Birthday as a Teacher

Wow talk about long time, no blogging. I felt like blogging today because I feel extremely blessed and grateful. Today is my birthday. While I do love the celebration and gifts that are given, I love even more how grateful my birthday makes me feel. So many people that I love wishing me happy birthday. It truly makes me realize how good I have it.
This morning when my students came in, or should I say came running in, they came right up to my desk and started "showering" (tossing) their gifts they had gotten at me. It was probably the cutest thing I have ever seen. One of my sweet students gave me an individual applesauce cup, that I'm sure was from her home lunch, a girl handed me a present and when I opened it, it was a drawing of a orca whale, one boy made me a pop up card. Let's not forget all the chocolate that I received today. While some of these gifts may seem silly, I will treasure them always. I am so grateful for my class. I didn't know it was possible to love 26 adorable, slightly annoying, hilarious, and thoughtful kids.
I feel like one of the best gifts I received today wasn't even tangible. A boy who had hall monitor duty came in after recess was over and the rest of the class was at specialties and just sat and talked with me. He has had a rough year with various things to deal with. One thing I've noticed and admired about him, is his positive attitude. I've never heard him complain about his situation once. As he sat talking to me about things he had gone through, I realized his is wise beyond his years. I'm so grateful for that short 20 mins I was able to talk with him one on one and really listen to what he had to say. Could I have been doing other things such as sub plans, or preparing for the next week? Sure. But I wouldn't have traded that for anything. I guess what I realized is, teachers are usually the ones who you remember for a lifetime. But now being a teacher, I realize there will be students you will remember for a lifetime.
I love all of my students very dearly. Even the nose pickers. I hope that I have left a positive mark in their minds, just like they have left in mine. What a wonderful birthday!

Grateful.

I've wanted to write this post for awhile. It was just hard for me to wrap my head around all of my thoughts. This month is going to bring a lot of change for me. I graduate tomorrow, May 2nd, I then get married on May 23rd (if you want an invite, click this link and fill out the form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QfZ7xqIY8VcBHhrR1FQ3fLVQs4iNK_rmI4FlPzTsHls/viewform ). Then I start my first teaching job in August. As I reflect back on my life, and where I am now, I can't help but have a heart full of love and gratitude. I look at all the people who have blessed my life, and whether they know it or not, have helped to get me where I am today.

As I look at my experience through college, there is no way I would be graduating today if it weren't for my parents. Starting with them giving me a good foundation and teaching how to work, how to stay driven, and not to give up. They have helped me through college by letting me stay in their home rent free (thanks for not kicking me out ;) ) And supporting me every step of the way. I am forever grateful that I was able to grow up in a home where my parents supported me and gave me all they could. They've taught me so many lessons, even though some of them were hard to learn. I feel like I would not be the person I am today had it not been for my parents. I love them so much.

I am also so grateful that I have the opportunity to get married this month, to Jeremy. I wish you guys could feel in my heart how grateful I am for him. He is the most loving, caring, and kind person. We've had our ups and downs through our dating, but I know that he is the right guy for me. I am so blessed marry him and start my life with him.

I am also so grateful for my friends. I am so blessed to have some really great close friends. I know without these friends, my path in life would be completely different. I'm so grateful my friends love me no matter what, no matter how long we haven't seen each other, and no matter what stupid decisions I make. My heart is full of gratitude for them.

I had a bridal shower last night, and as my guests came, I couldn't help but feel so loved. I was so thankful for every person that walked through the door. I couldn't believe that that many people cared about me to come support me. It was truly an amazing feeling. From young women leaders, to friends, to relatives who took time out of their day to come and see me. Wow, it was awesome.

The past few months I have been somewhat focused on how scary this world seems to be becoming. Wars, crime, murders, and just plain crazy things that seem to be getting worse and worse. But reflecting on all these good things in my life, I realize that there IS so much good still. So much. So much love, so much kindness, and so much caring. How wonderful is that to realize? Heavenly Father truly is looking over each and everyone of us. He wants us to be happy. I just think of how great that is.

My heart is full. I want to thank everyone in my life that has gotten me to where I am today. I am blessed.