Thanksgiving

I'm sitting at my desk at school thinking about all the things I want to happen in my life--some I have control over--most I don't (at least to a degree). I have been worried and stressed and just not very happy lately. And then sitting here at school, watching my students work, I've come to the realization that my life is really good--not just good, but REALLY good. I have the most wonderful husband who loves me, who's patient with me and who is just simply better than I deserve. I have parents who support and love me, who miss me when I haven't seen them for a while, and who I can call (and when they answer) I can talk to and laugh with (or cry, depending on the day). I have siblings that are not just fun to talk to, but inspirational (no joke). I have a job I love--students that are crazy and silly and smart. I am so blessed.

There is a common saying that goes something like: "it is easier to focus on what you want rather than what you have," and I am definitely guilty of that these last few of months. But now I've found that spirit of thanksgiving, and I am overwhelmed by all the things in my life that I have to be thankful for.

So thank you, friends and family alike, for being you and loving me. Happy Thanksgiving.

Hogwarts Halloween

This Halloween we had the AWESOME opportunity to be part of a real-life Hogwarts! One of the girls I work with turns her parents' house into Hogwarts as a work party. I was lucky enough to play Professor McGonagall (scotish accent and all), Michael was Professor Snape, and our friend Chris played Vernon Dursley. Seriously, it was epic. The estimate was that over 1000 people came in the 4 1/2 hours that it was open. Here are some pictures, although we forgot our camera so I had to pull them from this blog...

Me sorting and the Weasley twins being the Weasley twins.

Hagrid, then Chris and his family for the night.

The whole cast

Michael as Snape, Snape, Severus Snape.

I spent the night "sorting" students into houses, Michael spent the night walking around scowling, and Chris got to watch his "son" open his 36 birthday presents and eat cake while proudly chortling. It was a night to remember. Oh, and we even got paid!