Day 11

On November 11th, I am thankful for two things. Today is veteran's day and I am thankful for the men and women, past and present, who sacrifice their time to protect our country. It's something that I don't have the heart for, but am so glad that others do so that we can live in freedom.

I am also thankful for...[drum roll please]... GETTING AN INTERVIEW FOR THE EAK POSITION IN SANTEE!!!!! I am so excited and nervous! I got the call right before I was on my way to pick up Allie for our friend date. I sent in my application last week but I kept telling people that I didn't think I would hear back this week because it is a short 3 day week with the holiday. But sure enough, I get the call offering me an interview next Thursday the 18th at 8am. I feel beyond blessed to get the opportunity to interview. I am sure that hundreds of people sent in applications since the job was posted online and out of all the applicants, I was one of the lucky ones who gets to prove why they should hire me. I know EAK will be tough, but I'm kind of looking forward to the challenge. Stay tuned to find out how the interview goes!!

Day 10

On November 10th, I am thankful for my mom. She is the rock in our family. The one who makes things happen. Her quiet demeanor often makes her go unnoticed in a big crowd, but she's there, humbly serving her friends and family. If there is one quality that I would want to take after both my mom and my dad, it's their willingness to help others. Both of them are always right there to lend a hand. She has been there for me in every school project, test, competition, field trip, break-up, accomplishment, and failure. I take for granted her presence in my life and how lucky I am to not only have a mom, but to have a caring, loving, serving mom that will be there at the drop of a hat. Mom, I love you.

Day 9

On the 9th day in November, I am thankful to be my father's daughter. He and I don't always get along, on account of I'M JUST LIKE HIM! I may have some qualities that I'm not too proud of that I can attribute to him, but there are also qualities that I am proud to say I got from him. He is such a hard worker for our family. As I write this, he is downstairs tearing apart our house for the kitchen remodel, working his butt off.

My dad has gone through a lot in his life and I don't even know the half of it. As I've gotten older he has shared a little more with me about the struggles that he faced growing up and it breaks my heart to hear. He's not one to openly share the struggles and pain of his childhood, so most people don't understand all that he's been through. He's a fighter and a pursuer of what he wants for himself and his family. He had to endure the pain of not having a father around when he grew up, yet despite the lack of a father figure, he strives to be a loving, providing, hardworking father that teaches his children valuable life lessons that he had to learn the hard way. I love and respect my dad for all that he has sacrificed for our family and I don't tell him that enough.

Day 8

On the 8th of November, I am thankful for the opportunity to enjoy God's work on this beautiful, crisp, fall morning! I didn't have a sub job this morning so I woke up and took Sadie for a walk around the block. This morning was breathtakingly beautiful! It had rained earlier in the morning so the streets were glistening, but the sun made an appearance among the gray clouds and the temperature was just right. It felt so good just to soak in the moment because there are not many days that I will get (once I get a job) to revel in the peace and serenity this morning provided.

Day 7

On November 7th, I am thankful for my high school girl's small group. They are such an amazing group of young women that love the Lord. I am impressed every week with their commitment, passion, and willingness to be vulnerable. I know that when I was their age I did not have the mature relationship with God that these girls have. I know I speak for Allie too, when I say that we are so blessed to have such a great group of girls to work with this year.

We all pitched in to make a trunk for our church's Trunk or Treat party on Halloween. Their creativity and dedication was awesome! Our theme was Toy Story and each of the girls dressed up as a character.

Day 6

On November 6th, I am thankful for my grandparents...both sets. Chynna had a soccer game today and so my Nana and Poppy drove down to cheer her on. After I got off work I met them and my grandma and grandpa at Estradas for lunch. I am so lucky to have both sets of grandparents alive and well to come visit although my Nana and Poppy's health is deteriorating. All four offer something so unique and special to my life and I am lucky to have them around.

Day 5

On the 5th of November, I am thankful for the community I live in. I just LOVE my little town. I know most people don't like where they grew up and want to move on to bigger and better places when they finish school, but I am so content with where I live. I have always loved the feeling of community. Every year my church hosts an Old Fashioned picnic at Santee Lakes and it seriously makes my heart smile. It reminds me of the town picnics in shows like Little House on the Prairie and Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman where the whole town gets together for games, food, and fellowship. Some people probably think stuff like that is cheesy, but I look forward to it all year.

Today was the annual Firefighter Pancake Breakfast at the station and it was so much fun catching up with people I haven't seen in while or meeting new people that know my dad. He and I had breakfast together and then we just walked around socializing. It was such a fun morning!