Christmas blessings

What a wonderful time of year to think on God's blessings, and the priceless gift of His Son!

• extending quiet reading time, enjoying the peace of silence
• having to stop every time they laughed while reading "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"
• our refrigerator decked out with Christmas cards
• being spontaneous, going into the city for a Christmas concert on a "school night"
• making her day
• his giddy smile while making music
• reserved seats
• hearing that her interview went well
• a donation made in my name
• adorable kindergarten Christmas chapel
• out to dinner with cousins
• Google hang out, "reindeer mode"
• gingerbread man math activity
• being married to a "handy-man," on day one of his winter break we already had new blinds up in 3 rooms!
• my desk filled with gifts of all shapes and sizes - "open it, Mrs. Beverly!" - the generosity that flows at Christmas time
• seeing him play basketball, watching him score
• celebrating Christmas with family, beginning already on Thursday
• having time to see his family and mine
• reading the Christmas story out loud from my children's Bible
• holiday desserts: canollis, cheese cake, almond squares, and cookies of all kinds!
• smiles that come with giving and receiving
• new dressers (the drawers now close!)
• an experiment, making bruschetta together, turning out to be a hit
• family sitting in church with us
• imagining what it must be like to celebrate Christmas in heaven

counting down to Christmas, counting up my blessings!

• enjoying fairly "plan-free" weekends with less schoolwork and more of the once-a-year Christmas festivities
• eating breakfast downstairs, joined by Mom & Dad
• homemade coffee cake
• making and wrapping gifts for others
• smooth sailing when crowds and traffic were expected
• beautiful new Joann's store in Paramus
• hot chocolate made with milk
• his paper done, time with my love
• being in a sing-along mood
• week nights that feel like weekend nights
• borrowing season 2 of our recent show of choice
• sitting in the sunny spot
• a generous friend - a start to my camera fund, and more
• a good view when I eat breakfast
• feeling valued, dreaming of what the future may hold
• their excitement to learn cursive
• spontaneous time with a great friend after school
• catching up on life's stories with our small group
• baking, giving, & receiving way too many Christmas cookies!
• mild temperatures in mid-December
• beautiful poinsettia from my brother
• attending an important meeting, sharing updates with others
• "A Charlie Brown Christmas"
• small words that encourage, inspire
• holiday shopping at the PTO store
• not feeling bad about relaxing on the couch
• double date, 2 hours of bowling, ending with one of my better games
• stuffing his stocking
• out for dinner with our grandparents
• a Christmas tradition - driving around to look at lights, finding some unexpected surprises!

the list of God's goodness continues --

• voices blending in choir practice
• "Come Emmanuel"
• a reminder that God is always working to deliver His promises to us, even when we don't perceive it
• Christmas decorations, and a pine-scented candle
• making a meal for a family in need
• a stranger's "hello" on the sidewalk
• a break from routine, gaining tips and strategies at a teachers' conference
• celebrating with colleagues at our staff Christmas party
• opportunities for our school to practice serving others
• "decking the halls with dinosaurs," them lined up in the hallway, sharing their dino-mite work
• gingerbread kid ornaments, a tree covered in children's handmade creations
• finding Christmas cards in the mailbox
• surprise mint hot chocolate from my love
• talking with a great friend after far too long
• "miss you" texts from mom
• lunch provided at school as a thanks for what we do
• a mentor who thinks of me even when she is absent
• silly dinosaur Christmas story and sing-alongs
• leaf-print wreaths

• cards signed, sealed, & delivered
• help from other grade levels
• celebrating the birthday of our one-of-a-kind aide
• mini ice cream cupcakes
• time to craft, accompanied by Christmas music
• this year's new ornament, now on our tree!

more of God's never-ending blessings from the past week:

• our decorated Christmas tree
• church services in the dark for the Advent season
• not finishing my to-do list, leaving time to relax and reflect
• walk with mom on a beautiful day
• pumpkin pie leftovers
• having family so close by
• time to spend with a friend on her birthday
• cloudy pink and blue sky, slowly turning to darkness
• cooking with my husband
• working with E in our pj's
• making plans for a new camera
• our school secretary to the rescue! helping me with a paper jam
• unseasonably warm weather
• seeing them "get it" with 2 digit addition
• piano music playing next door, a soothing start to my morning
• his big smile, just because
• the scent of leftover birthday treats
• flipping the calendar
• marbles in the bucket
• making Advent chains, counting down to Christmas
• parents on the playground
• making dinner for my grandparents
• helping her decide on an outfit
• shopping for others, in store and online
• invitation to dinner
• Josh Groban holiday playlist on Pandora
• a doctor who went above and beyond
• party of 8

Overflowing with thanksgiving

The recent long weekend provided time (finally!) for rest and a time of reflection for the many (oh, so many!) things I have to be thankful for. To make an all-inclusive list of God's blessings to me and my family would be never ending, but here is a start.

• an amazing husband
• supportive family on both sides: particularly loving parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters
• a beautiful and cheerful niece
• old and new friends
• a welcoming church family, a place to worship together
• a home to call our own
• friendly neighbors
• not one, but two jobs, when so many are without
• students that make me smile, being able to pray with them
• helpful colleagues that share my faith
• blessings from NYU
• a free country
• health and strength
• heat when it's cold, air conditioning when it's warm
• food in abundance
• clothes for every season
• hobbies that bring joy
• His beautiful creation

But most of all... His Love, evidenced by the gift of His Son ...

the sacrifice He made for me, for you, for all of us.

This blog has helped make me more aware of these blessings, and intentional about enjoying and giving thanks for each one. Seeking out these blessings -- no matter how big or small -- has become more natural for me throughout this year, and been a good reminder that Thanksgiving does not come once a year. Our gratitude to God should overflow every day - even when it is hard to be thankful, especially when it is hard to be thankful. 


I find it most difficult to give thanks in times of busyness - not that there is a lack of things to be grateful for (certainly not!) but I feel there is less time to dwell on the blessings of each day. I hoped that this blog would help me make time to give thanks and share my moments of joy with others -- which it has -- however, updating my blog daily has also become one more thing to do each day.


After much thought, I have decided to continue listing the blessings of each day, but in a different way. I plan to keep a journal that I will write in each morning about the day before. I also hope to continue sharing some of these "little things" with you, but I am no longer committing to do so on a daily basis. I will update the blog as time allows (with lists, pictures, or perhaps even longer pieces like this one). I hope you understand -- thank you for following. I hope my blog has encouraged you to seek out the blessings of each day as well. Stay tuned for more of life's "little things" ... and be grateful! Happy Thanksgiving!

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2011

• a half day devoted to Thanksgiving
• 5 kernels of corn, going round and round the circle to share what we are thankful for, their priceless answers
• moms, dads, siblings, grandparents, teachers, friends
• animals to pet
• a Christian school
• the playground
• Pokemon cards
• the squirmer's big smile and eyes on me as he said, "I am thankful for the best teacher"
• a "vegetarian" turkey
• class moms who helped plan our celebration
• leaving school early, spending the afternoon with my adorable niece
• his family together again

• my husband warming up the car for me, and not forgetting to also pack the rake and shovel
• sticking to the plan despite the drizzle
• the things I do for "my" kids, digging up the playground in my dress pants to plant some chicken bones
• the way their faces lit up when they found "fossils"

making fossil prints

• students and colleagues who jump at the chance to help with clean-up
• silly "mad-lib" stories
• only a 1/2 day to go!

• a "10 sticker" day for 2 oh-so-smart but can't-sit-still kids
• a good mid-day laugh with my mentor, the kind that brings tears to my eyes
• grading at school so that I could come home with empty hands
• thinking Christmas, and sneaking some early Christmas music when he is not in the car with me
• listing and counting gifts, a bond with mom
• taking them up on their generous offer - "you can invite yourself over any time!"
• picking up my love after a long day apart

• being back in church after missing too many Sundays in a row
• a much needed reminder - we cannot do anything in our own strength, but must rely on the Spirit of God
• a long and refreshing walk with mom to enjoy what is likely to be one of our last warm days
• an on time Sunday e-mail
• making plans for only 2 1/2 school days

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2011

• girl time with Mom, being able to talk to her about anything
• picking the same pretty polish
• a trip to Target: cheap groceries, quality photo prints, and even some Christmas gifts all in one place
• an easy refund

• pictures back up on the wall (in color this time)
• stopping in, with food in hand, to check on the patient
• makin' shakes in the blender

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2011

• ceiling holes repaired - thankful for pleasant contractors who worked quickly without lacking in quality
• getting our home back to normal
• "you are such a blessing," incredibly sweet words from a student's parent
• wine and crafting, a great combination

• catching up with Net as we did what we do best
• hearing that it was a success

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2011

• children bursting at the seams with excitement for our first field trip
• a visit to the Wyckoff Wildlife Center, including a "sensing nature" tour led by a former teacher, and walking on our own to see some fascinating animals
• a parent who remembered her camera since I did not
• progress made
• going "home" for a meal

• time for odds and ends
• a meeting-free break, finally able to chat and grade with my mentor
• my husband's willingness to make dinner
• student artwork that makes us smile
• Life-saver mints just waiting to be taken
• mini-prints and saving grace at CVS
• discovering a new blog to follow
• the way he loves me, no matter my mood

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2011

• making "grasshoppers" out of clothespins
• a never-before-seen, but skilled doctor putting me at ease
• one less thing to worry about
• neighbors who we can call for last minute favors
• quick and delicious dinner plans
• "for you, two for one"
• trying the mint hot chocolate at Dunkin' and loving it as much as I hoped
• beautiful photos that make my job easy

• an extra set of hands
• free tissues and (pre-sharpened!) pencils
• a genuine "I'm sorry"
• a surprise text message and sweet gesture
• meals prepared for today and tomorrow
• a deal (and Christmas music) at Michaels
• driving with the windows down

• perfect weather for being active outdoors
• renting old-school bikes and cruising around Central Park
• the colors of autumn all around us
• laughing so hard that we couldn't keep pedaling
• inviting the neighbors for dinner

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2011

• more than one round of our favorite game
• surprise! a sparkly clean car
• browsing (dreaming) in IKEA
• enjoying every meal together
• mouth-watering cheesecake
• a care-free Saturday with our soul friends
• conversations of all kinds

• the way they pray for one another and those in need
• one final conference, good reports to give
• "A Bug's Life"
• seeing how a once hard task is now a feasible one for so many
• coming home to a clean house, my husband knows me well!
• filling the kitchen with the smell of chocolate chip cookies
• waiting for great friends to arrive!

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2011

• their excitement to explore God's creation
• the rain holding off
• finding and collecting critters of all kinds -- worms, ants, salamanders, even a slug!
• hands and eyes glued to a fish tank full of creepy crawlers
• family dinner - with something for everyone
• an "I missed you" hug from mom
• her braiding my hair

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2011

• a vent in the bathroom
• cuddling with my husband on the couch after a "go-go-go" kind of day
• new episodes
• friends through life's up and downs, knowing we can pick up right where we left off even if life takes us on different paths
• warm pumpkin drink at Starbucks

• orange envelopes in the mailbox
• no coats needed, enjoying the last of the 70 degree days!
• students showing compassion, seeing their eagerness to help children with cancer by striving for excellence and even donating their own money to St. Jude's Children's Hospital
• e-mails that make me feel closer to far-away friends
• encouraging words to ease my doubts
• my Tuesday night reprieve from school work, allowing my mind to be creative in a different way
• time to talk, discuss, vent, give advice, and lament with a friend who understands
• praying for help to "not sweat the small stuff"

• an amazingly helpful sister-in-law! did our grocery shopping, made us dinner and dessert
• creating a thanks and giving trees bulletin board

• making fun weekend plans
• a husband who loves me in spite of everything
• being warm with a coat on, loving the sunshine
• breaking out my journal again, a God who forgives and sees me for who I can be

• "you know what I love about right now?" - how the words of a stranger can feel so close to home, a new phrase to help me give thanks in all things
• a glance at the clock in the morning, knowing it is actually an hour earlier
• enjoying the day in the city with my husband
• an early Christmas present: seeing a long-awaited show
• amazed at the creative costumes
• center rear orchestra seats - perfect view!
• a crafty flower for my hair
• our Sunday night show, joined by A&A

• ignoring the alarm, staying warm under the covers
• my Calvin sweatshirt
• "what are you doing today?" phone calls, spending unexpected time with a wonderful friend
• a $3 desk chair, soon to be transformed
• craft time with good company, teaching her to make ornaments
• completing 2 orders already!
• his return
• "falling back," an extra hour

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2011

• a "magnificent teacher"
• 18 conferences completed, a weight off my shoulders
• leaving school before noon, spending the rest of the day with A & E
• friends and family who support our passion for crafting
• a gracious host
• successful a.j.e.less designs open house

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011

• being home together, even if getting our individual work done
• thinking Christmas (cards), designing my own
• our routine of holding hands to pray after dinner
• being there for him, his being there for me
• timely conferences
• a recovery drink with co-workers

• an aide that stayed all day
• lights and heat in all school campuses
• getting assessments in before conferences
• just one day of school for the week
• insulation in our home, a caring grandfather
• hard eucharisteo: holes in the ceiling, walking in to a mess
• a husband with tickets in hand, telling me not to worry, he will handle it
• coming home after a long day, looking forward to watching an episode of my favorite show with my favorite person

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2011

• accomplishing tasks at the bottom of the list
• helping a friend in her time of need
• snow melting, temps rising
• looking through pictures, deciding what will look good on the wall
• a delayed phone call, an excuse to "do it later"
• freshly baked banana bread
• having dinner ready when he came home
• time for crafting

• that precious extra half hour of sleep
• time for designing
• a meaningful book, a reminder to read it again and again
• the rare combination of snow on the ground, colorful leaves on the trees, and sunshine to illuminate its wonder
• booking a trip with friends, getting a deal
• her voice on the other side of the line
• a new show to watch and laugh together
• that phone call again ... looking forward to another day off!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2011

• snowed in with my love
• maintaining power, and no damage to our property
• my brother shoveling so my husband didn't have to
• a phone call to change my attitude
• bringing the dogs back to their rightful home
• party of 8 around the table at a favorite restaurant

Today was anything but a normal autumn Saturday. Instead, today brought some interesting surprises. Though these surprises may not have made me smile on first glance, I find that I can only laugh about them now!

• steady snowflakes falling from morning to night
• going to the attic to break out the winter coats and boots
• a massive hibiscus plant arriving in the midst of a snowstorm
• preparing for conferences by candlelight
• routinely distracted by tree branches cracking
• taking 2 black labs and all of their needs to spend the night at our house
• my husband called out to shovel before our calendar shows November

• a mug of hot chocolate to perk up my morning
• a quick $50
• dedicated parent volunteers
• a substitute I can count on: calm, respected, and maintains high expectations
• a good laugh in the midst of a serious meeting
• a blanket around me to keep warm on a cold day
• cheering on my brother in one of his last soccer games of the season
• a double date with friends

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2011

• surprised by a Christmas song on the radio
• creating their own "ants"
• discount tickets to see a long awaited show!
• my amazing husband, who always knows how to cheer me up
• laughing at family videos
• new numbers

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2011

• recording what students have learned about kindness
• an e-mail with special offers from NYU
• time with him in the midst of a busy week
• reading together
• early to bed

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2011

• news that a loved one is home from the hospital
• inviting myself to dinner at mom & dad's, hearing again that the door is always open
• a phone call to say "I miss you"
• picking out snacks to treat the staff
• knocks on the door from the neighbors, even for something small

• my turn to lead staff devotions, sharing in prayer with colleagues
• God's timing
• good reports from last week's open house
• doctors and nurses for those in need
• parents to help centers run smoothly
• celebrating our learning about kindness
• sit-on-the-floor talks about life with my mentor, taking time to rest in the midst of e-mails, paperwork, photocopying, grading, and more
• spending time with cousins, plus a new addition!

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2011

• a reminder to spend more time "on my knees"
• a sympathetic husband
• 2 advil and an afternoon nap
• dropping in at the neighbors', neighbors dropping in
• homemade paninis
• "seeing" far-away friends for the first time in a long time, planning to meet half way

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2011

• turning the heat on
• an experiment for both of us: making applesauce with mom
• starting a new tradition
• taste-testing
• the last piece of pie (for lunch? why not!)
• enjoying a walk on a beautiful day
• a date with my love
• long-awaited gelato
• finding the right fit
• the warmth of our comforter

step 1: washing

step 2: coring

step 3: boiling

step 4: mashing, with the help of Nana & Pop's old pot

applesauce! it's that easy!

step 5: add cinnamon and sugar

we need more apples next year!

• waking up after the sun
• a break in routine
• a friend to ride around with
• learning something new
• exploring the possibilities
• friday afternoon cocktail
• coming home to a cooked meal, sharing with our neighbors
• freshly baked oatmeal chocolate chip cookies

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2011

• a visiting author
• encouraging a nervous student
• making "edible landfills"
• a night off from grading
• a colleague taking responsibility so I didn't have to
• 8 of us around the table, felt like Thanksgiving!
• pumpkin pie piled high with cool-whip
• new comedy on The Office

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2011

• a working Smartboard
• an easy afternoon
• hosting parents for dinner
• comfy pants
• a new episode to make me laugh and cry simultaneously

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011

• enjoying God's autumn beauty while walking with a friend
• patience in the check-out line
• making the cashier smile
• breakfast for dinner
• talking with someone who understands

• using jolly ranchers in today's math lesson
• students excited about centers
• an aide who never ceases to amaze me with what she can accomplish
• story of the Prodigal Son, a good reminder that God always stands with open arms, ready to forgive and rejoice when we turn back to Him
• parents providing supplies
• a husband who encourages me to stay healthy

My apologies for my lack of blogging this week! You would think I was away again, but no such excuse. It's been the "at-home" busy lately. Trying to catch up after being away last week. Today's sermon at church got me thinking about this busyness. The title of the message hit home -- "Too Busy Not To Pray." If I've barely had two minutes to update my blog with each day's blessings, you can imagine how little time I've carved out for prayer in my busy schedule lately. Of course, I immediately want to change my ways and make up for the prayer time I've lost, but one quick look at the calendar for this week tells me this is not going to be an easy process. Hoping I can prioritize my time better with each new day. . . 


Now to spend some time giving thanks to the One who gifts all "the little things."

• an excellent message, one I needed to hear
• a hug from a friend who understands the busyness
• parent involvement to make my job easier
• preparing for the arrival of the newlyweds
• homemade soup to warm us up, fresh bread for dipping
• a walk with God on this beautiful autumn day, purposely making time for prayer
• new neighbors!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011

• fresh smelling laundry drying on the clothesline
• an old Disney movie
• girls' night out with great friends
• the Newsies at Paper Mill Playhouse - amazing!
• dinner before the show, back to the same restaurant for dessert afterwards
• six forks and a giant piece of chocolate cake
• singing "Seize the Day" at the top of our lungs on the way home
• spending time with E two nights in a row, two weekends in a row!

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2011

• feeling proud of my students, ending the day with all drops in the bucket
• planning fun field trips
• a chat with our pastor
• 2 cooks in the kitchen
• craft time
• a.j.e.less designs' most recent product: scrapbook gift bags
• new photos for cards
• making plans for another house party

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2011

• popcorn and a movie
• volunteers to stuff Friday folders
• his "eureka" moment
• candy corn
• pizza from Puzo's
• dinner with family
• watching the most recent episode with mom and dad

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2011

• my husband's help to get my school work done
• having small group again after a long summer stretch
• organic applesauce
• perfecting recipes
• 2nd grade stories