2019 and An Attitude of Gratitude

I was not at work on the 31st day of 2019.  I took 1/31/19 off of work so I could work at the PTA Book Fair at Oaklyn Public School (where my daughters used to attend).  When I was a member of the Oaklyn PTA, I used to love volunteering at this event and helping the kids check out (purchase) their books.  So, since it makes me happy, I decided to continue to volunteer here even with my kids out of OPS.  I am grateful that I was able to take the day off, that the Oaklyn PTA allowed me to sign up for shifts today, AND that I get to go back tomorrow.  Happy Kids, Books, Education - what else do we need in life?

The 30th day of 2019 was one of the coldest in recent memory (and tomorrow is looking to be colder).  But, driving home from piano on 1/30/19, the girls and I did not care (well, we did, but the heat was on in the van).  We were listening to the Beatles Channel and singing out loud to 'An Innocent Man.'  I am so grateful for the Beatles Channel and the fact that my girls like the same music that my parents taught me to like.  The Beatles, a generational group, classic songs, and a great station where I can hear them anytime we want.  We had fun tonight, and I love singing with the kids! Enjoy the song! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H23tUK3z17U

The 29th day of 2019 ended with me in the Manor, with a group of neighbors, planning the revival of a foundation to support educational initiatives in the Oaklyn Public School.  But the best part of 1/29/19 was after the discussion ended, when we, The Gertrude Hawks (we sell candy to raise foundation funds), won the Quizzo contest (it was Disney themed, so we HAD to win).  Happy that this revival is happening, and thankful for the people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and work to benefit the school, the town, and especially the kids!

At the end of the 28th day of 2019, we sat in the Cafeteria of Collingswood HS and watched the induction ceremony for CHS' National Honor Society.  The Advisor for the NHS opened the ceremony by thanking the parents.  But all I could think about during the ceremony on 1/28/19, was how grateful I am for all of my children's teachers through the years. From the PreSchool rooms at St. Mark's to the halls of Oaklyn Public School (where Elementary School Teachers laid the foundation for their academic pursuits) to the teachers, coaches, and administration of Collingswood, I am thankful and feel blessed that my kids have had such wonderful teachers and role models (to continue yesterday's theme).  Education is the great equalizer and great teachers make a difference.  THANK YOU TEACHERS!

Role Models are important to have.  And, on the 27th day, I have been thinking about a role model that both of my daughter's have been blessed with.  1/27/19 is the 24th birthday of my niece, Ashley.  Ashley has been a blessing to our family because she has always been there for Alexa and Anna.  From babysitting to hanging out at holidays to taking them out for a dining excursion during her birthday week, Ashley has been a prime example for my daughters to follow.  It has been a comfort for Sarah and me to know there has been an ideal for the girls to follow, while they embark on teen-dom and move to young adulthood.  So, tonight, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ASHLEY, we love you!

It’s the 26th day of 2019 and there is never a question of what my daily post’s subject will be on the 26th day. On 1/26/19, my gratitude flows for my mom. Happy Birthday, mom! I love this picture because you are looking at me with love in your eyes. I hope I still inspire that love in your heart, because the love I have for my family and others has its root in the love you have always shown me. ❤️ 🎂 ❤️

On the 25th day of 2019, as I was driving to pick up my daughter from her chorus' dress rehearsal, I looked in the back seat at Skylar, our dog.  Yes, as I was leaving the house on 1/25/19, Skylar wanted to come with (she ALWAYS wants a car ride!)  And, of course, she had her head out the window, as dogs stereotypically do.  Skylar is stereotypical in so many ways (she is always begging, she greets me happily at the door when I come home from work, she chases birds and squirrels, she barks at the mailman, etc.), but she is ours and a part of our family.  Tonight I am grateful that we were able to adopt her and that she is a part of our family and a part of our lives.