A to Z Challenge: F is for Familly

F is for Family

 Photo by Shannon Irish

I  believe that families are a gift from God.  When we come into the world, we don't enter it alone.  We come with the help of parents.  Mothers are prepared for our coming and can feel a special bond  with us even before we take our first breath.    

God gives us help to make it on our journey through life.  We were not supposed to do it on our own.  

It saddens me to see people who chose to neglect their families and who do not work to strengthen this special bond.  Spend a little time with your family each day, eat a meal together, say a prayer, read a scripture, go to the park, just be together.

I love my family with all of my heart.  I am grateful to be a part of their lives and that they are a part of mine. 

 

A to Z Challenge: E is for Eyes

E is for Eyes

Nan's Rose 

I am so grateful for the gift of sight. 

 I love watching the sun rise in the morning.  Nothing says the beginning of spring like seeing the first daffodil of the year in bloom.  I love seeing the azaleas and the roses blossoming.  I love looking at the beautiful wings of a butterfly.  I love seeing the sun peep out from behind the clouds after a rainstorm and looking for the rainbows. 

I love seeing my family.  I am grateful to be able to read.  Books add so much joy in my life, especially the scriptures.

 
 

E is for eyes.

A to Z Challenge: D is for Dad

 

 

D is for Dad

Farrell J Taylor

I am not sure who took this photo, when it was taken or where it came from.  I do know that this is a photo of my Dad.  He died when I was in college, shortly after I married.

My dad taught me about family, service, faith, perseverance, love for nature, keeping a sense of humor, and so many other things amazing and important things. 

 

The longer I teach the more I realize how blessed I am to have had a father growing up, who cared for his family, followed his faith and served others.  I wish my students we as blessed to have a dad involved in their lives.  I am grateful that he was a part of mine.

I know that after this life I will be able to see him again and to thank him for all that he has done for me.

A to Z Challenge: C is for Cuddling

C is for Cuddling

 

Yesterday, I pulled into my driveway after school.   Before I even got out of the car I got a text message.  I debated on opening it or just leaving it until I got my car unpacked and got everything settled.  I am glad I opened it.  The text was from my sweetheart, my husband, the love of my life. He was just letting me know he was glad I was home.  

As I approached the front door, he opened the door, emptied my hands and hugged me.  I love a nice warm sweet welcome home.  It gets even better we ate take out and just snuggled awhile on the couch.  When I finally pulled away to write a science test, I realized all of my stresses and worries for the day had melted in my husbands embrace.  

C is for Cuddling on the Couch

A to Z Challenge, Day 2: B is for Balloons

B is for Balloons

I love balloons.   

Balloons make a normal day feel like a special occasion!

A party feels more complete with balloons.  They add color, they change patterns with light, they make things lighter and happier.

I teach math and science to 5th graders.  When it is a full moon, or something is in the air to cause the classroom to feel crazy and the kids are not listening, or if they are being disrespectful, the whole class changes within seconds of me putting a bag of balloons on my desk.  They wonder it they can earn one by being good, or if they will get one for answering a question.  

When a student gets a balloon, it is amazing how quickly it is put in a desk or a pocket.  It must be hard not to blow them up in class, yet they wait, they don't want anything to happen to their balloons.  The atmosphere becomes magical. 

A to Z Challenge, Day 1

A is for Alicia

A to Z Challenge Day 1

I am grateful for the day this beautiful young lady gave me permission to marry her dad and for the privileged to become a part of her life.

Alicia is very strong, independent, and adventurous.   She is a good writer with great ideas.  She brought music into our home when she requested piano lessons, and never quit!  She practiced every day, at home, since her very first lesson, without being reminded.  She is loving and is easy to love.  Alicia is creative and compassionate.  She has the ability to help others in need and to make others feel good about themselves. 

From Alicia I have learned that it is important to make time for fun, to make time to help others, to be more patient and compassionate.  She has reminded me that often times the most difficult challenges help us to grow the most, and that tears and laughter both bring healing and lighten a difficult load.  She has shared with me a love of photography.  She can make and achieve goals. She helps me to remember that life is not a journey to travel alone.  

It All Begins Now!

It All Begins Now!

So today is the first official post for the A to Z Challenge. I signed up to do this challenge for the month of April. Basically, you post every day in April (except Sundays) and each day corresponds with a letter of the alphabet going in ABC order. Today is the letter A and my theme for this month is 26 Days of Gratitude. Stop on by to read what "A" thing I am grateful for.


Thanks Kristen Smith from Swords and Stilettos