Birthday Blessings

November always brings so many things to be thankful for and I think it's a good reminder for me to stop and take the time to remember all the blessings in my life. This weekend I was able to celebrate my birthday with some of the most wonderful people I know! Thursday afternoon Luke and I went to see Wicked and it was incredible! I have been listening to the soundtrack since July and it was so fun to finally see the production. Friday I went to work and had a class of two year olds sing "happy birthday" to me which was very fun. Little "J" kept telling me it was our birthday. I said no, its my birthday and he laughed and so noooo its OUR birthday. Well, I'm okay sharing with that sweet little boy. Then we had story time at church and the kids sang "happy birthday" and we had mini cupcakes to celebrate. One of the 2 1/2 year olds kept saying, "It's Emily's birthday! We have to sing to her!!" It was very cute. And then last night we went out with my brother, his girlfriend, and my roomie for dinner at Buca di Beppo and dessert at home (salted caramel pear pie- yum!) I'm so thankful for all these wonderful people who made my birthday a very special one.

November Blessings Part 2:
10. Productive days getting lots of chores done.
11. Peaceful Sunday mornings at KidTown.
12. Playing with a sweet 2 year old, reading him stories, and putting him to bed.
13. The warmth of a heater.
14. Kids who remember your birthday from last year.
15. Loving parents.
16. Flowers and sweet cards from Luke.
17. Going out to dinner with some of my favorite people whom I love dearly.
18. Children who are generous with their giving.

I am looking forward to a short work week and celebrating Thanksgiving on Thursday with Luke and his family. I'm excited to bake cookies and make sweet potatoes, do a little shopping, spend time with people I love, and continue remembering all the things I have to be thankful for.

30 Thankful Days

Last November I kept a simple list of things I am thankful for each day. Ideally I would love to do this every day all year long, but clearly I'm not so great at it. However, for November I have committed to be thankful in all circumstances. At the end of each day I think back over the events of that day, and consider a small blessing that turned into a big blessing on that particular day. As my dad always says, we are truly blessed - blessed with good health and a great family. Blessed with a roof over our heads and plenty of food in the fridge. Blessed with employment and a comfortable life. My mom always uses the phrase "There but for the grace of God, go I" and I've always understood the idea behind that saying, but I looked up a better explanation of it and I think it fits perfectly. This historical phrase website (called the phrase finder) describes it by saying: I too, like someone seen to have suffered misfortune, might have suffered a similar fate, but for God's mercy. It is only by God's grace that we are blessed, and by responding in thankfulness we are all acknowledging these blessings in our lives.

November Blessings Part 1:
1. My brother, Bob, and getting to see him perform with his improv group at Seattle U.
2. The return of red Starbucks cups and gingerbread lattes :)
3. Laughter with friends.
4. The women on the Alumni Falconette Board.
5. A great day at work in my new classroom, Orange Giraffes.
6. A night at home with Luke - eating chili, watching tv, and simply enjoying each others company.
7. A surprise visit from Luke after a long day at work.
8. Hugs from 2 year olds who say "I got you!" as they squeeze their little arms around your neck.
9. Sunshine on a chilly fall day.