Tag: Thankful Thursday

Thankful Thursday #76

On By Alicia McCauleyIn Thankful ThursdaysLeave a comment
image courtesy of frugalzealot.blogspot.com

This week I’m thankful for…

  • a new school year
  • my student teacher
  • double stick tape
  • freshly sharpened pencils
  • the sound of my husband’s voice as I drift off to sleep
  • parents who are already offering to volunteer in class and/or take tasks home to complete
  • the firefighters working so diligently to put out the fires burning all around me
  • my Ugandan children

Thankful Thursday #75

On By Alicia McCauleyIn Thankful ThursdaysLeave a comment

This week I’m thankful for…

  • pink eye.  No seriously, I’m thankful that I have it now in the summer when I don’t have to write sub plans.
  • dresses with leggings
  • quiet time
  • catching up with friends
  • 75 weeks of gratitude.  I can’t believe this is my 75th Thankful Thursday.  They’ve gone by quickly because I have so very much to be thankful for.
  • my old friends who have mourned with me this week
  • Enjoy magazine for featuring an article (p. 52-53) on the importance of authentic writing instruction and the work I do with the Northern California Writing Project.  It’s an important time to recognize the value of meaningful instruction.  Thanks, Enjoy magazine and writer Claudia Mosby for taking a stand for education.
  • my littlest brother who is building a school in Ecuador.  I’m so proud of him.
  • my friend, Emily, who leaves tomorrow to tend to orphans in Africa.  My heart is with you, friend.
  • The father who prays in Mark 9:24 “I believe.  Help my unbelief!”.  Boy can I relate to him and, man, has that been the prayer of my heart lately.
  • the painting at the top.  I bought it in Uganda and it makes me think of a mother surrounded by her children.  It hangs in my hallway just outside my bedroom and when I lie in bed I can see it.  I miss my Ugandan kids terribly and this painting brings a little relief.  Here’s another up close shot of it.  The lines and texture leave me stunned.
Painting by Omuny.

Thankful Thursday #74

On By Alicia McCauleyIn Thankful Thursdays1 Comment

It’s lovely to be back in the practice of recording all the things I have to be thankful for and this week my list is long because I’m realizing now more than ever just how much I have to be thankful for.  This week I’m thankful for…

  • my husband who loves me so well
  • messages from my Ugandan children & friends
  • blackberries fresh from the backyard
  • my friend who is walking with integrity through a refining time when her integrity is being questioned.  You know who you are and I’m thankful for you.
  • reading in bed
  • my washing machine.  I never did get very good at washing my clothes by hand.
  • sleeping in my own bed
  • time spent reconnecting with friends
  • mint iced tea
  • my skin that is three shades browner because it reminds me of my Ugandan children
  • my brilliant friend Jenna who posted this on Facebook today “Love now. Speak now. Follow now. You have great influence. Use what you’ve been given. Be brave.”
  • the new album ‘Young Man Follow’ by Future of Forestry.  I never, ever buy whole albums.  After listening to song samples, I bought this whole album and I LOVE it.  Be warned, when you buy this album, you will want to swallow it in big gulps and not consume any other music for a while.  Your happy finger will just keep hitting the replay button.  My favorite song is ‘Love Be Your Mantra’.  And here’s my favorite part of my favorite song:

    And you tasted grace, kindness too
    My friend you’ll know what hands and feet will do

    Take what you’re granted
    Love be your mantra
    Take what you’re handed
    Love be your mantra

Thankful Thursday #72

On By Alicia McCauleyIn Thankful Thursdays3 Comments

I have so much to be thankful for, but this week I feel compelled to take time to express gratitude for the families of my students.  This week I’m thankful for…

  • the mom who says, “Of course.” each and every time I ask for her help
  • the mom who speaks and moves with gentleness, reminding me to do the same
  • the family who prays for me every night
  • the father who sought me out at church last Sunday to tell me what a privilege it was to have their son in my class and then bear hugged me.  Twice.
  • the grandmother and aunt who emailed me letting me know how our class musical gave their little one a time to shine when she most needed it, when the family needed something happy
  • the grandmother who left a voicemail for my administrator telling him that I’m turning children into writers
  • the father who came to school early to thank me for instilling confidence in his son
  • the family who tells me they love me every time I see them.  From the grandmother right down to the children, they end each conversation with, “We love you, Mrs. McCauley.”
  • the father who peacefully agreed to disagree with me because he wants to show his son what respect for authority looks like
  • all the parents who gave of their time every week to love my little ones

As I go into the last couple of days of school, my heart is filled with gratitude and love for these little ones and their parents who have made me feel like a member of their families.