I Am Thankful!

Each day of the month of November, friends posted what they were thankful for over on Facebook.  I chose not to participate this year because I wanted to wait until the end of the month and create one post.  Well, I missed writing yesterday, so I wanted to do it today.  My list is in no particular order.

I am thankful for . . .

-God, who sent Jesus to be born in a manger and then gave His only begotten son to forgive me for my sins, and who makes all things possible, gives us nature, opportunities, and more.

-my mother, the strongest woman I know.  She has endured so much, gives of herself, and works herself 'til exhaustion taking care of others.  Oh, how I love her and am in awe of her.

-my dearest and best friends, J & R.  I can share everything with these two ladies, and I know they will keep my words, thoughts, and feelings completely private. They always know exactly what to say to help me get through everything.  They are Godly, amazing women, and I am so unbelievably grateful for them and their friendship.

-my brother and sister-in-law, who allowed me to be a very hands-on Auntie for 10.5 years.  Gosh, how I love my niece and nephew!  There are no words to explain how much it meant to me to be a part of their daily lives.  I truly treasured every moment, every experience I shared with them. They made me smile, filled my days with joy, and taught me so much.

-my Granny and late Grandpa, who were at every important function in my life, who supported and loved me through it all.

-the two wonderful ladies I share an office with at work, J & P.  They help me solve problems, think through ideas, and to be the best Instructional Specialist I can be all while working within the parameters set before us. I am thankful they put up with my craziness.

-the other Instructional Specialists, Facilitators, and Coordinators I work with and have gotten to know. They support me and believe in me when I don't believe in myself.

-Richardson and Texas Jaycees.  The Richardson Jaycees, my aunt, and cousin honored me by nominating me as one of the Five Outstanding Young Texans in 2011.  The Texas Jaycees chose me as one of these FOYT for my work as an educator.  I was so overwhelmed with such an honor, and I am not sure I showed my appreciation to the depth that I am honored.  While I was being chosen and named, I was being forced to make a professional decision that left me looking for a job.  The weekend I was being honored with a fabulous ceremony, I had no job as an educator, for which was the main reason I was nominated. There are no words to describe how appreciative I am of this fabulous award.

-my friends and co-workers at the school where I taught for 10 years and other friends within that district.  I chose to leave the classroom and the district for a central administration position, which I had for 3 years, in another local district.  I loved this experience and meeting the people in this new district.  With statewide budget cuts, I had to make a decision in the spring of 2011.  These amazing former co-workers were my connection to getting a job back in my former district that fall.  The friends that I met and worked with during those 10 years cannot be matched.  I will treasure their friendship always.

-that I have a job, which gives me an income to have a car, home, food, and more.

-my aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family.  They are always there when I need them.

-the pastor of the church where I have been visiting.  She has been so welcoming and friendly.

-my Girl Scout troop, which has given me something to focus my time and energy on during this very crazy year.  It is also a time I get to spend with my niece, which I treasure. My co-leader is pretty fabulous too!  Couldn't do it without her!

I know people will see this and think, "Why didn't she mention me?" or "Why didn't she mention so and so or such and such?"  I know that my list could go on and on and on.  There are so many people, experiences, and things I am thankful for these days.  As sure as I post this, I will think of something else.  Who knows?  Maybe I will just keep coming back to this post and updating it.