas, and craisins
337. free coffee drinks
338. my husband who gets giddy (so that he can't sleep!) about our new phones
339. my husband enjoying his job and telling me stories (we all know he's heard just a few of my stories...)
340. miracle of Joey the cat coming back home  (I was reminded of it this week as it was the "year anniversary" where he ran away)
341.my dad's jokes
342. familiarity of knowing who is at school by checking the cars in the parking lot
343. Holy Spirit reminding me when not to say something ... ("Leave it alone, Megan")
344. rain boots
345. movies
346. a hidden chocolate stash at home and school!
347. awesome parent volunteers
348. knowing I'm empty and can't make it through the day without Him
349. snooze alarm...it makes me feel like I'm stealing a few more minutes of sleep...all about perspective I say.
350. getting home earlier than usual
351. Saturday morning breakfast at a new restaraunt
352. prayer times in the car
353. watching a friend have faith in God and His Goodness that encourages and inspires me

well overdue picture update

I'm behind...yikes! Here's a pictorial summary of the past several weeks!







Pictures #1-6 We had a cookie/christmas treat baking day with my sister Jen last Saturday. We made chocolate spritz cookies with the cookie press (think a log of chocolate dough that looks a lot like something else), oreo balls, and cookie dough truffles. It was fun times with a capital F!

Week of Dec. 4
#7 We went the Junie B. Jones Christmas play at Union Station with our friends the Sykes and their daughter Tristan.
#8 We finally got matching stockings at Pier 1 (Joey the cat had one last year and we didn't-how pathetic is that!)
#9 Joey the cat inspecting a plastic bag-something he does best
#10-homemade chicken noodle soup
#11-Union Station all dressed up for Christmas
#12-I don't know why we're on our knees in this picture, but I think it was my husband's idea. Maybe so you could see the trees better. (We're in Union Station)

Week of Nov. 26
#13 - Bob's "sisters" Mysti and Lily playing

#14-Brandy

#15 stockings bob's mom made us! So cute!


#16 We went to Lynchburg while visiting Bob's parents in Nashville and Bob had a brief stay in jail :)

Week of Nov. 19
#17 Joey hoping we don't see him on the table when I was changing the table cloth. This is a "no no!" maybe he's hoping he blends in!
#18 Super Delicious Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake I made for church potluck
#19-He seriously looks like he's reading the weekly reader (I brought one home from school)
#20-Yep, he loves bags. This isn't even the part where he was licking it with his tongue. He's so weird. I know there is a ridiculous amount of pictures of Jehosophat the cat, but he really is like our kid right now. And he really is cute. He has his moments (like last week when we knocked over the Christmas tree).

Thanks for reading!

Where did my favorite month go?

It's no secret that October is my favorite month...at least as far as "non-school related" items are concerned (the yummy smells, the changing season, it's now our anniversary month, the world just seems at it's best then, etc...). But good grief Charlie Brown, as far as school is concerned, good luck staying sane :) This would explain my pictorial absence as of recently. So here goes in order to catch myself up...

Week of Oct. 22


# 1-4 Went to Parkville on a Saturday and just sat under a tree at English Landing Park. It was lovely. I read a book that wasn't school related just for fun!


#5 pretty tree at St. Therese Church and School#6- I made Pecan Bars (pretty much like pecan pie in a delightful little square)
#7 Made chocolate chip pumpkin cookies#8 Joey looking especially adorable-keeping the blanket warm :)

#9 Joey inspects the grocery bags when I get home from the grocery store. We call him "Inspector #37."
Week of Oct. 29
#10 My friend Brooke told me about this...but make sure you throw it out before 2 weeks (it got all squishy and leaked gross pumpkin juices all over my husband. Yuck!)
#11 Went to see the the little monkey pants at MNU-she was in the Homecoming Court. It was fun times! #12 Pumpkin Pie Dip (very yummy with apple slices-especially Granny Smith, gingersnaps, or pretzel sticks)

#13 I made butternut-carrot squash soup, put it in a bread bowl, and put roasted pumpkin seeds on top! (This was a day I didn't have school so I actually had some time :)
#14 Bob gives it 2 thumbs up!
#15 Went home to Bolivar, came down with strep throat, and saw my girls Katie and Tara in their Halloween costume finery:) I can't believe how fast they're growing up!

Week of Nov. 5
#15 -17 Some favorite fall cards I made...#18-19 Bob sent me flowers at school for our 13 month anniversary...just to surprise me:) It was very thoughtful and made my day! My kids made sure they "oohed" and "aahed" appropriately :)

video-my sister in the homecoming court and her escort Taylor (they were hilarious...I would expect no less).

thankfulness is an attitude

34. So I know it sounds dumb, but I'm thankful for the feeling after I wash my face. Ahh-it's so nice. All the yuckiness is washed away from the day-good feeling.
35. Making the "first soup of fall." It was beef barley vegetable stew. Hello, goodness.
36. For that matter, coming home and smelling dinner goodness wafting from my apartment thanks to the little convenience called the crock pot. And my husband put it together that morning-what a guy!
37. that chill in the air in the mornings and evenings
38. comfort "things" like super fudge brownie ice cream, a kitty curled up next to me on thecouch, Christian romance novels, and favorite movies like "You've Got Mail." Guess what i did last night? Exhausted with a capital E!

Have your (wedding) cake and eat it too...

So this is way overdue, but here are a few "snapshots" from the past (almost) month.

Week of Sept. 24



#1-3 I love decorating for seasons...but obviously this one is my favorite! #4 The moon and "cotton-candy pink" sky as i was leaving for school one morning


Week of Oct. 1

#5 Okay, I admit I'm ridiculous, but joey the cat really looks so innocent and sweet here... (By looking, you wouldn't think he's be capable of eating a stryofoam plate or attacking my aloe plant)
#6-10 I love my drive to and from school...true, it would be nice if I lived 10 minutes from school (when I Bolivar I lived 5 minutes and that was a little too close). I love the fields, the mist in the mornings, and shadows on the country roads on my way home.

Week of Oct. 8
#11 stir fry I made-Bob loves bell peppers, hence the abundance!

#12-13 Our anniversary weekend-we ate at Lidia's near Union Station-I highly recommend it!
#14 Went to English Landing Park in Parkville on Sunday ... love that place! Some of my more vibrant childhood memories are from here.#15 The secret to a great tasting top-tier of your wedding cake a year later is to get people in charge of your cake table who will wrap the cake in 10-15 layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It seriously was as good as the first time...a year ago! Yum-chocolate and raspberry!

Week of Oct. 15#16-17 I arranged some flowers (use the word "arranged" very loosely) for my friend Sasha who just had a baby and wanted to bring her some fall festiveness. I kept one for us (and Joey ate some of the leaves while I was gone). Silly, silly animal. I think he threw it up later, but don't feel bad for him.




#18-19 We went to the pumpkin patch (in Gardner, KS) and it was fun times. It's a little funny going to a place with all of these really cute families and I feel a little out of place-just the two of us, but it's still so much fun! Maybe we'll be a cute family like that one day (I'll point and say "Look at that cute baby!" and my husband will say something like "Yeah, but we don't want one...they spit up and make big messes." ).
#20 Joey mesmerized by the water in the sink...it doesn't take much for him to be entertained.