Thoughts on Giving Thanks...

Date of last post:  July?! I can't believe it's been that long since I've blogged... So much has happened in four months. I've used social media as my way of updating, because I haven't made the time to sit still until this weekend... this Thanksgiving weekend.

Here's a condensed version of the past four months:  I got a new job in August. Actually, my hire date is my birthday: August 14th. It's cool that it's on my birthday, except that school started two days later. Needless to say, I had to get things together quickly, and, honestly, I think I'm just now getting to the point where I feel slightly organized. I won't lie and tell you the transition was easy, because it was nothing like I had hoped, which is one more reason why I haven't blogged. But, it has been so worth it, and I'm so glad I made this career move. I love being a teacher, my students, my coworkers, and my school, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. As you can imagine, working full-time was a major change for our family, but we're starting to get into a routine. I didn't leave IPFW all together, though, and am hoping that I can still teach a class or two throughout the year.

Phil is still working as hard as ever and has been super supportive of my stress-driven mood swings over the past few months. Thank goodness he is a patient man! In September, we celebrated our 10th anniversary! Who knew he'd keep  me that long? :)

Landen has grown several inches and has no problem telling everyone that he's almost as tall as them, especially his aunts. He's doing very well in school and is finding neat things to take interest in -- history, art (drawing and designing), and reading. I am also happy to report that he has been writing! I'm saving the stories he creates... they're funny and so creative! He will begin basketball season, soon, and with his growth, I can't wait to see how he has improved his shot. All in all, he's loving 3rd grade and life in general. He is so happy and sweet, and we love watching him learn and grow into an amazing personality.

Graden is... well, he's Grado. :)

Over the past several weeks, he's had a few appointments and tests. We had a few concerns about his brain (based on some of his comments and behaviors), so we got him in for his 6-month follow-up (medicine free, remember?)... it didn't go so well. He's grown, too, of course, so we were truly hoping that he was just experiencing some changes due to that, but the results showed that he's having several series of seizure spikes. So, it's back to medicine.

He started a few days ago and seems to be okay so far. It takes 3 months for the medicine to get into his system, which means 3 months of possible side effects and waiting. And, waiting is the worst part! The last time he was on this medicine, he was extremely sensitive; he would cry and couldn't tell us why. He would be tired without doing anything. It was frustrating for him and us. We sat him down to tell him what the doctor said, and he just looked at us and said, "Okay, if that's what it takes." Clearly, I took the news harder than he did. I know it's just medicine, and I really need to be thankful he's still here...

This morning I heard the terrible news that one of my former students died in a car accident last night. I didn't know her well, but we became connected via social media and remained in contact. She was young, beautiful, and had a contagious personality. I loved having her in class and am heartbroken that I can no longer hear about her adventures. When I hear stories like this, I want to squeeze both my boys and lock them in their rooms, but I know that isn't fair. Instead, we live each day and enjoy the moments we do have... we never know when our moments will be gone.

When someone asks me about Graden, I justify his health in weird ways... I always make sure that they know he's okay by saying, "Oh, you'd never know he has trouble," like I'm afraid they will judge him. Maybe I say it for myself, as a way to downplay how serious his illnesses really are? I just don't know why I feel like I need to make him "fit in" or seem "normal." Regardless, he is okay. He does fit in, and I think he's pretty normal. :) He's been reading nonstop, which is so crazy to me. Just one year ago, he didn't think he could ever read; he thought he was slow and behind all the other kids. Now, though, he's thriving in 1st grade. He's still a little rough and tough, but, honestly, I will take that over being down sick any day!

Overall, I'd say we've had an eventful four months, but we're starting to slow down and remember to enjoy each other. This Thanksgiving (and every day, really) we have a lot to be thankful for, so we made sure to give our thanks. We've discussed our gratefulness as a family, and I hope we never forget how far we've come. May we also never take for granted that our path could change any day...

Happy Thanksgiving weekend, friends. I'm happy to be back. xoxo

Thankful for Thanksgiving...

Getting cuddled up to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a Hirsch Tradition.
I'm so thankful for them!

 

During the month of November, I enjoy reading the Facebook posts stating what people are thankful for; despite the grief they may get for "not being thankful everyday," I think it's a great way to share with everyone the things you most appreciate. And, I have no doubt that most people are thankful several days throughout the year... not just during November. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving (and my failure to jump on the Facebook-thankful-bandwagon), I decided I would share...

In honor of the 30 days in November, here are 30 things I am thankful for:

1. Phil. I know it's cliché, but he is most certainly my best friend. There is no doubt in my mind that he makes me a better person. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: he is the calm to my chaos. I truly do not know where I would be without him.

2. Landen. My oldest son, who definitely suffers from being the first-born just like his momma, is kindhearted in the most literal sense, giving, loving, athletic, creative, and smart. He makes our family stop and take time to remember "moments." I look forward to watching him grow into a young man.

3. Graden. My youngest son; he's tougher than any of the rest of us in a way I've yet to figure out how to define. Grado is his own person with no fear of what others think and enjoys making others smile and laugh, which is easy for him because he's so darn funny! As we wrap up 2013, though, we remember how far he's come and far he has yet to go, and we smile in awe and pride knowing he is exactly where he needs to be...

4. My Dad, Brother, and Sister. The four of us continue to grow closer and closer over the years despite being so very close already. They are my rocks and my biggest supporters. I can't stress how happy it makes me that my brother and Phil are so close, and my dad and sister love him just as much as they love me! They each make me so proud, and I'm proud to say that nothing can separate us. Goodness knows I could dedicate an entire blog post to just them, so I will stop with this: we're the four best friends anyone could ever have. (Ha!)

5. My Mom- and Dad-in-law and my Step-Mom. Who gets so lucky with their in-laws and step-mom? You hear stories about having to deal with either, but not me. I couldn't have hand-picked a better set of parents or wife for my dad. Each of the three of them love me like I'm theirs, and I can't imagine not having their love and support. The laughs and memories we share are priceless to me.

6. My brothers-in-law, and my sisters-in-law. I've got 2 brothers-in-law, Derek and Al, and I adore them both. They're amazing uncles to my kids, and Phil and I love being with them both -- it's always a good time! As for my 3 sisters-in-law, I have to say that I'm luckiest girl ever! Mindy, Kristal, and Kelly are some of my very closest friends, and, again, I couldn't imagine my life without them. They're never afraid to tell me what they think and put me in my place, and I love that about them. We don't go very long without talking to each other, and for that, I'm most grateful.

7. My step-sisters. I have 2: Ciera and Marisa, and while they're younger, they still show me and my family love in ways that step-siblings don't have to, especially because they entered my life when I was already "grown-up." But, despite our differences, they're there when I need them and love me and my family as if we've always been together. I look forward to our families growing and sharing more memories down the road.

8. My Mema. My sweet grandma has stepped in and played a role in my life that no one could ever replace. As I grow older, my love grows, and I continue to be more like her everyday.

9. Music. I need it. I crave it. It helps me get through so many days...

10. My heart and my inability to say no... although it makes for a chaotic schedule and some grumpy days, I absolutely love being "busy," especially for others. I can't help it and it's too late to change now. :)

11. Riley Hospital for Children. They are amazing. I'm so thankful for their selflessness and knowledge. The love they show for their patients and patients' families is astounding. Graden has been so blessed with amazing doctors, nurses, and medical staff members everywhere we go, but we have a special place in our hearts for Riley's.

12. Insurance. Whether I agree with what's covered and not, how much my deductibles are, and having to wait on hold to talk to someone, I'm very thankful that we have insurance to deal with and help us some.

13. The thoughtfulness of others. During 2013, we've been acknowledged with cards, calls, messages, and monetary gifts in ways I still cannot believe. Friends, friends-of-friends, family, family-of-family... so many people reached out to us. No gift or thought was too small; we appreciated every single one of them -- of you!

14. Books. All kinds of books. Print or digital - I don't mind. I just love books.

15. Pictures. I love pictures as much as I love books. Everyone who knows me knows I'm crazy about taking pictures. I love having the ability to capture a "moment." I'm so thankful for the thousands and thousands of pictures I have!

16. My nieces and nephews. I ABSOLUTELY love being Aunt 'Lissa (or as my ornery Camden says: Aunt 'Sissa). They make me feel special in a unique way. Being an Aunt is different than being a Mom, and I love it just as much. In 2014, I will gain TWO new babies, and I. CANNOT. WAIT.

17. Our jobs. Phil and I can both say with ease that we are doing things (and working for people) we love. We enjoy getting up every morning and working and are appreciative we have jobs to go to each day.

18. My Mentors. There are a few people in my life daily that may not even realize their impact on me. Some day, I will tell each of them.

19. My bed, couch, and DVR. Materialistic? Probably. It doesn't take much to make me happy, but I love our "movie" nights and being able to be lazy with my three boys.

20. My laptop. As much as I like my iPad, I love my laptop. It's my lifeline. I could probably live without my cell phone, but I do everything on my computer; not to mention, it's where I write. :)

21. Public schools and Teachers. I will argue with anyone -- they are the best; I don't care what you read in the newspaper. (Actually, that's any teacher anywhere -- I'm thankful for every single one of them!)

22. Target. A trip to Target makes anything better.

23. My best friends. I mean the ones, both old and new, that have stuck by my side through all my ups and downs. You know who you are. :) I can't believe we've had more years together than not! My favorite childhood memories include you!

24. Memories. Good and bad. I'm thankful for all of them; they make me who I am today.

25. Laughter.

26. Bracelets and boots.

27. Vacations. (Need I say more?)

28. Chips and Salsa. It's like Target: it makes anything better.

29. Crayons, Markers, and Sharpies.

30. Last, but not least: LOVE. The love of my hubby, my boys, my family, my friends, others, and the love I see between people. It makes me happy and thankful for the love I encounter every single day of the year.

Of course, I could have kept going, but this will do for my "thirty days of thankfulness."

I leave you with this: no matter the day, month, or year, take a minute to think of all the things you're thankful for. While some may seem silly or small, they're not. I try not to take anything for granted, and what better day to celebrate what you're grateful for than Thanksgiving.

From my home to yours: Happy Thanksgiving!