Share Our Lives

Hello and happy Monday!

How was your weekend? Overall, ours was good because we had family in town. Friday night, Hadley celebrated her upcoming birthday with her friend whose birthday is today! They had such a fun time with their friends.

Unfortunately on Saturday, both MU and UK lost their football games, so we were a little bummed after that!

Anyway, it’s the start of a new week, and it’s the second Monday of the month, so I’m co-hosting the Share Our Lives link up with some of my favorite bloggers.

So far this year we’ve discussed:

• Ways to stay warm in winter in January
• Binge worthy shows in February
• Grocery list frequent buys in March
• Favorite cleaning products in April
• Go to lunches on the go in May
• Emojis used most often in June
• Favorite room in your house in July
• Favorite current music in August
• I wish I’d known in September
• Hostess gift ideas in October

This month’s topic is…how we express gratitude.

This topic is perfect timing with Thanksgiving right around the corner.

Well, it might sound simple, but I express my gratitude by saying “thank you.” Honestly, a simple thank you goes a long way.

I also express my gratitude with texts, notes, and small gifts. I try to show gratitude in “real time,” but of course, sometimes the thank you or note comes after the fact.

On Friday night, even though the girls did most of the work, Hadley’s friend’s parents were opening up their home for us to have this joint party, so I brought a bottle of wine for them to enjoy later.

Often times, I know people aren’t expecting anything grand (and I feel the same way), but it is nice to express gratitude when possible.

A “twist” on this topic, but I saw this on Instagram…

…and I thought I’d share my answers for days 1-9.

I hope these don’t sound cliche, but I did try and go with the first things that came to mind.

Day 1: something you appreciate about your everyday routine:

My quiet time in the morning, and a cup of coffee to start my day!

Day 2: Something you love about this season of life

Although it’s taken some getting used to…and I do miss driving the kids around sometimes, it is nice that they can get themselves where they need to be most of the time. They appreciate the independence, and I appreciate having some time back.

Day 3: A moment you wish you could bottle up

Oh, there’s probably many things I wish I could bottle up, but there are days when I miss when the kids were little. Things seemed a lot easier then.

Day 4: Something you love about getting older

Being comfortable with who you are on the inside but also knowing your limits, when you need a break, when you need to work on yourself, when you need to ask for help from others. I think it takes time for us to figure some of those things out.

Day 5: A sound that instantly makes you happy

Oh — I appreciate the 360 notification when the kids have arrived home…especially on the weekends when I’m ready for bed. It’s nice to know they are home safe and sound.

I’ve noticed the sound of the leaves crunching when I’ve been on my afternoon walks.

Day 6: Something you have now that you dreamed about

Again, there are probably many things, but the first thing that popped in my mind was having a family. I wasn’t someone who dreamed of my wedding day or what my future would look like, but it’s also hard to believe that Hayden and Hadley are almost 17, they are taking the SAT/ACT, they are finding jobs, thinking about college, and there’s just been a big shift this year with them being juniors.

Day 7: Something your younger self would love about your life

I think my younger self would love that I stuck with my teaching career. There have definitely been difficult years, and the profession has changed so much over the past two decades that I’ve been in education, but it’s one of my greatest accomplishments that I’ve enjoyed this career, I’ve been able to provide for my family, I’ve earned two Master’s degrees, and I’ve play an instrumental role in my English department. It’s crazy to think that I’m the downhill slide towards retirement, but I’m thankful that I still really enjoy going to school every day.

I think my younger self would also love that we moved into our current home while thinking about the future. It was important for me that we get settled before the kids started school, and I love that they’ve had some of their same friends since kindergarten. As a public school teacher, it was important to me that our kids attend public school, and I’m very grateful that they’ve attended wonderful elementary, middle, and high schools. They’ll be prepared for whatever their futures hold.

Day 8: Something that makes your home feel cozy

Candles! You know I love a seasonal candle!

Day 9: A little inconvenience that turned into something good

The first thing that came to mind was that the kids sharing a car is sometimes inconvenient, but it’s also something good. They have to plan accordingly and communicate. Also, typically my car can be available after school if both of them need cars at the same time. For me, that means I get to be home which I love…but that also means I’m home and have time to go for a walk, do a workout, start dinner and whatever else I need to do rather than be out and about.

I hope to continue looking at this graphic this month to think of things in which to be grateful for, and hopefully write another post or two sharing my responses.

I hope you have a great Monday!

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