Hallelujah! Thankful thoughts

One week ago today, I was lamenting yet another conversation about Diary of a Wimpy Kid. I try to be fully present with my children and engage in conversation about what's important in their lives, but during summer, it's tough. Conversation is often limited to the antics of a fictional character. Every summer, there's a point where I start to question my intelligence and sanity.

And then, hallelujah. Just as I was starting to believe I would never have an adult conversation again with anyone other than my husband; that I would never be challenged or seen as intelligent; school started. Thank you, Lord.

Here's what I'm thankful for today:
1. Teachers

A photo taken for no other reason than cuteness.

Thank you, thank you,  thank you, for challenging my children, for guiding them with love, and for offering me a respite. I literally cannot do all I do without you.

2. Babysitter
To our dear babysitter Gabby, thank you for being so trustworthy. I have no worries about you getting the children when I am in class. I am grateful for your loving care and lack of fear in the face of our mountain of laundry and dirty dishes.

3. Church family
Thank you, dear church, for providing another loving place for my children. Thank you for being home to many of my favorite people. Thank you for challenging me to think beyond children's literature. Thank you for being a place I can go to share a hug any day of the week.

4. My job
I am thankful for a job that the kids were able to accompany me to all summer long, without complaint. Instead of whining that they had to come to work with mom, they were excited about the next time they got to go with me. The Wesley is a cool place to hang out, no matter how old you are.

5. My other job
I have a very small role at a big school in a poor part of town. I love showing up with open arms, ready to help. My title is tutor, but general help is what I do (including tutoring). I also am grateful for the reality check I receive every time I'm on campus. This week we had a mother come to school who literally checked herself out of the hospital to come register students at school. Working at the school reminds me that my little bubble isn't the whole world.

6. Seminary
I  am so grateful that I'm back in class. I am immediately challenged to read as fast as I can, to think as hard as I can, and to make connections that I haven't before. It is a cure-all for a woman who was doubting her intelligence just a week ago.

7. Friends
During summer, our schedule was wonky, so we didn't often get to visit friends. But now we are back in our school rhythms, I am able to share hugs in each of my settings. I am so grateful for friends at the kids' school, at work, and at seminary.

8. Podcasts
During the school year, I am informed and challenged by podcasts. I'm not able to listen much in the summer because I'm busy being present, but already this week I've listened to several that challenged, informed, and inspired me.

9. Pets
Since vacation, the kids were saving their allowance. Claire just bought her own fish and accessories, and Paul bought a hamster. Each kid is so proud of the pets that they purchased with their own money, and they both are taking good care of them. I'm proud of their responsibility and independence.

10. Home
This summer we didn't go on quite as many adventures outside of the home. That was new for us. Every summer, the kids get excited about "stay home days", so this summer I relaxed my scheduling and provided more of those. I asked the kids last week if they missed all our little field trips around town; how they felt about a summer spent mostly at home, and they both agreed that was their favorite part.

I am grateful.