14th Day of Lent

I talked with my New Yorker yesterday afternoon. I asked him what his plans were for the weekend. He told me his roommate was going out of town so he "joyfully anticipated a lot of pant-less TV viewing."

My boy, Sam, and me. Thanksgiving Day 2012

I'm so thankful that my boy takes such pleasure in the simple things.

12th Day of Lent

I'm thankful for a walk in the rain.

This morning when Grace and I returned from our walk in the rain, Will said "Mom, you are so hardcore." It's nice when your life is so gentle that walking in the rain is considered hardcore.

8th day of Lent

I'm thankful for my 5th grade friend, Peyton. She's the best teacher ever.

7th Day of Lent

I am thankful for Cream of Wheat on a cold morning.

The only way it could be any better is if my mom was actually stirring it on the stove.

6th Day of Lent

I'm thankful for Nick.

Nick is a new friend of mine. He is a bright, caring, compassionate 15 year old, who found himself getting a little behind in his school work this year. So we've started hanging out together an hour or two a week, eating McDonald's french fries while sorting out backpack debris and writing papers about neurofibromatosis.

With a little push from a middle-aged woman who is NOT his mom, he is righting himself and getting back into the game of school. He is also reminding me how difficult it is to be 15.

I wish I could tell him that life will be easier as he grows older and that if he can just get through the next couple of years, he'll be fine. But, the truth is, tomorrow is no guarantee; there is only today, and I'm glad he is sharing some of his todays with me.

5th Day of Lent

I am thankful for Grace.

No judgement. No condemnation. No grudges.

Pure unconditional love and loyalty.

 She joyfully allows me to be the leader of our pack. Giving up this control allows her to love and share and live in the moment because she trusts that I will care for her.

Someday, I hope I can trust God as much as she does me. Then I can love and share and live in the moment completely.

My girl with her Valentine

4th Day of Lent

I'm thankful to be a 3rd grade teacher on Valentine's Day. Does it get any better than a heart-shaped box  of Russell Stover candy and a Batman card? I don't think so.

 

3rd Day of Lent

I am thankful for Polar Pop.

This school year I have discovered the joy of Polar Pops. My particular favorite is the 44 ounce cup, filled with crushed ice and topped off with Diet Pepsi. The absolute best part is that it costs 84cents.

The funny part of my daily habit is that I used to laugh at my mom for stopping at Hardee's every morning for an "iced drink" on her way to school each day. Thirty years later, I completely understand her need for crushed ice.

So, I stop in at the Circle K each morning -- between 6:55 and 6:58 to be precise, say hello to the guys smoking outside around the garbage can waiting for the Krispie Kreme guy, fill up my cup and lay down my 84 cents.

Should I ever win the lottery I have decided that I will have a Polar Pop machine installed in my kitchen, but honestly, I would miss the guys at Circle K.

Second Day of Lent

Today I'm thankful for my name.

I watched an episode of my new favorite TV show, "Downton Abbey," last weekend. After hearing a rather unseemly piece of news about her granddaughter, the normally judgemental matriarch was questioned as to why she was taking the news in such an accepting, gentle fashion. She turned and smiled, saying, "Mary's different. She's family."

Belonging may take 2nd place only to being loved for the best feeling ever. My name grounds me in that feeling of belonging; it reminds me that whose I am is much more important than who I am or what I have accomplished.


This sign hangs outside of my classroom. Lucky for me, I "belong" to lots of people and places.

 

Ash Wednesday

I am thankful for a hyacinth that is blooming on my kitchen table on the 13th of February. It serves as a reminder that Spring always comes again.