Thankfulness: 16

Today, I am thankful for optimism. When I started work today. I'd decided that it would be a good day. Regardless of how my kids acted. And you know what? My kids are pretty endearing. So I'm thankful that I can be their teacher, even when I'm so tired that I feel like giving up, I know that it's worth it. That they are worth it. And that's all that matters.

Thankfulness: 15

Can you tell I'm excited about the weather? I think this is the 2nd or 3rd thankful for weather post I've done, but seriously? It feels like we live in a normal place. It was 75 today and overcast. Overcast! Ed and I commented that this was the first time it's been overcast without it raining.

(pretty clouds on our way out of town this weekend)

I guess I'm also thankful that this week is almost over, and that it's gone by pretty quick. I had to spend 2ish hours tonight taking a teaching test (to be officially credentialed in AZ). I sure hope I pass - I suck at multiple choice tests because I overthink them and, according to Ed, answer them according to real teaching experiences rather than theoretical classrooms. So, fingers crossed. Just 45 hours worth of classes (and passing grades on the two tests I've taken) stand between me and a "permanent" credential.

I'm thankful, too, for my sweet students. One of them waited behind just because she wanted to walk out with me and chat. Not about any problems or issues she had and not to complain - just because she wanted to spend time with me. Moments like that warm my heart :).

Thankfulness: 14

Today was a hard(er) day. Just felt tired and less than inspired (or inspiring) as a teacher. Ah, well, thank goodness tomorrow is a fresh start!

So, let me just say that I am thankful that Ed and I were able to discover some of the beauty that Arizona has to offer. Getting to explore some beautiful places this past weekend really helped Ed and I appreciate our new home. He was just telling me today how happy he was feeling about living here. It helps to know awesome scenery is only a couple of hours away!

We're so excited to get to share some of these places with friends and family who come to visit :)

Thankfulness: 13

Today I'm thankful that our great weekend put me in really good spirits back at work. Plus, tomorrow is already Wednesday and we only have two days next week. I love this time of year. And, it was in the 40s last night. We slept with real covers for the first time since we moved. It was wonderful. So much to be thankful for.

Thankfulness: Ed's Birthday

Today's thankfulness is pretty easy (I consider myself fortunate that it seems like I'm finding it easy to find things to be thankful for every day).

Today, my wonderful amazing husband turned 32.

I am so thankful that I've gotten to see him grow and change (and yet stay very much the same) over these last five years. I've seen his love for trail running from that very first run, through 50ks and 50 milers, from race wins to solo trail runs, and I feel so proud of him for how amazingly he's taken to this sport. I'm also thankful that he keeps me going out on the trails, pushing me out of my comfort zones and reminding me of why I started trail running 6  years ago. 

I also very much appreciate that Ed's birthday almost always falls over a holiday weekend, so we always have an excuse to plan some sort of wonderful trip. This year we headed to Flagstaff where we were snowed on (in Arizona - can you believe it?!?), had some amazing time out in nature, and then topped off the trip with a side stop in Sedona, where we were completely wowed by the red rocks. 

So, thank you Ed, for letting me part of these last 5 years of your life, and for letting us have such a wonderful birthday celebration. 

Thankfulness: Day 11

Today I am thankful for spending quality time with my husband, we have had such a wonderful escape to Flagstaff to enjoy some real wintery weather. It has been so nice being in a place with beautiful trails like in California and even trees. I'm so thankful all of this is only a little over two hours away. We'll definitely be returning for more trips.

Thankfulness: Days 9 and 10

Ack...missed a day! Well, I'll just say that I am very thankful that we are actually experiencing fall weather! Very fun to try out our fireplace.

We've had a nice couple of days. last night we got together with some of Ed's faculty colleagues for dinner at one of their homes. It was so nice sitting outside getting to know some new people while enjoying the beautiful evening.

I am also incredibly thankful for this three day weekend.