Vivacious Colors on Veteran's Day

Wowza! A whole month since my last post? I will probably say that phrase often, because when I look back in my journal that I've written in for 3+ years, I often find that this is my beginning sentiment. Oh well...at least I try!

I have been wanting to find time to write SO BADLY ever since Fall Break. It was the most wonderful break from school that I have had in quite a while. I had a big to do list, as always, but God knew what I needed much more than what I thought I needed to accomplish. So, I did a whole bunch of nothing. I spent a lot of time outside, a lot of time sitting, and relaxing, and reading. And a lot of time just with my husband. He is such a wonderful, wonderful man, and I think to myself, at least every couple days, "How did I get so lucky? He is just so amazing and so good to me." Can you tell I'm really fond of him? :) He always seems to know just what I need to hear and each day we're together we just laugh and laugh. I love him!

We just celebrated our 2nd Anniversary this past weekend, with a Fall Festival, pictures, a lovely dinner out, an afternoon picnic at OU, and a nice dinner at home. Our Fall Festival was just what I had hoped it to be...a conglomeration of my favorite people, from my different walks of life, to share delicious food, beautiful weather, and good company. If you came to the party, and you are reading this, THANK YOU SO MUCH for attending! Your presence meant so much to me, and I am so glad to call you all my friends! I can't wait until next year now! We also had our wonderful friend, Loan Vu, take some regular pictures and some "trash the dress" pictures for us (along with the prop help of Francesca Hunt). Some may say I am silly, but we had such a great time and we have some beautiful pictures from the day too. Then we had dinner at my FAVORITE place, Melting Pot, and I was one happy lady. Our actual anniversary was not really very eventful, but it wasn't in a good way. We just did our favorite things, like sleeping in and going to Target together. We are old people, yes, but I like to think we are simple people sometimes too. And what I mean by that, is that though we love thinking about fancy dinners, fun concerts, and elaborate vacations, we also really enjoy the regular every day things, and we enjoy these the most. I am so glad that we have been able to spend so much time outside lately, though I wish I could be outside more. The colors are so incredible right now, and each day I think, "Ohhhhh...These trees are so beautiful!", and then I look around the next day, and the leaves seem to be even more amazing! I LOVE THE FALL!!! Did I mention that already?

Another thing about today, that I wish I would've spent more time thinking about, is our veterans. Some days more than others a I feel overwhelmed with gratitude for these men and women who have died protecting our freedom. My hope is that I can remember them in some way each day, and maybe this is part of the reason I love my job. Each day we get to help mold the minds of our future, and teach our kids about gratefulness, sacrifice, integrity, tolerance, and appreciation for what they have. I try more to take those teachable moments with them to read some stories from The Greatest Generation, say the Pledge of Allegiance with pride, answer questions about the Moment of Silence each day, or show a student how to treat others with respect. It's a tiny thing that I do compared to the lives that have been sacrificed, and the families who also must make sacrifices for us to live in a free country. I like this quote, and think it greatly expresses what I feel:

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." - President Harry S. Truman


I may not be portraying what I am really feeling, but I just want to say how thankful I am. We live in a wonderful country, and we are able to do that because veterans, past, present, and future, have given us the opportunity! We must remember this each day.

I must go now...More Parent Teacher Conferences in the morning. But at least I got in a jog/walk tonight (which I am super proud of myself), as we prepare for our first 5K on Sunday for the NHS PTA. It will be around core Norman, and I am getting both nervous and excited. At least I am seeing how people can actually enjoy running. It's more that I feel I need it, than like it. I hate getting there, but when it's all over, I feel so much better. Me, a jogger?!?! Maybe...