Wednesday, 27 November 2013

Our Principal - Day 23 of #30daysofthanks

I grew up with a mom for a teacher.  I have witnessed first hand how horrible the career of a teacher can be when they do not have the backing of a strong, engaged administration.  The honest-to-god reason that I am not a teacher today is because of my moms cautioning against it due to her own personal experiences, mostly negative due to terrible administration.  It wasn't all awful being a teachers kid...she taught English at a high school and junior high level so my papers were always perfectly edited.  I had lots of practice before exams and it sure didn't hurt around diploma or provincial exam time...if you know what I'm saying...

I am overjoyed with the admin at Bear's school.  I haven't had a lot of interaction with many of them, but seeing the principal outside every morning with her hair done, in her professional clothes stopping cars so than that the kids can safely cross at the crosswalk and the vice principal in the drop off zone where she has been hit by cars gives me hope.  There are so many teachers, staff and other admin who I truly believe are looking out for our children, it gives me hope for my friends who are teachers - that they may have great administration to work with and truly enjoy their careers.

Giggles - Day 22 #30daysofthanks

Both of my children have contagious laughter.  Even when Bear is in time out and giggling about something I am unaware of, it is hard not to crack a smile.  And MiniD...just thinking about his gut busting laugh makes me smile.  When I am away from them but hear that familiar sound it warms my heart.  When they are playing with just Handydan I like to be close so I can hear it.  Both kids are finally reaching a stage where they are able to make each other laugh...be it somewhat violent tickling or silly faces, the two of them laughing together is the sound of my heart overflowing.

Whole Hearts - Day 21 #30daysofthanks

My mom was born with a hole in her heart.  No one knew until she was in her forties and started having fainting spells.  When I was 15 she had open heart surgery and a very painful recovery.  She goes back for tests every few years but her heart is whole again.

In April 2012, a beautiful baby named Hope was born.  She was born with only half a heart and her story didn't end happily like my moms.  After many surgeries, complications, good days, bad days  and everything in between, Hope passed away at the innocent age of 13 months.  I have been following Hope and her families journey here and now I am following the journey of her family as they are expecting a new baby.  A baby who had an ultrasound today and it was found that she has a whole, perfect heart.

I am thankful for the heart health of both my mom and this new baby...and so thankful for the impact that Hope's short life on earth has had on so many people.  <3

Wednesday, 20 November 2013

Crockpots and snow pants! - Day 20 #30daysofthanks

Foreword: I apologize for being so thankful for snow on Day 17.  I think I might have jinxed us.  We definitely have A LOT to be thankful for in that regard...

At a chilly -34 degrees Celsius today, I am thankful for crockpots full of spaghetti sauce cooking away and making the house smell delicious.  Dropping off and picking up kids after school for work today...I am thankful for my snow pants and all the winter gear that makes this bearable.  I have seen the social media requests today for anything that will help the homeless get through this cold snap and I am again reminded of how much we have.

Work - Day 19 #30daysofthanks

Jobs.  Love 'em or hate 'em...I'm a lover!!  So thankful today for work for others which provides work for me in return.  I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am to have found my "calling", doing what I love AND being able to be at home with my kids.  Some days are challenges, others are a breeze.  But nothing compares to completely LOVING what you do!

Side note: out of school care is FULL as of January 1, 2013.  ;)

Husbands - #30daysofthanks

So overwhelmingly thankful for Handydan today. For all he puts up with, for following his dreams, for all he does, and for shoveling.  After a big dump of snow, a long day of work in said snow and equally long drive home from work he still took care of shoveling the sidewalk and driveway.  Love and thanks...

Monday, 18 November 2013

Day 17 - Givin' Thanks!

I'm not going to complain about the weather.  I'm going to be thankful for mounds of deep, white, powdery snow.  I'm not a skier (it's been years since I was on a hill) but I know what this beautiful white stuff means to them...and I want to jump on board. 

Side note: I might have complained once or twice this summer about the weather.  I really do like it hot.  High 20's, even low 30's is wonderful.  It is the humidity that I cannot handle.  Side note to this side note: I honestly didn't know about DEhumidifiers until recently.  I though that Handydan was just saying "humidifier" wrong, or he had learned the word wrong as a child (just like Bear calls lasagna "pasagna" and we don't correct her - how was that for a side note, side note, side note?).  When I saw the dehumidifier setting on our air conditioner this summer I had to admit to my lack of knowledge and learn about this whole new world!  Next summer will be a lot better and there will be NO complaining here!

Okay - back to enjoying snow!  Last night was absolutely wonderful, laying in bed listening to the wind and what sounded like something much heavier than light snow (we may have told Bear that Santa and his reindeer were out practicing to keep her in her bed and calm her down to go to sleep).  I knew we would wake up to lots of deep, white, untouched drifts and that would lead to tobogganing and lots of great outdoor play!  What a treat it was to wake up to!!  We can FINALLY use our unlandscaped backyard for outdoor play - including snow painting, snow angels, forts, snowball fights and eleventy billion Pinterest suggestions.  The temperature is supposed to stay warm and we are going to make the most of this great situation.  I hope to have pictures up of all the fun outdoor snow activities I have planned...stay tuned!

#30daysofthanks